Deadline coming up to change political parties

Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, Logan County Election Board Secretary, Sheleen Winscott, said today. Voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new Voter Registration Application.

Winscott reminds voters that no party changes are allowed from April 1 through August 31 during an even-numbered year.

“If we receive your request after March 31, we are required by law to hold that request and process it in September,” Winscott said.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian.

In Oklahoma, voters must be registered members of a party to vote in that party’s primary election. Independents are permitted to participate in a primary election, only if a party officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Currently, only the Democratic Party allows Independents to vote in its primary elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate during a General Election.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from the State Election Board website at   oklahoma.gov/elections. Applications are also available at the Logan County Election Board located at 224 E. Vilas Ave., Guthrie, OK 73044. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, contact the County Election Board at (405) 282-1900 or logancounty@elections.ok.gov.