Oklahoma Republican Party files challenge against State Question that would open Oklahoma primary elections
- beth415
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
23 May 2025
By Drury Vaughan, KXII-TV
ARDMORE, Okla. (KXII) - State Question 836 would allow all Oklahoma voters to cast a vote in primary elections, regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates who receive the most votes would then advance to the general election.
State Question 836 would not include primary elections for judges, city officials or presidential primaries.
But last month the Oklahoma Republican Party filed a challenge arguing the state question oversteps constitutional boundaries.
“We have a wonderful team of attorneys who are engaged in defense of our state question right now and we expect for that to be resolved in the next sixty days,” Margaret Kobos with Oklahoma United said.
Kobos helped research and put together SQ-836. She believes it will increase Oklahoma voter participation by 5%. Right now, Oklahoma’s voter turnout is one of the lowest in the nation.
“What we are seeking is a constitutional change that would empower all voters to vote, and it would secure the right for all voters to vote in every election that they are funding,” Kobos stated.
And it isn’t just voters who aren’t showing up. Last year, only 6 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties had more than one party run in the county sheriff’s election. Including Carter County, where both candidates ran on the Republican ticket. Only about 5,000 voters out of the county’s 30,000 registered voters participated in the election. Kobos says SQ-836 would include everyone in the process.
“There were tens of thousands of people who could not even cast a vote and we just feel like for statewide offices, it makes sense for everyone to have a voice,” Kobos added.
State Question 836 is planned for the November 2026 ballots if it gets enough signatures and the Governor’s approval.
