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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.
New from OK Policy
New OJA director good fit to address needs for state youth (Capitol Update): Timothy Tardibono, who was appointed last week by Gov. Kevin Stitt to be the new director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA), should prove to be a good appointment. His background, education and experience all point toward progress for troubled children, youth and families in Oklahoma. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]
Oklahoma News
Tornado warnings in November? Oklahoma tornado season can extend past spring, data shows: Fall season tornadoes are rare in Oklahoma, but recent weather proves that severe storms can impact the state outside of the usual springtime tornado season. [The Oklahoman]
More Oklahomans voted early. What will Election Day turnout look like?: As voters across the state prepare to cast their ballots in Tuesday’s election, more than 290,000 Oklahomans have already made their selections, a notable turnout in a state where voter participation is historically low. [The Oklahoman]
- More Oklahomans are registered to vote ahead of a general election than ever. Will they turn out? [KOSU]
- Voting in Oklahoma: Everything you need to know [OK Policy & Together Oklahoma]
Voting and Election News
Get real-time Oklahoma 2024 election results for key OKC area and statewide races: Polls close in Oklahoma at 7 p.m., and as Oklahoma tallies up the votes, this is where you can find live results and real-time data on the statewide races. Please check back here for updates. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma State Election Board offers tips, reminders for voters: Voters head to the polls Tuesday for the General Election. The State Election Board offers these tips and reminders to Oklahoma voters as they head out for the Nov. 5 General Election. [KGOU]
Despite tornado damage, Oklahoma officials anticipate smooth election process: Despite two days of severe weather, there are currently no changes to county polling locations across Oklahoma. [KOSU]
- Will it rain on Election Day in Oklahoma? What to know before you head to the polls [The Oklahoman]
How to catch a ride to the polls in Oklahoma City, Tulsa: For some voters in Tuesday’s general election, transportation to the polls may be a barrier. But free transit services in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are available to help. [KOSU]
Latino-led panel encourages south Oklahoma City residents to get out and vote: The message at a Latino-led panel discussion in south Oklahoma City last week was for Latinos to stop reacting to bad policy and to instead be proactive in improving it. How? Voting early and often. [KGOU]
Black community leaders give insight to how Lawton’s communities decide to vote: Polling throughout the years has suggested that Black communities, and in particular women, vote for Democrats. Lawton, though, is a consistently Republican town. [The Lawton Constitution]
Detainees at the Oklahoma County jail got to vote this year: Many people in jail are still eligible to vote, but there are no state laws that outline procedures for incarcerated individuals. About 75% of people in county jails in Oklahoma haven’t been convicted. [The Frontier]
Election roundup
- Voter Guide: Tulsa mayor, city council, Legislature, Congress, judges, state questions [Tulsa World]
- Stillwater voters to decide how to power data center project [KOSU]
Editorial: Do not make excuses. Go vote: On Tuesday, Americans get their hands on the most powerful weapon — a ballot. If you are angry, go vote. If you are fed up, go vote. If you are happy with the way things are headed, go vote. If you think someone’s vision is inspiring, go vote. If you think everyone’s vision is horrifying, go vote. [Editorial / Tulsa World]
Opinion: In Oklahoma, we don’t need a miracle to fix things. We need compassionate leaders: Miracles won’t fix Oklahoma. We need compassionate leaders. Instead, what changes the narrative is a leader with humility, compassion and a sense of urgency. Someone steps in front of the stone-throwers and invites them to drop their weapons. Someone offers to share what they have, and it turns into enough for everyone. Someone refuses to demand an eye-for-an-eye thereby breaking the cycle of violence. Someone refuses to keep the peace, and instead insists on making peace. [Lori Walke / The Oklahoman]
Education News
Election dates set for 3 OKC school board seats: The Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education has set the election dates to decide three of the board’s eight seats. [The Oklahoman]
Commercial posted by OK State Department of Education raises ethical concerns: A recent commercial posted by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is raising ethical concerns. The video, meant to address illegal immigration’s impact on Oklahoma schools, has some lawmakers questioning if it’s a political ad funded by taxpayer dollars. [FOX23]
Health News
Oklahoma long-term care advocacy program moves between state agencies: Oklahoma’s program for investigating long-term care facility complaints is now operating under the attorney general’s office after Senate Bill 1709 became law on Friday. That move from under OHS follows abuse allegations at the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid. [KOSU]
Criminal Justice News
Memorial service planned for remains exhumed in Tulsa Race Massacre graves search: A Nov. 12 memorial service is planned for those whose remains were disinterred during the city’s search for unmarked burials from Tulsa’s 1921 Race Massacre. [Tulsa World]
Opinion: Oklahoma DOC covering up murder of Marquiel Ross: Marquiel Ross was beaten to death on September 12 when his family was told that he had been transferred to a high security unit on September 13. Ross’ case was featured at a hearing at the Oklahoma State Capitol exposing human rights violations and deteriorating prison conditions. [Jeremy Kuzmarov / The Black Wall Street Times]
Economy & Business News
Canoo furloughs 23% of OKC workforce as questions surround electric vehicle maker’s future: Canoo, the electric vehicle manufacturer producing vehicles in Oklahoma City, is furloughing 23% of its factory workers through the holiday season with a return to work not expected until mid-January. [The Oklahoman]
Businesses should be prepared for election unrest, experts say: Nearly 4 in 10 managers say political discord among employees has eroded productivity and morale in the workplace this election season. Many more (70%) are concerned that political conflicts will escalate after the election, regardless of the outcome, according to a report. [The Journal Record]
Community News
Tulsans gather to offer Election Day support: Some Tulsans met Monday night to hear soothing words before Election Day Tuesday. Compassionate Tulsa, a committee of the city’s Human Rights Commission, organized a nonpartisan candlelight vigil. [Tulsa Public Radio]
Quote of the Day
“I know that I will continue to have loving relationships with family members and community members who have differing political views. I truly hope that as we approach these conversations Tuesday night and Wednesday and so on, that we display the utmost compassion, and we exercise listening.”
-Aliye Shimi of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry said regarding the importance of maintaining loving relationships no matter the outcome of today’s elections. Shimi was one of 50 Tulsans who attended the nonpartisan candlelight vigil last night hosted by Compassionate Tulsa, a committee of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission. [Tulsa Public Radio]
Number of the Day
2,442,211
Number of registered voters in Oklahoma, as of Nov. 1, 2024. Republicans are 52.33% of registered voters, while Democrats are 26.98%, Independents are 19.72%, and Libertarians are 0.95%. [Oklahoma Election Board]
Policy Note
Why We Might Not Know Election Results Right Away: The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a nailbiter, with polling suggesting tight races across swing states. A handful of close House and Senate races will likely determine control of Congress for the next two years. Many election outcomes won’t be known on Election Day. It may take several days before the media can project winners in the presidential election, and it may be weeks before outlets can project winners in every congressional race. [Bipartisan Policy Center]
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