State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax has announced that he has been notified by the Oklahoma Democratic Party that it will allow Independents to vote in its primaries and runoff primaries during the 2024-25 election years.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Republican Party notified the Secretary that it will keep its primaries closed to Independent voters.

The Libertarian Party did not formally send a notification; therefore, by default, the Libertarian Party primaries will remain closed as designated by state law. More information about political parties is available on the State Election Board website.

Oklahoma is a closed primary state. However, every odd-numbered year between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30, all recognized political parties in Oklahoma must notify the Secretary of the State Election Board as to whether or not they will allow registered Independents to vote in their party’s primaries and runoff primaries during the next two election years.

If a party chooses to open its primaries, the deadline is extended to Dec. 15 for the other recognized parties to respond or change their response.

The State Election Board reminds voters that whether voting in person or by absentee ballot, Independent voters must request to receive Democratic primary ballots. These cannot be automatically issued. Voters who have already requested absentee ballots for the 2024 election year can update their absentee ballot request online using the OK Voter Portal.

Voters who would like to change their party affiliation should do so before April 1, 2024. State law prohibits party affiliation changes April 1 through Aug. 31 of even-numbered years. Party affiliation changes submitted during the closed period will be processed on Sept. 1, 2024. Changes can be made online through the OK Voter Portal.

To learn more about Oklahoma elections visit the Oklahoma State Election Board website.