Open Primary supporters launch Ballot Initiative effort

Increase voter turnout. Chip away at political polarization. Make elected officials more accountable to their constituents.

Backers of open primaries believe they can accomplish all of the above via State Question 835, a citizen-led initiative petition filed Monday afternoon with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.

The proposed constitutional amendment places all congressional, statewide, county and state legislative candidates, regardless of political affiliation, on the June primary election ballot. The top two candidates would advance to the November general election ballot, rendering the August runoff unnecessary.