Hamilton wants vote of the people to decide if post-election audits should be conducted

Hamilton wants vote of the people to decide if post-election audits should be conducted

OKLAHOMA CITY –  With tensions still high following questions regarding the 2020 election cycle, Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, wants voters to decide if Oklahoma should conduct random audits following each general election.

Senate Joint Resolution 47 would submit a constitutional amendment to a vote of the people to require post-election audits in 10 randomly selected Oklahoma counties at the conclusion of each general election. Upon the conclusion of the audits, results would be made available to the public.

Hamilton said this move is needed to preserve election integrity in the state.

State Rep asks for bizarre and belated election audit, gets rightfully slapped down by Election Board Secretary

Sometimes, I just don't understand why people do things. Over the past several years, and the last year in particular, there are many individuals who were otherwise solid who (at least temporarily) have lost most of the good sense that they previously possessed in a bizarre urge to pander to a certain crowd that will never be satisfied. They know full well what they're doing, and that their pandering will accomplish absolutely nothing other than inflame their intended audience and supposedly transfer some good will in their favor.

I don't blog to make people happy. I speak the truth where I see it. This obsession with indulging the Trump delusion that the election was stolen (and not the result of a botched campaign with a totally undisciplined candidate who undermined his own success at every turn, with the assistance of a willing and hate-filled media) will be the death of conservatism. 

Just stop it already and have some character. Quit selling your integrity to the Trump personality cult, the most views, and the latest outrage clickbait.

The latest in this sad saga is the following press release from State Rep. Sean Roberts. Possessing a voting record that is generally among the most conservative in the legislature, Rep. Roberts was a key player in the Platform Caucus, a core group of staunch conservatives who fought against major tax increases in 2017 and 2018. Now in his final term of office, it seems that Rep. Roberts might have lost some of that principle in a pursuit of cheap support and applause from the lowest common denominator in current GOP fads. Another elected official, further down this shameful track, would be State Sen. Nathan Dahm, but that's for another day. I'll offend enough people with this post for now.

Anyway, first up is the ridiculous Roberts press release, followed by a reasonable and well-stated response by the inimitable Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax.

Here's what you need to know for 2021

 2020 is blessedly gone, and 2021 is here. 

Here's the deal. God made you. God made everything. Just as this website/app/browser had a designer, the building you are in had an architect, the vehicle you drive had a builder, this entire universe - infinitely more complex - had a Creator. He orchestrated the atoms and molecules that make up everything.

As Creator, He has the right and prerogative for placing laws and rules for His creation to follow. You, and I, and every human being, have fallen short of those laws. 

The Ten Commandments sum up God's Law. We have broken every single one. We have lied. We have stolen. We have had inappropriate sexual thoughts (Jesus called this adultery of the heart). We have been angry without just cause (Jesus called this murder of the heart). We have coveted. We have blasphemed. We are all guilty.

Punishment for offenses increase as the party against which the crime was perpetrated increase in stature. Disobedience to parents require one level of correction/punishment. Crimes against a human government require a higher degree of punishment. Crimes against an infinite God require a greater punishment, namely an infinite punishment. 

Heaven is real, but so is Hell. Hell is a real place, where the full righteous wrath of God Almighty is unendingly poured out on those who rebelled against the most loving and gracious Being in the Universe. You have sinned against God and earned for yourself Hell. I sinned against God and earned for myself Hell.

But, Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, God in flesh, came to earth and fulfilled God's Law on our behalf and paid our punishment with His sacrificial death, wiping away our sin-debt, our criminal fine, and giving us His righteousness. 

We must, by faith, believe and repent. Believe that Jesus is who He said He was, that He died for us and rose again, and repent - turn away from our sin in disgust that we would offend God in such ways, and dedicate our lives to following Him, not in order to earn salvation but in recognition that we cannot save ourselves and in response and gratefulness to the kindness shown to us by God in providing a way of forgiveness.

This salvation is a free (and permanent, ever-lasting) gift of God, and is fully of Him. We contribute nothing to it except the sin that made it necessary. We can do nothing to earn it or maintain it. No amount of good deeds or prayers or pilgrimages or sacraments is sufficient -- only Christ is.

I cannot convince you of the Gospel. Only God can. My responsibility is to share it with you. 

You must determine whether you will believe it to be true or not.

