DAILY OKLAHOMAN OP-ED: Oklahoma United Intern Yvonne Galvan
Friday, 9/29/23
Registering to vote in the state of Oklahoma is easier now thanks to an online portal that serves all Oklahomans. Until recently, a voter registration form had to be physically filled out and mailed to a county or state election board.
"Registering to vote in the state of Oklahoma is easier now thanks to an in the United States in 2020, voter turnout is still at record lows throughout the country. Our particular part of the country, Oklahoma, had the lowest voter turnout (about 55%) of all the states for the 2020 presidential election. This means that a very small percentage of Oklahomans are deciding the outcomes for 100% of us. A representative democracy is designed to represent the needs and values of all citizens, not a handful ..."
Tulsa World OP-Ed: OKlahoma United Intern Kimberlee Wilson
Sunday, 9/17/23
"If you’ve ever looked at the headlines and thought to yourself, “What the heck is going on?” you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
Have you thought, said or heard the phrase: “My vote doesn’t matter.” I hear this phrase from all sides of the political spectrum.
Republicans feel as if their votes don’t matter because the current primary system heavily favors their party, so there’s really no reason to participate. Democrats feel as though their votes have no weight at all due to their lack of representation in state government. Independents and Libertarians often share the same sentiment because they have few or no choices ..."
"The U.S. has a 'primary problem" - NPR, 9/18/23
Most state and federal primary elections in the U.S. are divided up by political party, and many are only open to voters who are members of a party.
Reform-minded advocates and many political scientists say this system is not working. They say relatively small numbers of voters are selecting their nominee — often in a district or state that leans strongly toward one party, so whoever wins the primary cruises to victory in a general election.
The group Unite America underscores what it terms the "primary problem" with this finding: In 2020, "only 10% of eligible Americans nationwide cast ballots in primary elections that effectively decided the winners in a supermajority (83%) of Congressional seats."
Join us.
Oklahoma is dead last in voter participation.
It's time to repeal closed primaries so that all eligible, registered voters have a voice in our elections. It's time to Unmute Oklahoma.
a good and informative time was had by a packed house at our july burger night & town hall in Oklahoma City!
Please donate to help us repeal closed primaries in Oklahoma. Any amount helps!
The Oklahoman, sunday, july 16, 2023
Sign up to show your support for a ballot initiative to repeal closed primaries in Oklahoma.
Independent voter news, july 20, 2023
“We’re finding common ground and the right solution that everyone can support ..." Margaret Kobos
Unite America SOLUTION SERIES
New report shows that Top Two nonpartisan primaries are improving California politics
June 8, 2023 - A new report from the Unite America Institute on top-two nonpartisan primaries in California finds that the reform has had positive impacts on electoral politics and governance. While the vast majority of states have experienced a decline in electoral competition and a rise in polarization in recent years, California has trended in a much better direction since reforming its primaries. Analyzing the state across several criteria, the report presents evidence that Top Two in California has decreased polarization, improved voter participation, and increased electoral competition.
