Bill > HB1712

This bill modifies Oklahoma's election law regarding primary elections, specifically addressing how political parties can conduct their primary and runoff elections. The bill requires that political parties can only hold closed primaries (where only party members can vote) if they agree to pay back the full cost of those elections. Political parties must notify the State Election Board between November 1-30 of odd-numbered years whether they intend to limit participation in their primaries. If a party chooses to hold a closed primary, they must reimburse the state for the total election costs in the following two calendar years. The bill also clarifies that independent voters can participate in a party's primary only if that party specifically allows it, and an independent voter can only vote in one party's primary. Additionally, the bill makes some minor language changes, such as replacing "chairman" with "chairperson" and provides that these new rules will take effect on November 1, 2025. The overall aim appears to be increasing transparency and potentially making primaries more accessible while ensuring that parties bear the financial responsibility for restricting voter participation.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1712&Session=2500