But know this: if all this is true, you will one day stand before your Maker and be held to account for the works you did and did not do during your life. And, you will be held to account for how you respond(ed) to the free offer of the Gospel that was presented to you, for better or for worse. 

If 2020 teaches anything, it is that life is short, and Man is not guaranteed tomorrow. Eternity is forever. God offers salvation freely to those who will believe. Receive it while you have opportunity to do so and do not tarry.

24 GOP State Reps ask Oklahoma delegation to challenge Electoral College votes in Congress

This may come as a surprise to some of my readers, and I'm sure I'll lose or upset some of you, but the following press release is nothing more than a fantasy and pandering to individuals who refuse to accept the possibility that President Donald Trump could have in fact lost the election.

The real story is that the Trump campaign itself does not believe the post-election spin that it has fed Trump supporters. If they did, then they would have put forward a legitimate legal effort led by competent individuals. They didn't, and no elected conservatives will dare say that 'the Emperor has no clothes' for fear of the political ramifications. 

There's a lot more to unpack on that story, but until I get some time to write my take down, here's what a quarter of the Oklahoma State House members are asking our congressional delegation to do next week:

Group of House Republicans Urges OK Congressional Delegation to Challenge Electoral College Votes

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 22nd) – A group of Oklahoma House Republicans today sent a letter to the members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation urging them to challenge the certification of the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021.

The 24 lawmakers contend that election law changes and violations in swing states disenfranchised the votes cast by Oklahomans.

“Every state in our Union is dependent on the others to hold free, fair and constitutional elections,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “When any state willfully violates our mutual contract – the U.S. Constitution – and/or their own state election laws (in order to skew the outcome of their election), the process and subsequent results shall not be dismissed or ignored. We must commit ourselves as a state to ensure our constituents’ votes are not disenfranchised, and we must hold accountable those who intend to harm us through election tampering.”

The following lawmakers signed on to this statement:

Legislators: Oklahoma’s election demonstrates accurate and timely results

Oklahoma’s Election Demonstrates Accurate and Timely Results

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are encouraging their colleagues from other states to model their systems after Oklahoma election laws.

“For years Oklahoma's election system has provided Oklahoma voters with rapid and undisputed results.

Through a mix of common sense quality controls, including numbered ballot pads, election night reporting, a mix of scanning technology and traditional, verifiable paper ballots, voter identification and precinct-level officials who are appointed by both of the major political parties, Oklahoma leads the nation in election policy.

We appreciated the federal court earlier this year upholding Oklahoma’s strong election laws, particularly the reasonable absentee ballot requirements the Legislature enacted through SB 210 last session. By all accounts, the Legislature's actions proved successful and Oklahoma concluded election night with yet another fair, timely outcome that has not been disputed: This included the Congressional District 5 race, which was decided by less than 13,000 votes.

We are witnessing firsthand how weak election policies of other states impact the entire nation, including Oklahoma. As demonstrated by Oklahoma, there is no reason we should have to wait days for the outcome of any election. We call on the other states to immediately pass meaningful and common sense reforms to their election processes.

The integrity of the voting process is vital to our republic. There should be no doubt as to the results if we can secure the process at the outset. Mail-in ballots that do not require proof of identity is a recipe for fraud. We have gone through this process three times at the national level in recent years with the 2000, 2016 and now 2020 elections.

As members of the Oklahoma Legislature, we ask other state legislatures across America to demand reform and pass legislation similar to SB 210 on absentee ballot integrity and SB 1779 outlawing absentee ballot harvesting in our state.”

Legislators issuing the statement include:

• Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow
• Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison
• Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle
• Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont
• Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa
• Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee
• Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola
• Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang
• Rep. Justin Humphrey , R-Lane
• Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada
• Rep.-elect Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus
• Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee
• Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
• Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore
• Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City
• Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City
• Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow
• Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka
• Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow
• Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee
• Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland
• Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus
• Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond
• Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko
• Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay
• Rep. David Smith, R-Arepelar
• Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson
• Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany
• Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon
• Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan
• Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore
• Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso
• Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston
• Rep. Josh West, R-Grove
• Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore
• Rep.-elect Rick West, R-Heavener
• Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton
• Sen. Michael Bergstrom, R-Adair
• Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Tulsa
• Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville
• Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus
• Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika
• Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee
• Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole
• Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore

Rejected by voters, House Dems renew call for Special Session, Mask Mandate

The party that was overwhelmingly rejected by Oklahoma voters, including the elimination of their last rural seats, continues to demand that Governor Stitt and/or the Legislature issue a mask mandate for the entire state.

