OKLAHOMA CITY – Supporters of increasing the minimum wage said Thursday that independents can still vote on the issue when it appears on the June primary ballot.
The action comes after the Oklahoma Election Board on Wednesday said that all partisan primaries will be closed to independents after Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians did not submit notice that they intended to open their elections to non-affiliated voters.
The Oklahoma Democratic Party said it wanted to continue to allow independents to vote in their primaries, but the State Election Board said party leaders failed to give notice. Democratic leaders said they were exploring legal counsel.
As a result, for the first time in a decade, Democrats will not let independents vote in their primaries.
Gov. Kevin Stitt in September 2024 set the vote on State Question 832 for the June 16, 2026, primary election ballot.
The question seeks to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2029.
“All voters, regardless of party registration, can vote on state questions, even when they are on the primary ballot,” said Amber England, a spokesperson for State Question 832.
She said Wednesday’s announcement about partisan primary closures was disappointing because independents are one of the fastest growing and engaged voting blocs in the state.
She said their vote matters.
“This election is your chance to help ensure Oklahoma’s workers and families can keep up with the rising costs of gas, groceries and housing,” England said.
If passed by voters, the initiative would increase the minimum wage to $12 an hour in 2027 from the current $7.25, which is also the federal minimum wage. The rate has been the same since 2009.
It calls for additional gradual increases until it reaches $15 an hour in 2029.
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