OCPA: California-style primary (still) a bad idea

OCPA: California-style primary (still) a bad idea

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 6, 2025)—Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small issued the following statement after proponents refiled a proposed state question that would eliminate primary elections for most federal, state, and local offices in Oklahoma.

“When Oklahoma United announced in November that they were seeking to impose California-style elections in Oklahoma that prevent Republican voters from choosing their own party nominees, we warned that the proposal was fatally flawed,” Small said. “It’s been less than two months and backers of this insidious idea are now trying to salvage their proposal with revisions.

Small: No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

By Jonathan Small

This week, the group Oklahoma United called for abolishing our state’s primary election system and replacing it with a “jungle primary” in which the top two candidates proceed to the November general election ballot regardless of party.

Oklahoma United’s proposal is substantially based on California law. So, if you think California politics represent the ideal, this plan is for you. But for most Oklahomans, that alone is a giant red flag.

Conservative leaders, orgs push back against California-style 'jungle primary' proposal

Unable to win elections in Oklahoma the old-fashioned way, with... you know... votes, liberals are now attempting to change the game by messing with the way Oklahoma elections work.

Under the guise of "increasing voter participation", left-wingers of both parties (including one has-been and one current liberal Republican elected officials) announced an initiative petition today for a state question that would switch Oklahoma to the same sort of "top two" jungle primary system used in California that often cuts Republican candidates completely out of the general election.

Small: Little logic to open primaries

Little logic to open primaries

By Jonathan Small

Backers of an “open primary” system in Oklahoma claim that our current election system is fatally flawed and would be better if it looked more like California’s system.

That alone is a clue the proposed system is no panacea.

Since 2010, California voters have been subjected to a “top two” primary system. All candidates from all parties are placed on a single primary ballot, sometimes called a “jungle primary,” and all voters—Democrats, Republicans, third-party and independents—can cast ballots in the primary for any candidate. The top two finishers then proceed to the general election.

OK Dems open '24 primary to Independents; GOP and Libertarians keep closed primaries

Independents Eligible to Vote in 2024 Democratic Primary Elections

(Oklahoma City, Dec. 18th) – State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that he has been notified by the Oklahoma Democratic Party that it will allow Independents to vote in its primaries and runoff primaries during the 2024-2025 election years. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Republican Party notified the Secretary that it will keep its primaries closed to Independent voters. The Libertarian Party did not formally send a notification; therefore, by default, the Libertarian Party primaries will remain closed as designated by state law. More information about political parties is available on the State Election Board website.

OK Dems go with "open" primary for 2022, Libertarians and GOP opt out

Political Parties Notify Election Board Secretary About “Open” Primaries

(Oklahoma City) – Every odd-numbered year, recognized political parties in Oklahoma are required to notify the Secretary of the State Election Board whether or not the party will allow registered Independents to vote in its primary elections.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that he has been notified by the Oklahoma Democratic Party that it will allow Independents to vote in its primaries in 2022 and 2023.

The Oklahoma Libertarian Party notified Secretary Ziriax that it will close its primaries to Independent voters. The Oklahoma Republican Party did not send a notification to the Secretary, which by law means that Independents cannot vote in Republican primaries.

“This means, there is no change for unaffiliated voters in 2022. As was the case in 2020 and 2021, Independent voters may vote in Democratic Party primaries, but not in Republican or Libertarian primaries,” Ziriax said.

2020: OK Dems open primaries to Independents, OKGOP and Libertarians to stay closed

Political Parties Notify Election Board Secretary About ‘Open’ Primaries

(Oklahoma City) – Every odd-numbered year, recognized political parties in Oklahoma are required to notify the Secretary of the State Election Board whether or not the party will allow registered Independents to vote in its primary elections.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that he has been notified by the Oklahoma Democratic Party that it will allow Independents to vote in its primaries in 2020-2021.

The Oklahoma Republican Party and Oklahoma Libertarian Party have notified Secretary Ziriax that they will close their primaries to Independent voters.

“This means, there is no change for unaffiliated voters in 2020. As has been the case for the past two years, Independent voters may continue to vote in Democratic Party primaries, but not in Republican or Libertarian primaries,” Ziriax said.

Oklahoma is a closed primary state, meaning only registered voters affiliated with a recognized political party may vote in that party’s primary elections. However, state law gives recognized parties the option to open its primaries to registered Independents by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board between November 1 and November 30 prior to the election year. The Democratic Party notified the Election Board of its decision before the deadline, which extended the deadline to December 15 for the other recognized parties.

Voters can confirm their party affiliation or make changes to their voter registration online using the OK Voter Portal at: elections.ok.gov/OVP.

Secretary Ziriax reminded voters that state law prohibits changes in party affiliation from April 1 through August 31 of even-numbered years. Party changes submitted during this time period are processed and activated on September 1.

For more information on elections in Oklahoma, visit our website at: elections.ok.gov.