Virgin, House Democrats Call for Special Session, Mask Mandate

OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, today called for the Oklahoma Legislature to convene a special session to extend an exemption that allows public bodies to meet virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

In addition to the call for a special session, House Democrats reiterated their call for Governor Kevin Stitt to implement a statewide mask mandate.

“In March, in the name of public safety, we passed legislation to protect Oklahoman’s lives and the ability for public bodies to function without the risk of spreading COVID,” Virgin said. “These aren’t my words. These are the words of the Republican leaders who supported this legislation.”

The legislation passed in March was Senate Bill 661. Oklahoma’s average daily cases when the legislation passed were in the 20s. Today, Oklahoma’s case numbers are more than than 2,000 per day. Likewise, COVID deaths have gone from zero in March to more than 1,400 now.  

“The COVID situation in Oklahoma has gotten worse, not better, since the Legislature saw it fit to enact this provision,” Virgin said. “To allow this accommodation to expire would be entirely irresponsible. If we all agreed that the situation was dangerous enough in March to allow public bodies to meet this way, then logic dictates we would renew this provision.”

Oklahoma State Election Board applauds smooth, historic election turnout

Statement about Oklahoma's 2020 General Election from Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board

"I am delighted about the enthusiasm and engagement shown by Oklahoma voters in this election. We saw a surge in voter registrations, set a record for mail absentee ballots and in-person absentee "early" votes, and had heavy turnout on Election Day. Oklahoma voters set a record for the most votes ever cast for President in the history of our state. 

Election Results Maps: U.S. Senate, State Questions 805 and 814

 Here is the much-anticipated 2020 general election edition of my long-running Election Results Maps series. As promised in my post on the presidential results in Oklahoma, we will be looking here at the U.S. Senate race and results from the two state questions that voter soundly rejected.

In his final election, Senator Jim Inhofe posted his second-best general election showing, behind only his 2014 matchup where he received 68% of the vote. His results largely trailed President Trump's by a few points, with Oklahoma County also being his closest with a 0.93% spread (48.33% to 47.4%). His best result came in Cimarron County with a lead of 84.71%

Next, let's look at the two state questions that were on the ballot.

Rural Oklahoma rejected State Question 805 in overwhelming fashion. This ballot measure won in Oklahoma County alone (54.21% to 45.79%, a 8.42% spread). The 'Yes' vote in Cleveland County trailed by 3.13%, Comanche by 7.2%, and Tulsa by 13.76%. All 73 other counties had a 'no' lead of at least 24%, with 20 at over 50%.

Speaker McCall comments on House Republican election gains

Speaker McCall comments on House Republican election gains

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, issued the following statement upon unofficial election returns showing House Republicans grew their majority from 77 members in the 57th Legislature to 82 members for the 58th Legislature:

Red wave sweeps over Oklahoma: 5 Takeaways

I'll get to my election results maps in the coming days, but here are some quick notes from the election tonight here in Oklahoma:

1. Trump sweeps all 77 counties again

Trump was held just under 50% in Oklahoma County (49.25% to 48.05%), around 55% in Tulsa and Comanche counties, and between 70% and 92%(!!) in almost all of the remaining counties. Huge margins.

He beat out his 2016 showing by 0.07%, while Biden beat Clinton's 2016 result by 3.35% (largely a result of the lower third-party vote in 2020, 5.75%, compared to 2016, 2.33%).

Election night 'great success' for OKGOP

 

ELECTION NIGHT ‘GREAT SUCCESS’ FOR OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, November 3, 2020 – With victories throughout the ballot, the chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party declared the 2020 election cycle a great success.

“Tonight’s results are incredible, and a great success for the Oklahoma Republican Party,” said David McLain. “The citizens of Oklahoma proved once again the GOP is their party of choice from the huge state victories for President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe to Stephanie Bice winning the Fifth Congressional District seat to overwhelmingly reelecting Oklahoma’s other four Republican U.S. House members, Oklahoma voters delivered at the top of the ballot. Not to be outdone, Republican Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett was easily reelected, and Republicans gained five seats in the Oklahoma House and maintained a 39-9 advantage in the Senate, including the reelection of Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. GOP candidates were also elected and reelected in county and municipal races across Oklahoma, and SQ 805, which the Oklahoma Republican Party opposed, was soundly defeated.”

