Oklahoma City’s NBA arena vote is Dec. 12. What you need to know before you vote.

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City residents will head to the polls starting this week to decide whether the city will use at least $850 million in taxpayer funds to build a new downtown arena.

The arena would be built at a minimum cost of $900 million, with the majority of funds coming from a 72-month penny sales tax that would start in 2028 if approved by voters Dec. 12. The Oklahoma City Thunder will also contribute $50 million, and the city would utilize $70 million in MAPS 4 dollars.

Before checking yes or no, here's everything you need to know about voting, whether you choose to vote by absentee ballot, early voting or on Election Day.

Absentee ballot voting for OKC arena proposition

While the deadline to request an absentee ballot has passed, it's not too late to turn them in.

Absentee ballots must be received by the county election board no later than 7 p.m. on election night.

Early voting for OKC arena proposition

Polls open at the Oklahoma County Election Board for early voting on Thursday, March 31, 2022.
Polls open at the Oklahoma County Election Board for early voting on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Early voting is available to all voters in Oklahoma, with no excuse needed. You can vote early but in-person between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 ahead of Tuesday's election.

Each county participating in the Oklahoma City arena vote — Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie — is holding early voting at their respective county election board offices.

Voters must vote in the county they are registered.

Election Day voting for OKC arena proposition

Most voters choose to vote on Election Day. To do so, head to your polling place with your require proof of identity and cast your ballot.

How to find your polling place in Oklahoma

Vote stickers lay on a table as voters take to the polls at Westwood Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla., on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Vote stickers lay on a table as voters take to the polls at Westwood Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla., on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Head to Oklahoma's online voter portal at https://okvoterportal.okelections.us/ to find your polling place and a sample ballot.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lines at the polls are typically the longest before and after work, and during the lunch hour, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Any eligible voter in line at 7 p.m. will be able to vote.

What do I need to vote in Oklahoma?

Anyone voting in person on Election Day must provide proof of identity.

Voters can choose one of three options:

  • A valid photo ID issued by the federal, state or tribal government

  • A voter identification card

  • Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot; if the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder NBA arena election: What to know before you vote

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