Sayre, OK – With Oklahoma's general election approaching, the Beckham County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with local election officials to ensure polling locations, ballots and election equipment remain secure throughout the voting process.

Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said his office is working closely with County Election Board Secretary Sharon Manning to prepare for early voting and Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

"We're preparing for the upcoming elections. So we're working closely with the election board secretary, Sharon Manning, and she's been very good to get us information early, which we appreciate, of what our guys can do to help," Manning said.

The sheriff said deputies will be available as needed to help maintain safety at polling locations, while courthouse security personnel will assist with protecting ballots, voting equipment and other sensitive election materials.

"We don't have usually a lot of trouble in that way, but our courthouse security guys are in charge of assisting her with the security of the actual ballots and the voting apparatus and that sort of thing," Manning said.

He explained that security personnel also provide escorts when election officials transport ballots, equipment and other sensitive materials.

Manning said the department expects to remain busy with election-related responsibilities over the next two weeks.

Early Voting Begins October 28

Oklahoma voters will have four opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day, including a Saturday voting period.

Early voting begins Wednesday, October 28, and continues through Saturday, October 31. Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

In Beckham County, early voting will take place at the Beckham County Activity Center, located at 310 E. Main Street in Sayre.

Voters must cast their early ballots in the county where they are registered. No excuse is required to vote early, and voters should bring an accepted photo identification or their county-issued voter identification card.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

Statewide Races Highlight November Ballot

Oklahoma voters will decide several major statewide offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and state superintendent of public instruction.

The governor's race features Republican Mike Mazzei, Democrat Cyndi Munson and three independent candidates, Orlando Lynn Bush, Robert E. Brooks Sr. and Jerry Griffin.

In the lieutenant governor's race, Republican T.W. Shannon faces Democrat Kelly Forbes, while Republican Jon Echols and Democrat Nick Coffey are competing for attorney general.

Other statewide contests include state treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner and corporation commissioner.

Voters will also select a United States senator from a five-candidate field that includes Republican Kevin Hern, Democrat N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, Libertarian Sevier White and independents Ron Meinhardt and Curtis Stinnett.

In Oklahoma's Third Congressional District, incumbent Republican Frank Lucas faces Democratic challenger Suzie Byrd.

The ballot also includes judicial retention questions involving seats on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Civil Appeals.

Two State Questions Before Voters

Oklahoma voters will also consider two proposed changes to state law.

State Question 845, Legislative Referendum 378, addresses the process Oklahoma uses to select individuals involved in recommending judicial appointments.

State Question 847, Legislative Referendum 381, would reduce the allowable annual increase in property valuations used for property tax purposes. The proposal would also modify the state's property tax freeze for homeowners age 65 and older.

Clinton Voters Face Municipal Contests

In neighboring Custer County, Clinton residents will also decide two municipal races.

David Berrong and Ernie Dowdell are competing for mayor, while Bobby Stewart and Lucas Martinez are seeking the Ward 4 council seat.

Election Officials Encourage Voters to Prepare

With a full ballot and four days of early voting available, residents are encouraged to review their voting locations and schedules before heading to the polls.

Manning said his office will continue working alongside election officials to ensure the voting process proceeds safely and that election materials remain secure.

Voters can find additional election information, including polling locations and sample ballots, through the Oklahoma State Election Board at oklahoma.gov/elections.

Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.