Here's how I think the Presidential race and U.S. Senate will go

Let's have a go at this. 270toWin.com has a neat feature that allows you to customize your predictions from the presidential race down to control of the state legislatures.

Whether I'm any good at this or not, only time will tell. For the record, I did nail the 2008 GOP Iowa Caucus back in 2008 (a few months before I started this blog), but my predictions since then have been, well, hit and miss! I thought McCain was going to beat Obama, and that Clinton would beat Trump. I've been better on state races, but this part really is more for "fun" and pure guesswork. 

Here goes.

Last week, I pretty much thought Trump was a goner. I feel somewhat more optimistic now. He has to thread the needle, run the table in a host of toss-up/lean-Democratic states, but I think it's doable. I even think there's an outside chance (on this outside chance) that he could do the below map, plus win one of either Michigan, Minnesota, or Nevada.

Click the map to create your own at 270toWin.com

Now for the U.S. Senate. I think, overall, the Republicans will lose two seats but hang on to the majority by the slimmest of margins:

Election Day: Voting Tips and Picks

Election Day: it has finally arrived. 

Voters all across the state are now heading to the polls to decide the future direction of their communities, state, and nation. This post will cover some information and recommendations that may be helpful with your voting plans. 

Find your Polling Place and view a Sample Ballot

Live Oklahoma election results (after 7pm)

Michael Bates: election information and recommendations

Charlie Meadows/OCPAC endorsements and recommendations

Endorsements by the Tulsa Beacon

No candidate is perfect. Vote for the candidate that will advance the most good and prevent the most evil (that's generally the Republican). The Democratic Party platform is literally full of and a celebration of things God hates. If I don't specifically mention a race, default to giving the Republican candidate your vote.

Here are some comments of mine on a few select races:

President: Donald Trump and Mike Pence (Republican). I was a Never Trumper in 2016. I looked at Donald Trump and did not trust him. His behavior was (and still is, to a large degree) repulsive, and he clearly did not (and still does not) exhibit character that demonstrates true Biblical conversion. I did not believe that he would follow through on his pledged conservative policies, and so I cast a protest vote for a third party candidate.

I am happy to have been wrong on many of my misgivings about Trump. While I still cringe at many of his behaviors and wish that he would just behave, he has largely followed through on his 2016 campaign pledges. No president has done more to advance the cause of the unborn. His administration has championed religious liberty. His administration generally did a fantastic job on the economy. His foreign policy, especially as it relates to the Middle East and North Korea, has produced results that few could have dreamed of. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been better than he's given credit for, mainly due to his tendency to trip his own progress up with stupid actions and statements.

State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips

2020 General Election is Today – State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips

(Oklahoma City) – Polls across the state open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, November 3 for Election Day voting.

The State Election Board says this is a unique election year for many reasons – the pandemic, a recent ice storm, and a surge in voter registration numbers.

State Election Board Secretary, Paul Ziriax, says Oklahoma county election boards are prepared.

“Our county election boards are facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, but they have been preparing for this election for months. We want to assure Oklahomans that every registered voter that wants to vote will be able to vote. This election will be conducted safely, fairly, and securely. We ask that voters be patient and courteous not only to other voters, but election workers as well,” Ziriax said.

The State Election Board offers these tips for successful voting in the 2020 General Election:

ELECTION DAY HOURS

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.

Heavy turnout is expected, so voters should plan for extra time to vote on Election Day. New COVID-19 safety protocols — including social distancing — may slow down the check-in lines and the voting process on Election Day. Additionally, in areas where municipal elections are taking place, issuing and voting these extra ballots could also add time to the voting process.

All voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

BE PREPARED

Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. A few polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency.

The State Election Board also recommends voters view a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Many voters have county and local elections in addition to state and federal elections.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant. 

Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. Election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them.

Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.

