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Bill > HB1712


OK HB1712

Elections; closed primaries; political party; paying cost; open primaries; effective date.


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act relating to elections; amending 26 O.S. 2021, Section 1-104, which relates to closed primaries; establishing that no political party may hold closed primaries without paying back cost; directing political parties to notify State Election Board of intent to hold closed or open primaries; and providing an effective date.

AI Summary

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.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to Elections and Ethics (on 02/04/2025)

bill text


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