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Early voting begins in Oklahoma, people line up to cast their ballots

By: Sharon Phillips , KJRH Digital

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TULSA, Okla. — Early voting is underway in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa County Election Board said 6,514 people voted early in Tulsa County on day 1.

Our 2 News photojournalists captured long lines wrapped around the Tulsa County Election Board and the East Skelly location.

People braved the wind to exercise their American right to vote and ensure their voices were heard.

2 News spent the day listening to early voters and discovering what issues are top of mind for them.

Richie Calmus and his wife, Amy, spent nearly two hours in line on the first day of Oklahoma’s early voting to cast their ballot.

We met them at the election board as they braved the difficult parking and the long lines.

“It’s a huge election and it’s an honor to come out here and vote and kind of vote for what you believe in and you know I think it’s our duty too. If you want to make changes, then that’s the way to do it to go out and get your ballot and vote,” said Calmus.

I discovered several issues on the mind of voter, Shirley Quintana.

I’m voting for a better economy, better border security and I’m voting for the elderly to have rights,” she said.

Melvin Fields spoke about the sacrifices made for our freedom and how it’s vital that we defend it.

“There’s been a lot of sacrifices made over the years through the generations. My parents voted and they fought in the wars, my son was the wars, my daughters were in the military and I’ve been in the military so it’s a lot at stake. It’s something worth protecting, not only with guns but with a vote. This is the way we do it in a civilized society,” said Fields.

Joey Ramirez and his husband, Brett Yeakey, said they spent over two hours in line, but it was worth every minute.

“It’s very important. Casting your vote is the most American thing you can do so we were first in line,” said Ramirez.

“This is very important to us. We’ve been excited to cast our vote for a long time. Issues that are important to me are making sure that women have their full and equal rights as citizens, making sure that my husband and I, as LGBTQ citizens, get good representation in the state of Oklahoma,” said Yeakey.

The election board wants to remind everyone to bring their ID and an umbrella if they plan to get out and vote early over the next few days.

Going more in-depth now, in 2020, the election board said it saw 13,000 early voters.

This year, it’s expecting around 20,000 or more.

You can cast your early vote Wednesday through Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Then, on Saturday – you can vote from 8 am until 2:00 pm.

The election board is encouraging anyone who can to go to the East Skelly location, as there is more parking available.

Voters in the Sooner State can vote through Nov. 2nd by going to one of the designated early polling locations.

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