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 ..."
"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 ..."
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."
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.
It was standing room only at The Press in Oklahoma City, where everyone enjoyed burgers, beers, and a robust discussion about how opening the primaries could help solve the chaos, and division in Oklahoma politics. The energy in the room was electrifying, and we're looking forward to hosting many more evenings like this around the state. Our guests were from different political persuasions, but everyone agreed that repealing closed primaries is the right thing to do for the future of our state.
Oklahoma is at the bottom of too many national metrics:
The problems we have in Oklahoma are not partisan. Neither are the solutions.
"It feels to us, that for an independent voter to be funding an election but not able to vote in it, it's just wrong. I’m a registered Republican and I still think that’s wrong. We have a bipartisan support element from all of our contributors and supporters."
- Margaret Kobos, Founder & CEO, OKUnited
Ranked 49th in education, Oklahoma could sure use some fresh air.
Check out this July 12, 2023 story by Payton May with KOKH Fox 25 in Oklahoma City! Find more OKUnited news here.
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.
Oklahoma is dead last in eligible voter participation.
We've heard from thousands of Oklahomans, and they want change!
Check it out! Watch the highlights from the UnmuteOK campaign launch. Do you want to see us in person? Can you volunteer? Email info@ok-united.org and tell us where and when we can meet you in the middle.
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