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Shawnee CommonSense Club Meeting Draws Large Crowd to Discuss Open Primaries and State Question 836

Updated: Jan 31

January 28, 2025

Shawnee, OK


More than 80 residents from the Shawnee area gathered Monday night for a CommonSense Club meeting hosted by Oklahoma United to discuss State Question 836, the proposed ballot initiative to replace Oklahoma’s closed primary system with an open primary system. The larger-than-expected turnout led organizers to bring in extra seating to accommodate the engaged crowd.

 

The panel featured four speakers:


  • Margaret Kobos, Founder and President of Oklahoma United

  • Kris Steele, former Republican Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Shawnee native

  • Julie Knutson, President and CEO of the Oklahoma Academy

  • Jeremy Zuniga, veteran of the United States Marines 

 

Panelists provided an in-depth explanation of how an open primary system works and how it differs from the current closed primary system, which excludes many voters from participating in key elections, divides voters, and suppresses party member participation by offering limited choices and uncontested races. They also emphasized the importance of voter empowerment and urged attendees to support SQ 836.

 

“Open primaries are about empowering voters and making every election count,” said Margaret Kobos. “Too many Oklahomans are locked out of critical elections under our current system. SQ 836 ensures every voter—regardless of party affiliation—has a voice, making our democracy stronger and more representative.”

 

For more information about State Question 836 and how you can support open primaries in Oklahoma, visit www.VoteYes836.com.



 

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