Cleveland County voters can start casting ballots Wednesday, Oct. 28, at six locations across the county ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the Cleveland County Election Board. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The election board's website lists all six locations and sample ballots.

Polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What's on the ballot

Norman-area voters will weigh in on two state questions, a governor's race, a U.S. Senate contest and other statewide offices.

State Question 847 (SQ 847) is a proposed constitutional amendment that would lower annual caps on how much a property's assessed value can rise for tax purposes. The cap for homesteads and agricultural land would drop from 3% to 1.75%. The cap for other property would fall from 5% to 4%, according to Oklahoma Watch. If approved, the changes would take effect in the 2027 tax year.

Property tax bills depend on taxable property values and applicable millage rates, including levies for voter-approved bonds.

Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman told the OU Daily he believes the measure could backfire. "My understanding of this is if it's approved, it could actually result in a tax increase on people," Holman said, pointing to existing voter-approved bond debt that could force local millage rates higher.

Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino said in an email statement to the OU Daily that the measure could have financial implications for the district. He said Norman Public Schools is watching two areas: funding for daily operations and its ability to invest in school facilities.

An analysis cited by Oklahoma Watch estimated SQ 847 would cut $42 million in local revenue statewide in its first year and $241 million by the fifth year. Ryan Kiggins, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Central Oklahoma, produced the estimate.

Supporters, including House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, who authored the measure, say it would protect property owners from rising valuations. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau endorsed SQ 847, saying it could help farmers and ranchers facing high input costs.

State Question 845 would change the Judicial Nominating Commission, which screens candidates for state judicial vacancies. It would remove political-party restrictions for gubernatorial appointees and at-large members, remove restrictions on attorney eligibility and immediate family members practicing law, and allow consecutive terms. It would also update geographic selection rules and establish two-year terms for at-large members and six-year terms for other commissioners. A “no” vote would retain the current rules.

The election board’s website lists all six locations. Voters can view their sample ballots through the OK Voter Portal. The voter registration deadline for this election was Oct. 9.