Senate Review by Senator Roland Pederson

The next presidential election is now less than one month away, and the deadline to register to vote in this upcoming election is quickly approaching. If you plan to vote on Nov. 3, you must be registered to vote by this Friday, Oct. 9.

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and just one of the reasons America is the greatest country in the world. Each individual has a say in how our government is run, but it is up to each of us to use our voice.

So many times, people believe that their single vote doesn’t count, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. One vote really can make a difference. Statehood was given to California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington by a margin of just one vote. In the Electoral College, Thomas Jefferson was elected President by just one vote. Marcus “Landslide” Morton was elected the governor of Massachusetts by just one vote in 1839. The Draft Act was passed just four months before Pearl Harbor by one vote. The power of your vote truly is incredible.

We all have the opportunity to make our voices heard on Nov. 3, and I hope you’ll head to the ballot box and use your vote in this important election. If you’ve never voted before, it’s not too late, and I encourage you to get registered.

If you are a citizen of the United States, resident of Oklahoma and at least 18 years old, or meet the age requirement to pre-register, you are eligible to register to vote. You must fill out a voter registration form that is available online at ok.gov/elections or at your local County Election Board, post office or tag agency. You must mail in your registration form to the State Election Board or drop it off at your County Election Board. Your form must be received by Oct. 9 if you drop it off, or it must be postmarked by Oct. 9 if you mail it in. Please visit ok.gov/elections for more information.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator for another four years. It is humbling and a true honor to represent our values at the state Capitol. If there’s something I can help you with, please let me know. You can reach me at [email protected] or by phone at 405-521-5630.