State Question 835 aims to amend the state constitution in Oklahoma to allow all registered voters to cast ballots in primary elections for the candidates they prefer, regardless of party affiliation. This initiative, led by Margaret Kobos of Oklahoma United, is intended to create open primaries where voters can choose from candidates of all parties on a single ballot.
The proposed amendment would eliminate runoff elections and ensure that the top two candidates from the initial primary election proceed to the general election. Supporters argue that this change would give independents and third-party voters a voice in the primary process, which they are currently excluded from.
While the campaign “Vote Yes 835” is gaining momentum, there are critics, including Republican Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who believes that open primaries could dilute the voting power of Republicans in the state. Chris Powell of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party also raised concerns about the potential exclusion of voters in a “California style, top-two” primary system.
Organizers of the initiative will need to gather over 172,993 signatures to place State Question 835 on the 2026 General Election ballot. Despite differing opinions within the state, the push for open primaries in Oklahoma continues to spark debate among voters and public officials.
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