Early voting in primary elections starts today

Staff Report
Early voting begins today for voters in Kay County for Tuesday’s primary election. All voters have the option of voting early at their county election board, regardless of the reason.
“You do not need an excuse to vote early. Oklahoma allows early voting for all elections conducted by the County Election Board or State Election Board from school board and municipal elections to state and federal elections,” Kay County Election Board Secretary Carol Leaming said. “This is a great option for those who will be out of town on Election Day or who want to avoid long lines.”
Early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the election board office, 219 S. Main St. in  Newkirk.
Area candidates
The primary election includes candidates for state and federal offices from local district attorneys to U.S. Senator and governor. Local legislative races for Newkirk-area voters include Senate District 10, currently held by Bill Coleman. He faces challenger Jadan Terrazas in the Republican primary. The winner will go against the lone Democrat in the race, Chayelynn Moore.
There is a crowded field on the Republican side for House District 38 to replace Rep. John Pfeiffer, who is running for state Labor Commissioner. Madison Bolay, Suzanne Callihan, Danielle Deterding, Brian Hobbs, Jim Neal and Michael Norman face off to compete against the lone Democrat, Doyle Lewis, in November. Hobbs is a former Newkirk Mayor.
The District 8 judge’s race features three Republican candidates, Rob Davis, Scott Loftis and Lee Turner. Whoever wins Tuesday wins the seat with no Democrat on the ballot.
For the Congressional seat representing Kay County, Frank Lucas is running to keep the position he’s held since 1994. He faces challenger Wade Burleson in the Republican primary. Democrats Jules Roberson and Suzie Byrd square off on the Democrat side of the ballot.

Assistance available
Some voters may need assistance to vote because they are blind or visually disabled, physically disabled, infirm or illiterate. Such individuals may request assistance or vote privately and independently using the ATI device attached to the voting device.
Those who require assistance should talk to their precinct officials or contact the County Election Board directly for instructions.
For questions, contact the Election Board at 580-362-2130 or [email protected].