Deadline approaching to change political affiliation
Oklahomans who want to elect the nominee of a political party should make sure they are registered correctly no later than March 31, according to Erin Dorio, Secretary of the Logan County Election Board.
March 31 is the last day for registered voters to change their political affiliation, Dorio said.
Each political party can nominate one candidate per office for the November General Election. If two or more candidates from the same party file for one office, the party nominee is selected at either the Primary or Runoff Primary Election.
The recognized political parties in Oklahoma may decide who votes in their primary elections. The parties may limit participation in primaries to voters who are registered in the party or they may choose to allow Independent (no party) voters to participate in addition to party members.
Currently, neither the Oklahoma Democratic Party nor the Oklahoma Republican Party allows Independent voters to participate in primary elections. Two groups recently petitioned the State Election Board for political party recognition. If either of these groups obtains party recognition, they, too, will be able to decide who participates in their primaries.
All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate at the November General Election and for state or local questions at any election.
Applications to register to vote or to change political affiliation are available at the Logan County Election Board office, 224 E Vilas Ave, Guthrie, OK 73044, post offices; public libraries, state offices providing public assistance; and at most political party and candidate campaign offices.
