State Question 836 Signature Drive Begins

Push for Open Primaries Begins

Oklahoma voters will soon see signature collectors across the state as organizers prepare to launch the petition drive for State Question 836. The proposed constitutional amendment would overhaul the state’s primary election system by creating open primaries.

Currently, Oklahoma’s primary elections are limited by party affiliation. SQ 836 would allow all candidates to appear on the same ballot, regardless of party, with each candidate’s registration clearly listed.

How the Plan Would Work

Under the proposal, the top two finishers in the primary—no matter their party—would advance to the general election. Supporters believe this system could give voters more freedom and reduce partisan gridlock.

The initiative mirrors systems already used in California and Washington, where nonpartisan primaries encourage broader participation and sometimes lead to two candidates from the same party facing off in November.

What’s Next for state question Organizers

Petition circulators plan to begin collecting signatures later this month. To qualify for the 2026 statewide ballot, organizers must gather at least 172,993 valid signatures from registered Oklahoma voters within 90 days.

If approved, SQ 836 would change how every statewide, legislative, and local race is decided—making it one of the most significant election reforms in recent Oklahoma history.

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