The deadline for Oklahoma voters to collect enough signatures to force a statewide vote on “open primary” elections is Jan. 26.
Supporters of putting Oklahoma State Question 836 on the ballot have until Monday to reach 172,993 signatures. If the constitutional amendment proposal makes it to the Nov. 3 ballot and earns approval, it would end the state’s “closed primary” system that allows only registered members of a political party to vote in a party primary.
Under the new system, all candidates in a state or county race would appear on a single primary ballot. Voters would select one candidate for each office, with the top-two finishers in the primary advancing to the general election — even if they have the same political party. It would not affect presidential primaries.
If the initiative passes, Oklahoma could join California, Nebraska and Washington in using a top-two primary system.
For now, the “closed primary” system continues in Oklahoma. This year, both state parties will exclude independents from casting a vote in their primaries. The Democratic Party has allowed registered independents to vote in primaries since 2016 but missed a paperwork deadline to do so in 2026.
Primary elections are set for June 16. Voters have until May 22 to register.
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