Republican? Democrat? If you said, yes, then go ahead and cast you vote.

Whats that you say? Independent? Heres where it gets complicated.

Oklahoma should implement open primaries and allow more than two parties to run in its system.

The current system puts registered independents in Oklahoma at a disadvantage when it comes to voting. Not only can they not vote in primaries, but they have to live in a two-party world.

Oklahomas restrictions on independents are very strict in comparison to the rest of the nation, requiring an astounding 73,000 signatures for a party to get on the ballot.

The Oklahoma State Election Board estimates that, out of the 2.5 million eligible voters in Oklahoma, not all of whom have registered to vote, only 850,000 will cast a ballot in the upcoming elections.

How is another party expected to get on the ballot when about 10 percent of people who are even going to vote have to sign a petition?

Having more than two parties on the ballot is the ideal: It gives politically active individuals a choice, especially if they can not identify with the Republican or Democratic ideals. Of course, there is such a thing as having too many parties for instance, Britains Monster Raving Loony Party, which doesnt garner many votes, but has a great time trying to.

In July, two Republicans, Tim Kuykendall and Greg Mashburn, were the only candidates in the primary race for District Attorney in District 21. It meant that only Republicans got to decide who was going to preside over Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties. Shouldnt the Democrats and Independents in three counties of central Oklahoma have been given a say in the decision?

Independents should be respected in the political process in the same way that Democrats or Republicans are; they should be given the chance to vote in every election even if it is just a two-party ballot.



hello there & you too