What Oklahoma VOTERS are saying about OPEN PRIMARIES

All quotes are from From The Oklahoman's "OKLAHOMA PUBLIC Square"

Deborah Maupai, Oklahoma City

“I have come to believe that primary votes should be open to all registered voters. If for no other reason, than because they are paid for with tax dollars. Political parties that want to limit participation should then pay for the primaries.”

Laura Chalus, Inola

Marilyn McMurray, Oklahoma City

Sara Sweet, Nichols Hills

Sunita Darbe, Edmond

Billy Proctor, Wetumka

Sharon Simon, Stillwater

"I agree with open primaries. If independent voters can not choose which candidate they like from a specific party they are not able to truly have a vote.”

Susan Pippin, Tulsa

Courtney T., Edmond

Suzanne Rausch, Tulsa

Donna Sinnes, Stillwater

Kristi Frisbie, Tulsa

Marry Ann Hille, Tulsa

“I think it is essential! Oklahoma is falling behind in education, health, mental health, and overall livability. All this besides the fact that a one-party system such as we have here, is not an efficient or clean way to run a government.”

Brian Schettler, Norman

Gary Holland, Stillwater

Mary Purdy, Tahlequah

Julie Buckley, Guthrie

Greg Conder, Claremore

Adrienne Elder, Nichols Hills

“Open primaries provide a balanced approach to selecting candidates that represent the majority of the population and increases collaboration. On the flip side, closed primaries benefit extreme candidates with special interests that polarize communities.”

David Pilchman, Oklahoma City

Richard Johnson, Tulsa

Ros Elder, Tulsa

Robert Shoemaker, Edmond

Cristina Kroutter, Broken Arrow

Martha Mattes, Tulsa

"I think this is an idea that's time has come. For too long our state politics have been dominated by party insiders, too often leading to extremists on both sides of the aisle winning nomination, leading to polarization in our state politics and the resultant bad policies. In many states, including my home state of Illinois, voters don't even declare a party affiliation when they register to vote. You simply request the ballot of your choice at the primary polling place. Not only would those who are registered Independent have a say in the primary process, but this would help moderates in both the Democratic and Republican parties have a better chance at winning their respective primaries. There would be less polarization in our state's politics, and this would result in better policy and more productive legislative sessions."

Mort Welch, Oklahoma City

Shirley Brandon, Broken Arrow

Karen Fraser, Tulsa

Jo Ann Barker, Tulsa

Desiree Borders, Tulsa

Randolph Wanger, Tulsa

“Yes we need open primaries! I am a registered Independent and until recently when the Democratic party allowed me to vote in their primaries, I was shut out of the system entirely until the general election.”

Lauren Hollister, Ponca City

Jennifer Gardner, Sand Springs

Marilyn Belcher, Tulsa

Jean Nelson, Oklahoma City

Mary Williams, Tulsa

Danica Whitman, Tulsa

"Closed primaries are a waste of tax dollars. Let’s be fiscally responsible and join the majority of states that support open primaries.”

Margaret Kobos, Tulsa

“Do it. Do it now. Most people have no idea that this has even been happening, but are really upset with our status quo. All voters should have all candidates in front of them. They are paying for these elections and it’s wrong to exclude them. We all want the freedom to choose the person we think is best for the job without interference or being told what to do. Open primaries would energize all our voters, increase registration, and give everyone a voice. Independents deserve to have an equal voice in all the elections they’re being taxed to pay for.”