What other states have closed primaries?
Oklahoma is one of only 12 states with closed primaries. The other 38 have some form of an open primary in which independents are allowed to vote.
Are we proposing moving to a Louisiana-style system?
No. Oklahoma United is proposing an "open primary" which is not what Louisiana uses. Louisiana has a “one and done” system that eliminates primaries altogether. Louisianans vote in November and there is no subsequent match between two candidates unless a candidate fails to receive over 50 percent of votes cast, in which case there is a run off election.
Our proposal is to keep primaries, keep party labels, let all voters vote, and assure there are two candidates in a contested general election,
Is an open primary a new and risky system?
No! Every city and town in Oklahoma already uses an open primary ballot today when they vote for mayor. Not coincidentally, local government approval ratings and electorate satisfaction are consistently much higher than they are for the State Legislature, which is elected via the current closed primary system.
Oklahomans are familiar with open primary ballots and correctly view them as simple, straightforward, and fair.
Feel free to email us at info@ok-united.org with additional questions.