PUBLIC NOTICE – Nov 18th CAPS ELECTION UPDATE
December 3, 2025
After a thorough review, the Board of County Commissioners was unable to certify the CAPS election held on November 18th. On Thursday, November 20th, we were notified that the required legal publication—mandated under Title 19 §383—was not properly advertised for the four consecutive weeks required by law.
Upon receiving this information, the Board tabled certification of the election during our November 24th meeting in order to seek legal advice and ensure full compliance with Oklahoma law. On December 1st, 2026, the Board met in executive session with legal counsel to further evaluate the publication discrepancy and determine the appropriate course of action.
Section 4 of the resolution directed that these notices be published by the County Clerk or Deputy Clerk. In every previous countywide election of this nature, our bond attorney handled these publications, and we relied on that same process. Unfortunately, the notice was not published the required number of times, making the election legally unenforceable.
While the full ballot language was printed once in the Mooreland Leader and appeared twice on the Woodward News online platform, the statute requires four consecutive weekly publications in a newspaper of general circulation. Because that requirement was not met, we cannot in good faith certify the results, regardless of outcome.
As your County Commissioners, we take seriously the trust that the voters of Woodward County place in us. Integrity matters, and ensuring that every election is conducted properly, transparently, and in full compliance with state law is our responsibility. The people of Woodward County deserve nothing less.
For that reason, and in keeping with our commitment to do what is right—not what is easy—we have made the decision not to certify the CAPS election and schedule a new vote at a future date, following all legal requirements.
We greatly value the engagement, passion, and participation shown by voters throughout this process. Maintaining the confidence and trust of the people of Woodward County is of the utmost importance to us, and every action we take reflects that priority. Our goal has always been to serve Woodward County with honesty, accountability, and respect, and we believe this decision reflects that commitment.
If you have questions, we welcome the opportunity to visit with you.
Troy White - District 1 Clint White - District 2 Donny Thorn - District 3