OKDEMS Challenge State Election Board Decision to Exclude Independents from the Democratic Primary

Dec

2025

PRESS RELEASE

OKDEMS Challenge State Election Board Decision to Exclude Independents from the Democratic Primary

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Oklahoma Democratic Party learned today, through a press release from the Oklahoma State Election Board, that Independent voters would not be allowed to participate in the Democratic Primary in Oklahoma for the 2026-2027 election cycles.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to continue our longstanding policy of including Independents in our primaries at our State Convention in June 2025. The State Election Board was notified of this decision on August 4, 2025. We cannot confirm any further communication from the Election Board on this matter until the issuance of today’s news release.

“Oklahoma Democrats welcome Independents in our elections. We value their voices in selecting our general election candidates. We are working with the State Election Board to correct this error and exploring legal counsel if necessary,” said Erin Brewer, OKDEMS Chair.

At this time, we are working closely with the State Election Board to resolve this matter, and are committed to ensuring Independent voter access to our primary ballot.