State Question 835 (SQ 835) is a game-changer for Oklahoma's elections. By adopting open primaries, we can create a system where every voter has a say, regardless of party affiliation. Here are the top five reasons to support SQ 835:
1. It Gives Every Voter a Voice Right now, Oklahoma’s closed primary system excludes more than 480,000 independent voters from participating in most primaries. That’s nearly one in five registered voters! SQ 835 ensures every Oklahoman—Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or independent—can cast a meaningful vote in every election.
2. It Increases Voter Turnout For the second presidential election in a row, Oklahoma ranked dead last in voter turnout. When voters feel excluded, they disengage. Open primaries empower all voters to participate, leading to more engaged citizens and higher turnout. In fact, the Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that embracing open primaries has increased voter turnout by about 5% in other states.
3. It Encourages More Competitive Elections In many Oklahoma districts, the real election happens in the primary because one party dominates. Open primaries create a more competitive process by ensuring the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the general election. This gives voters real choices in November.
4. It Promotes Candidates Who Represent Everyone Under the current system, candidates often cater to the extremes of their party to win primaries. With open primaries, candidates must appeal to all voters, encouraging more moderate, solution-oriented leadership.
5. It’s Fair for Taxpayers
Oklahoma taxpayers fund primary elections, yet a large portion of voters are locked out. SQ 835 ensures that every taxpayer has a say in the elections they pay for. By supporting SQ 835, we can create a fairer, more inclusive election system that truly works for all Oklahomans. Let’s bring democracy back to the people.