The groups are interested in designing new ways for the state’s independents to have a more representative voice in the election cycle, or increase civic engagement.

A group of Oklahoma voters led by a former Secretary of State want to change the way Primary elections are run in the Sooner State.

Republican voters in House District 35 cast ballots in a special primary election Tuesday, but they'll have to do it again in January.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party is working with the State Election Board to ensure independent voter access to its primary ballot after the board "blindsided" the party and said all primary elections would be closed in 2026 and 2027.

Oklahomans in House District 35 will have the chance to vote on a new representative Tuesday. The seat covers cities in Creek, Noble, Osage, Pawnee and Payne counties. Former Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, resigned after pleading guilty to domestic abuse and assault.

The State Election Board Secretary announced on Wednesday that all primaries will remain closed for the 2026-2027 election years.

No candidate secured a majority in the GOP primary for Oklahoma House District 35, sending Dillon Travis and Mike Waters to a Jan. 13 runoff.

Primaries and runoff elections will remain closed to Independent voters for the 2026-2027 election years, according to the State Election Board.

Nearly half a million Oklahomans registered as Independents will be unable to vote in primary elections for the next two years. Some Independent voters have decided to switch parties to continue voting in the primary.

Independent voters in Oklahoma will not be able to participate in primary elections for the 2026-2027 election cycles, the Oklahoma State Election Board announced Wednesday.