State Question 836 aims to overhaul Oklahoma’s primary election system by replacing party-based primaries with a single, open and nonpartisan contest.

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

All candidates would appear on one ballot, giving every registered voter a chance to vote, regardless of party affiliation.

The top two vote-getters would move on to the general election, regardless of political party.

Supporters argue the change would provide more choice for Oklahoma voters, especially independents who are currently shut out of most primaries.

They believe this system would boost participation and push candidates to appeal to the full electorate, not just party loyalists.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has cleared the way for signature gathering, requiring about 173,000 signatures to put SQ 836 on the 2026 ballot.

If passed, party-controlled primaries would end for most offices statewide.