Candidate filing starts Wednesday for federal, state and county offices as originally scheduled, but with some modifications due to the ongoing pandemic.

Candidates for federal, state, and legislative offices can file from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday at the Oklahoma State Election Board Office, but Secretary Paul Ziriax is urging candidates to file their paperwork, along with the required filing fee or petition, by mail or delivery service.

Candidates who file in-person will do so using a “drive-through” in the State Capitol parking lot. The “drive-through” will help maintain social distancing protocols in an effort to minimize risks to election board personnel and candidates.

Ziriax said State Election Board personnel can review declarations of candidacy and cashier’s checks or certified checks ahead of time to ensure they are in good order. Candidates who would like their information reviewed prior to fi ling can email documents to info@elections.ok.gov.

the State Election Board’s Candidates should visit website at elections.ok.gov candidate filing, such as for specific details about delivery instructions or information about the “drive-through” filing procedures. Candidates can also contact the State Election Board for details at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

“This is not an ideal situation for either election with a little patience and a officials or candidates. But, lot of precautions, we will get through the candidate filing period together,” Ziriax said.

Candidate fi ling for county offi ces need to download packets from the state website and have them completed and notarized before submitting them at the Kingfi sher County Courthouse between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, County Election Board Secretary Shawna Butts said.

Election board workers the front lobby of the court-will have a table set up in house, inside the west doors, Butts said.

“To avoid a second trip and allow us to maintain social distancing, we ask that applications be filled out in advance,” she said. “We will make sure you take care of not have a notary on site, so that ahead of time.”