What Oklahoma VOTERS are saying about OPEN PRIMARIES

"I agree with open primaries. If independent voters can not choose which candidate they like from a specific party they are not able to truly have a vote.”

“I fully support an open primary. All voters should be allowed to participate in the process of selecting the candidates that are on the ballot.”

“I believe it is absolutely necessary so that one party doesn’t gain complete control for an indefinite amount of time. Allowing open primaries ensures that the far right and far left don’t dictate policy and decision-making. It gives the majority middle more of a voice.”

“Open primaries provide a true reflection of Oklahoma voter choices. I am not persuaded to vote for someone based solely on the party they are affiliated with. Closed primaries deny me the right to choose a person for office that I believe will represent me. I resent the GOP telling me that I must only vote for their candidates. I want freedom of choice!”

“An open primary is crucial to changing the imbalance in this state.”

“It is needed in order to vote for the two best choices following the primaries.”

“Open primaries provide a balanced approach to selecting candidates that represent the majority of the population and increases collaboration. On the flip side, closed primaries benefit extreme candidates with special interests that polarize communities.”

“I think opening up the primaries to independent voters is very important. As an independent voter myself, I would love to have the option of choosing candidates before they get whittled down to just one per party. With independent voters having a larger (and growing!) majority than one of the existing political parties, it would make sense to allow them to have a voice during the selection process.”

“Oklahoma should definitely enact open primaries. In addition to that, eliminate straight party ticket voting. I was a registered Republican for 40 years, but 4 years ago registered as an Independent.”

“Opening the primaries to all registered voters would require the candidates to develop a campaign strategy that would appeal to a wider range of voters. They would have to describe and justify their stance on a wide range of issues. This would allow for accountability to all voters once in office as well."

“Opening primaries to all voters will reduce political extremism and polarization, leading to better, more centrist candidates who are willing to transcend ideological boundaries to get the government’s work accomplished.”

“It would be a positive change that allows full involvement in the political process no matter your affiliation. It would bring some hope in a state where voting seems pointless.”

“Yes we need open primaries! I am a registered Independent and until recently when the Democratic party allowed me to vote in their primaries, I was shut out of the system entirely until the general election.”

“I think it is absolutely vital and would bolster democracy. I am neither a registered Libertarian nor a Republican, but considering the electoral advantage these two parties enjoy in Oklahoma, I understand the reality that most of our elected representatives will belong to one of these two parties, and I would like to have a say over which primary candidate I would prefer to move onto the general election. My life and the lives of the rest of Oklahomans will be affected by the policies of whoever is elected, and therefore I believe nonaffiliated voters should have a choice in who they would prefer to represent them.”

“I think the only way to protect our state from extremism, from either side, is to have open primaries. Open primaries will keep candidates from running to the left or right. We need common sense candidates who will work together.”

“I am in favor of open primaries. As a registered independent I believe my voice should be heard in each and every election. I should be able to voice my choice of candidate regardless of the party. I understand I can vote my choice in a general election but I believe I should be able to also voice who I would prefer the candidates be in that general election."

“I approve of it. As a judge at a voting site, I see the resection of the Independent voter's voice in every primary. I also want to see the end of Straight Party voting. It leads to the vast majority of spoiled ballots when a voter will straight party vote then mark for someone of a different party in a single race.”

“Closed primaries disenfranchise huge swaths of voters — especially in a largely red state like OK when there are no challengers from other parties.”

"Closed primaries are a waste of tax dollars. Let’s be fiscally responsible and join the majority of states that support open primaries.”

“Do it. Do it now. Most people have no idea that this has even been happening, but are really upset with our status quo. All voters should have all candidates in front of them. They are paying for these elections and it’s wrong to exclude them. We all want the freedom to choose the person we think is best for the job without interference or being told what to do. Open primaries would energize all our voters, increase registration, and give everyone a voice. Independents deserve to have an equal voice in all the elections they’re being taxed to pay for.”

“I purposefully changed my affiliation to Republican so that I would have a voice in Oklahoma. I feel that primaries should be open since we all have to live with the vote regardless of how we choose.”

“I believe that all eligible, registered voters should have the right to vote in any primary election they want to. They shouldn't have to join a political party in order to vote in elections they help pay for with their taxes.”

“I totally support the idea of open primaries instead of closed. I would like to be able to vote for any individual from any party, rather than just the ones in my party. I am a Republican in Oklahoma, and I feel for the democrats here who don't think their voice is heard.”

See all of the responses to The Oklahoman's Public Square here.