The call has gone out for design ideas for the Oklahoma and Arizona state quarters, both due to be released in 2008.

On Feb. 16, Gov. Brad Henry and the Oklahoma Centennial Commission issued a press release asking Oklahomans for their input.

It?s a beginning step in the process of submitting a state quarter design to the U.S. Mint.

?On the eve of the Oklahoma Centennial, it is only appropriate that we go to the people to help us create a lasting tribute to our great state,? said Gov. Henry. ?We?re seeking as many ideas as possible so that we will have a good range of proposals to submit to federal authorities.?

State residents wishing to submit ideas can do so through the Oklahoma state Web site. A special quarter design link will be displayed at www.ok.gov. Ideas can also be mailed to the Oklahoma Centennial Commission at: 133 W. Main St., Suite 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

The deadline for submissions is March 31. Afterward, a selection team with the commission will narrow the possible choices, five of which will be sent to the U.S. Treasury Department for consideration.

Federal requirements state that ideas must be presented in narrative form, with an explanation of why the design is emblematic of the state.

?The inclusive selection process for the quarter design will add to the excitement surrounding our upcoming centennial year, and that?s what the Centennial Commission is all about,? said Blake Wade, executive director of the commission.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and the Arizona State Quarter Commission made a similar request in February. The deadline for submissions is July 15 and entries can be mailed to: Arizona State Quarter Commission, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

For more information or to learn how to e-mail submissions, visit www.governor.state.az.us.

Keep submissions for the Arizona quarter to 150 words and print or type design proposals. Accompanying artwork may be attached by a separate sheet of paper or e-mailed along with the narrative.