PROOF OF IDENTITY

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):

1. Show a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government. If it has an expiration date, it must be AFTER the date of the election; or
2. Show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board; or
3. Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)

FOLLOW THE LAW

The law prohibits electioneering within 300 ft. of the ballot box. This includes wearing clothing, accessories, or having material in public view related to a candidate or issue on the ballot. No one other than authorized individuals are permitted within 50 ft. of the ballot box or inside the election enclosure.

Alleged violations should be reported to precinct officials at the time the incident is occurring.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.  

Insiders Panel: bullish on Bice and Trump's odds, don't expect a Trump 77-county sweep

With the general election tomorrow, here's one last edition of the MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel.

Members of our Insiders Panel cover the spectrum on the Republican side of the aisle, and members are from the private, public, and political sectors from all across the state. Each congressional district is represented by an Insider, and there is a wide demographic variety. The anonymity of the panel is designed to allow them to more freely express their thoughts, giving an inside look at some behind the scenes moves and trends across the state. You can read the past Insiders Panel discussions at this link.

These are the questions panel members were asked to respond to:

1. Will Stephanie Bice (R) take out Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D) in the 5th Congressional District?
2. Not considering the 5th District race, what will be the biggest surprise in the Oklahoma results?
3. Will President Donald Trump once again carry all 77 counties?
4. Who do you think wins the Presidency, and what is your guess at the electoral college vote?
5. Will the GOP hold onto the U.S. Senate?

OK voter registrations surge before election, GOP tops 50% for first time ever

There have been some absolutely astounding developments on the voter registration front here in Oklahoma this year, which I will get around to charting in a Voter Registration Maps series update soon. In the meantime, check out this historic news from the Oklahoma State Election Board.

UPDATE: be sure to check out my latest post, MAPS: Historic surge shoves GOP into majority in 13 counties and statewide.

Oklahoma Voter Registrations Surge Before 2020 General Election

For first time, Republicans top 50% of Registered Voters

(Oklahoma City) – Oklahoma’s voter registrations have surged ahead of the 2020 General Election, with a net increase of more than 169,000 registered voters since January 15 and a net increase of nearly 53,000 since September 30. The State Election Board’s official pre-election voter registration statistics show the total number of registered voters is the largest before a Presidential Election since Oklahoma began tracking pre-election voter registration statistics in 2000.

Oklahoma’s voter registration statistics also show that registered Republicans now make up more than 50% of Oklahoma’s registered voters for the first time. The last time a majority of voters belonged to an Oklahoma political party prior to a Presidential Election was November 1, 2004, when Democrats made up 51.3% of registered voters.

“The surge in voter registrations is a clear indication that Oklahomans are highly interested in the 2020 General Election. It is a positive sign for higher voter participation this year,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.  “The new statistics also continue the decades-long growth trend for Republicans and Independents as a percentage of Oklahoma’s electorate.”

Net change in voter registrations since January 15, 2020

• Total Voters: +169,006
• Republicans: +121,202
• Democrats: +12,413
• Libertarians: +3,731
• Independents: +31,660

Comparison of Registered Voter Percentages

• As of November 1, 2020, Republicans are 50.01% of registered voters, while Democrats are 33.23%, Independents are 16.10%, and Libertarians are 0.66%. 
• On January 15, 2020, Republicans were 48.25% of registered voters, while Democrats were 35.32%, Independents were 15.89%, and Libertarians were 0.53%.
• On November 1, 2016, Republicans were 45.61% of registered voters, while Democrats were 39.71%, Independents were 14.52%, and Libertarians were 0.17%.

Comparison of Official Nov. 1 Pre-Election Statistics (Total Registered Voters)

• 2020: 2,259,113
• 2016: 2,157,450
• 2012: 2,114,713
• 2008: 2,184,092
• 2004: 2,143,978
• 2000: 2,233,602

View Complete Voter Registration Statistics

November 1, 2020 voter registration by county

November 1, 2020 voter registration by district

Voter Registration Statistics (1960- Present)

Small: “Aha” moments affect party politics

“Aha” moments affect party politics

by Jonathan Small

This year’s presidential campaigns are causing many people to have “aha” moments that defy partisan stereotypes.

Democratic candidate Joe Biden says he will repeal the tax cuts enacted under President Trump and add many new taxes. When analysts reviewed the combined state-federal tax rates that would result under Biden’s proposals, they found top rates would surge to 62 percent in New York, for example. That prompted Rapper 50 Cent to declare, “I don’t want to be 20 Cent.”

