Oklahoma Lawmakers Push Ballot Question to Keep Closed Primaries

After open-primary petition fails, lawmakers aim to enshrine closed partisan primaries in state constitution.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:52am

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Following the failure of a petition to move Oklahoma to an open primary system, some state lawmakers are now advancing a proposal that would ask voters to permanently keep the state's closed partisan primaries in place. The new proposal would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to ensure each recognized political party can place a candidate on the general election ballot, effectively doing the opposite of what the previous open-primary petition aimed to accomplish.

Why it matters

This move highlights the ongoing debate over primary election systems in Oklahoma. Supporters of open primaries argue that the current closed system gives political parties too much power, while proponents of the new proposal say it is necessary to protect the ability of recognized parties to field candidates. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's electoral process.

The details

The Secretary of State's Office recently invalidated roughly 30,000 signatures on a petition for State Question 836, which would have moved Oklahoma to a nonpartisan primary system. In response, State Rep. Eric Roberts has filed a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to permanently keep the state's closed partisan primaries. Roberts' proposal would create a separate ballot question asking voters to ensure each recognized political party can place a candidate on the general election ballot. Some lawmakers have questioned why the proposal needs to be enshrined in the constitution rather than addressed through state law.

  • In late March, the Secretary of State's Office ruled that the petition for State Question 836 did not collect enough valid signatures, preventing the open-primary proposal from appearing on the ballot.
  • In early March, State Rep. Eric Roberts filed a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to keep Oklahoma's closed partisan primaries.
  • On March 5, the House Rules Committee heard testimony on Roberts' proposal.

The players

State Rep. Eric Roberts

A Republican state representative from Oklahoma City who has filed a proposal to amend the state constitution to permanently keep Oklahoma's closed partisan primaries.

Oklahoma United

A group that supported the idea of expanding nonpartisan primaries in Oklahoma and gathered signatures for State Question 836.

State Rep. Andy Fugate

A Democratic state representative from Del City who questioned why Roberts' proposal needs to amend the state constitution.

State Rep. Ellyn Hefner

A Democratic state representative from Oklahoma City who asked why Roberts' proposal must go into the constitution rather than state law.

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What they’re saying

“It seems to me that the parties themselves... are trying to find ways to have more power.”

— Caedmon Brooks, with Oklahoma United (KFOR)

“I think that creates a lot of essentially useless confusion for voters.”

— Caedmon Brooks, with Oklahoma United (KFOR)

“What's left? What is it you're trying to fix?”

— State Rep. Andy Fugate (KFOR)

“We're just making sure that any recognized party in the state of Oklahoma has the ability to have a candidate in the general election.”

— State Rep. Eric Roberts (KFOR)

“Because I think it needs to be in perpetuity that can be unchanged down the road.”

— State Rep. Eric Roberts (KFOR)

What’s next

If the Legislature passes Rep. Roberts' resolution, voters would have the final say on whether to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to permanently keep partisan primaries.

The takeaway

This debate over primary election systems in Oklahoma highlights the ongoing tension between those who want to give voters more choice and those who aim to protect the power of established political parties. The outcome could have lasting implications for the state's electoral process.