Today (Friday, Feb. 10) is the last day residents can register to be able to vote in the March 7 special election, which will include State Question 820, the statewide referendum on recreational marijuana.

Those wishing to register for the first time or who have moved or changed their names can visit the Seminole County Election Board office at the County Courthouse or most tag agencies, post offices and libraries. All necessary forms for those wishing to register are also available through the online OK Voter Portal or by downloading a voter registration application from the state Election Board website. The completed forms must be mailed before the 5:00 p.m. deadline.

SQ 820 asks voters if they are for or against creating a state law that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana by persons 21 years or older. If passed, individuals would be allowed to possess, transport, and distribute up to one ounce (28.4 grams) of marijuana, eight grams of marijuana in a concentrated form, and/or eight grams or less of concentrated marijuana in marijuana infused products. Individuals could possess up to six mature marijuana plants and up to six seedlings. The initiative would also provide a process for individuals to seek the expungement of modification of certain previous marijuana-related convictions or sentences. Marijuana sales would be taxed at 15 percent.

Medical marijuana became legal in Oklahoma when voters approved SQ 788 on June 26, 2018. Patients must currently have a written certification by a physician recommending cannabis use to apply for a medical marijuana card and receive that card from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) before they can legally purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dealer.

Early voting in the special election will be available Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3 at the Seminole County Courthouse between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

No excuse is needed for early voting. Simply show up at the election board office on one of the designated dates during the specified hours and request a ballot. Oklahoma’s proof of identity law requires every voter who votes in person, whether on election day or during early voting, to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.