Oklahoma State Election Board announces closed Democratic primaries, despite Dems' intentions
The Oklahoma Democratic Party has allowed registered Independents to vote in its primary elections since 2016. Although the party voted to once again open its elections in 2026 and 2027, the election board announced Wednesday that won’t happen due to missing paperwork.
The State Election Board says the Democratic Party did not file the paperwork to open its primaries for the next two years between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30, as required by state law.
A Democratic Party spokesperson said party officials voted in June to continue with open primaries and notified the Election Board of that decision in early August. According to a press release from the Democrats, the party did not receive further communication on the matter between then and Wednesday’s announcement from the Election Board.
“Oklahoma Democrats welcome Independents in our elections,” Democratic Chair Erin Brewer said in a statement. “We value their voices in selecting our general election candidates. We are working with the State Election Board to correct this error and exploring legal counsel if necessary.”
https://www.kosu.org/politics/2025-12-10/oklahoma-state-election-board-announces-closed-democratic-primaries-despite-dems-intentions