State Question 836 – Open Primary Petition Summary

 

What SQ 836 Proposes

Vote Yes!
Representatives will be at the Muskogee Library today, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

State Question 836 would change Oklahoma’s primary election system. It would replace closed party primaries with a single open, nonpartisan primary election. All candidates for an office would appear on the same primary ballot, and all registered voters—regardless of party affiliation—could vote. The two candidates receiving the most votes would advance to the general election, regardless of party.

 

Why Supporters Back SQ 836

Supporters say the current system excludes many voters, especially independents, from meaningful participation. They argue that many elections are effectively decided in closed primaries, leading to low turnout and limited choice. An open primary system, they say, would increase participation and encourage candidates to appeal to a broader group of voters.

 

Current Status

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the petition language is legally sufficient, allowing supporters to begin collecting signatures. Petitioners must gather roughly 173,000 valid signatures from registered voters within the allowed time period to qualify SQ 836 for placement on a statewide ballot, likely in 2026.

 

Bottom Line

SQ 836 would allow all voters to participate in a single primary election and advance the top two candidates to the general election, ending party-controlled primary elections for most offices if approved by voters.