Voters within the Okmulgee Public School District will head to the polls on June 10, to fill a vacant seat on the board of education.
The OPS board officially approved a resolution on April 8, calling for the special election in accordance with Oklahoma law (Title 26, Section 13A-110), which mandates a vote if a vacancy is not filled by appointment within 60 days.
The election will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. Registered voters residing within the geographical boundaries of the school district are eligible to participate. Voting will occur at the precinct polling places established by the Okmulgee County Election Board.
— Candidate Filing Period & Requirements Those interested in running for the Ward 4 seat must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the Okmulgee County Election Board between 8 a.m. on April 30 and 5 p.m. on May 2.
To qualify as a candidate, applicants must: • Have lived in School Board Member Election District Number Four for at least six months before the filing period.
• Be a registered voter at an address within the district for the same duration.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Not be currently employed by the district or related to a district employee within the second degree by blood or marriage.
• Not be related to a current board member within the second degree.
• Not have a felony or serious misdemeanor conviction within the past 15 years unless pardoned.
If only one eligible candidate files during the period, they will automatically be declared elected, and no election will be held.
— Ward 4 Boundaries
The legal description of Ward 4, included in the election resolution, outlines the district’s boundaries starting at the intersection of 6th Street and Comanche Avenue, extending through various streets including Kern, 4th, Madison, 20th and Wood Drive before looping back to the original point.
— Term of Office
The winner of the election will serve until the next regularly scheduled school board election in 2029. Upon certification of election results by the Okmulgee County Election Board, the new member will be seated at the first board meeting thereafter.
— Absentee & Election Costs Absentee ballots will be permitted as authorized by Oklahoma law. Okmulgee Public Schools will reimburse the Okmulgee County Election Board for all expenses related to the special election unless it coincides with other elections.
According to Election Board Secretary Ashley Carnes, the cost is approximately $6,000 to hold the election.
For those interested in shaping the future of local education, this special election presents a timely opportunity to step forward and lead. Voters and potential candidates are encouraged to review the full resolution or contact the Okmulgee County Election Board for more details.
