A push to overhaul Oklahoma’s primary election system is now in the hands of the state’s highest court. The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments in June on State Question 836, which seeks to move Oklahoma from a closed primary system to an open primary format.
The proposed change would allow all registered voters — regardless of party affiliation — to vote on a single, unified primary ballot. All candidates, including Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents, would appear on that ballot. The top two vote-getters would then advance to the general election, regardless of party.
Supporters of the measure, including the group Oklahoma United, say it would ensure that the nearly 500,000 registered Independents in the state are no longer shut out of the primary process. “The open primary petition delivers voters,” Oklahoma United CEO Margaret Kobos told KOKH. “Independents have been systematically excluded from voting in closed primaries and we need to fix that.”
However, the proposal is being challenged in court by the Oklahoma Republican Party, which argues that the measure is unconstitutional and undermines the purpose of party primaries. Former Oklahoma GOP Chair A.J. Ferate warned that the change could lead to general elections where both candidates are from the same party, limiting the diversity of ideas.
“The only reason party insiders are trying to block SQ 836 in court is because they know it has real momentum,” petitioner and registered Independent Tony Stobbe told the television station. “Oklahomans are ready for a system where every voter gets to vote in every election — and the political elites are clearly scared of that.”
The outcome of the case will determine whether supporters can begin collecting signatures to place SQ 836 on the ballot for voters to decide.
As of now, it is unclear when the Oklahoma Supreme Court will issue a ruling.
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