Deadline to change party affiliation approaches

Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, said Stephens County Election Board Secretary Shawnda Seely. Voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new Voter Registration Application.

No party changes are allowed from April 1 through Aug. 31 during an even-numbered year.

"If we receive your request after March 31, we are required by law to hold that request and process it in September," Seely said.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian.

In Oklahoma, voters must be a registered member of a party in order to vote in that party's primary election. Independents are permitted to participate in a primary election, only if a party officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Only the Democratic Party allows Independents to vote in its primary elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate during a General Election.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from the State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections.

Applications are available at the Stephens County Election Board, located at 1075 W. Elm Ave. in Duncan. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Need more information? Contact the County Election Board at 580-255-8782 or StephensCounty@elections.ok.gov