Political parties block Independents from voting

Last week, the Oklahoma State Election Board announced that no political party in Oklahoma had filed the paperwork necessary to allow Independents to vote in party primary elections for 2026-2027.

The result is nearly 500,000 Oklahoma voters who are registered as Independent will be unable to vote in some of the most crucial elections. Because many races are decided in the primary, this change means Independents may have no say in who represents them.

Under current law, Oklahoma is a closed primary state, meaning that only voters registered with a political party are allowed to vote in that party’s primary elections, unless the party files notice with the State Election Board during November of odd-numbered years (like 2025). While the Republican and Libertarian parties typically maintain closed primaries, the Oklahoma Democrat Party has allowed Independents to vote in its primaries since 2016. However, that will change for the next two-year election cycle, from 2026-2027. You can read news coverage about this change in Oklahoma Voice

Elections are public activities that are funded by taxpayer dollars - including Independents. Allowing political insiders to decide who gets to vote is undemocratic and unAmerican.

Independents in Oklahoma deserve the right to vote like everyone else. We believe Oklahoma should join other states in having open primaries that put all candidates on the same ballot and allow all voters, regardless of party affiliation (or non-affiliation) to vote.

Oklahoma Independents supports Yes on 836, which will open primaries in Oklahoma.

It is important to note that Independents will still be able to vote in nonpartisan elections, such as municipal and school board elections, as well as on issues like bonds and state questions, including next June when voters will vote on SQ832 and decide whether to raise the minimum wage.