OKLAHOMA CITY – Voters go to the polls Tuesday to pick nominees for various partisan posts, including governor, state superintendent and U.S. Senate.
Voters will be asked to decide the fate of two state questions lawmakers put on the ballot.
The race generating the most attention is the Republican primary runoff for governor.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond faces financial planner Mike Mazzei in the race that has already resulted in historic spending.
Drummond and Mazzei were the top vote-getters in the June 16 primary, but neither secured enough votes to avoid a runoff.
Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is finishing his final term and can’t seek reelection to the post.
Republicans will also select their nominees for state superintendent and Oklahoma’s next labor and insurance commissioners.
Robert Franklin faces James Taylor in the Republican runoff for state superintendent.
John Pfeiffer faces Kevin West in the Republican runoff for labor commissioner.
Marty Quinn and Bob Sullivan are vying for the Republican nomination for insurance commissioner.
Democrats have one statewide race on their partisan ballot.
Democrats Jim Priest and N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas are vying for the party nomination for Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate seat that was vacated earlier this year by Republican Markwayne Mullin, who now heads the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Fifteen partisan legislative races are also on the ballot.
All registered voters are eligible to vote on two state questions that seek to change the state Constitution.
State Question 844 would give lawmakers the power to recalculate the amount paid under a manufacturing tax incentive program. Some school leaders say reducing payments could negatively impact districts. Supporters say it is necessary to deal with overly expensive reimbursements.
State Question 846 would enshrine voter identification in the state Constitution. Supporters say it will ensure the integrity of elections despite it already being state law. Critics say it would expand legislative power over election law and give lawmakers the power to determine what identification is acceptable.
In order to cast a ballot in Tuesday’s election, voters must provide proof of identity. The document can be issued by the state, federal government or tribe. It must include the name of the person to whom it issued, a photograph and expiration date that falls before the date of the election, unless it does not expire.
It can also include a voter identification card issued by a county election board.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Results will be posted on the Oklahoma State Election Board website after polls close.
The winners of the GOP and Democratic statewide runoffs advance to the General Election on Nov. 3.
Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com.