Rapper Lil’ Wayne in a recent tweet praised Trump for his work on criminal justice reform and inclusion of Wayne’s proposals that empower ownership in black communities.

Rapper Ice Cube reached out to both political parties to discuss his proposals to help black Americans. The Trump administration included some of Ice Cube’s ideas in the campaign’s agenda. Ice Cube lamented that all Democrats did was pay lip service with constant references to “minorities” and “people of color”. 

In Ice Cube’s video discussing the two parties’ response, he looked somber. That’s a common reaction for those confronted with reality. Nationwide, there’s often a glaring gap between what people have been told about the two political parties and reality.

Here’s a few examples.

Election Night: OKGOP watch party in Edmond, OK Dems in Tulsa

The Oklahoma Republican and Democratic parties will be holding election night watch parties on Tuesday, November 3rd, to observe election returns and celebrate their successes (or mourn their losses, depending on the situation).

The Republican event is free, while the Democratic party is $5. I find it interesting that the GOP event is in the OKC metro, in the hotly-contested 5th Congressional District, while the Democrats will be holding theirs in Tulsa.

OKGOP Red Wave Election Night Watch Party

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, October 30, 2020 -The Oklahoma Republican Party announced today its general election watch party will be held Tuesday, November 3 in Edmond. All GOP candidates, campaign supporters and volunteers are invited to attend. Media are encouraged to arrive early for set up.

The event is free, but for security measures, attendees need to register here.

• What: Oklahoma Republican Party General Election Watch Party
• When: Tuesday, November 3
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Edmond Conference Center at Hilton Garden Inn
• Location: 2833 Conference Drive, Edmond, OK
• Contact: David McLain, 918.557.0687, david@okgop.com, www.okgop.com

Masks are required in all public areas of the hotel before entering the ballroom. Sanitizing stations will be provided.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Election Night Watch Party

Join us on election night for a socially-distanced election watch party!

On Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM, we are hosting a watch party at Driller's Stadium in Tulsa! We will watch the election results roll in together and celebrate our victories!

All attendees will be required to wear a mask and comply with CDC guidelines.

Tickets are available for just $5 a person! Register here. Interested in a private suite? You can reserve one by clicking here.

Here's what you need to know about the State Questions on the ballot

Earlier in the week, I published What you need to know about the judges on the ballot. In this post, I'll focus in on the two state questions that are on the ballot. This information is largely derived from a brief presentation I gave at my church. 

I got some of my material from these helpful articles (SQ805, SQ814) at Ballotpedia, in addition to information from supporting and opposing organizations, and this excellent post on SQ805 at BatesLine.

Maps: see where the GOP and Dems are overperforming in Oklahoma Early Voting

The Oklahoma State Election Board has been releasing data on the early voting turnout by day, with Saturday set to be the final day for early voting to take place. I took a look at the statistics, and put together these two maps to show what's currently going on.

This first map compares the voter registration leader in each county to the proportion of voters by party who have voted early thus far. A blue county means a higher percentage of Democrats have voted than are registered in that county, and vice-versa for red counties. 

Example A: as of January 2020, Adair County had 47.46% Democratic and 40.26% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 46.38% of Adair County early voters were Republicans and 41.85% were Democrats. Adair County goes on the map as red due to a higher proportion of Republicans casting early votes than are registered.  

Example B: as of January 2020, Caddo County was 47.52% Democratic and 38.47% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 53.16% of Adair County early voters were Democrats and 40.36% were Republicans. Adair County goes on the map as blue due to a higher proportion of Democrats casting early votes than are registered. 

Now for the map:

This next map looks at which counties have "flipped" so far in early voting.

Example A: as of January 2020, Johnson County was 51.13% Democratic and 35.95% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 37.18% of Johnson County early voters were Democrats and 54.4% were Republicans. Atoka County is a registered Democrat-majority county with more Republicans voting early thus far than Democrats.

Example B: as of January 2020, Cleveland County was 47.9% Republican and 33.18% Democratic. As of 5pm Friday, 44.03% of Cleveland County early voters were Democrats and 41.79% were Republicans. Cleveland County is a registered Republican-plurality county with more Democrats voting early thus far than Republicans.

The map: