Bill > HB1985

This bill eliminates straight-party voting in Oklahoma by amending two sections of state election law. Specifically, the bill removes language that previously allowed voters to select an entire political party's candidates with a single mark, instead requiring voters to individually select candidates for each office. The changes modify how ballots are marked and counted, ensuring that voters must make specific choices for each candidate rather than voting along party lines with one action. The bill retains existing rules about valid ballot markings, such as provisions that partial ballot markings do not invalidate an entire ballot and that ballots where a voter's intent cannot be determined will not be counted for those specific races. The legislation will take effect on November 1, 2025, giving election officials and voters ample time to prepare for the new voting procedure. This change means voters will need to be more intentional about their candidate selections, potentially increasing voter engagement and deliberation in the electoral process.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1985&Session=2600