What type of primary is restricted to voters affiliated with a particular party?

The State of Oklahoma currently recognizes three political parties:

  • Democratic Party
  • Republican Party
  • Libertarian Party

When registering to vote, an Oklahoman may affiliate with any recognized party or recognized political organization, or may register as No Party (Independent).

  • If you register in a political party recognized in Oklahoma you may vote only for that party’s candidates in primary elections.
  • If you register No Party (Independent) you generally cannot vote in primary elections unless a recognized party authorizes Independent voters to participate in its primaries.

*Note: The Democratic Party has authorized Independent voters to participate in their primary elections in 2022 and 2023.

Title 26, Section 1-108, Oklahoma Statutes

A group of persons may form a recognized political party at any time except during the period between March 1 and November 15 of any even-numbered year if the following procedure is observed:

NOTE: Subsequent to the November 8, 2022 General Election, the signatures requirements for a petition to form a new political party is 34,599, which is valid through November 10, 2026.

Title 26, Section 1-109, Oklahoma Statutes

A. Any recognized political party shall continue to be a recognized political party if a candidate of that party for any statewide elected office receives at least two and one half percent (2.5%) of the total votes cast for the office in either of the preceding two (2) general elections. If such a political party fails to retain recognition, the party may regain recognition only by following the procedure prescribed for formation of new political parties. The State Election Board shall proclaim the fact of a party's failure to receive a sufficient number of votes and shall order that said party cease to be recognized.

B. Any recognized political party that ceases to be recognized under provisions of this section shall be designated as a political organization. Such political organization designation shall terminate four (4) years from the date that the political party ceases to be recognized or when the political organization regains recognition as a political party, whichever is earlier.

What types of elections are there?

There are three basic types -- primary, general and local. In addition, "special elections" can be called which are limited to one specific purpose, e.g., filling a vacancy.

What is a primary election?

There are two types of primary elections. In a Presidential primary election, voters registered with a political party select the candidate who will represent that party on the ballot in the next general election in November. In its statewide primary, California now has a Top Two Open Primary system, which means that all candidates running for state constitutional, U.S. Congressional, and state legislative offices will be listed on a single statewide primary election ballot. Voters can vote for the candidate of their choice for these offices, regardless of how they are registered. The top two candidates, as determined by the voters, will advance to the general election in November.

In a Presidential primary election, if you are registered to vote with a political party, you will be given a ballot for that party. Each political party has the option of allowing decline-to-state voters to vote in their Presidential primary. Find out how to vote for President based on your party affiliation.

When are primary elections held?

The statewide primary is held in June of even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday. The California Legislature sets the Presidential primary date. 

What is a general election?

The general election is one that is held in the whole state and is not limited to voters in a particular party or a specific locality.

When are general elections held?

The statewide general election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years. The general election for the President is held quadrennially on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November.

What is the purpose of a general election?

The purpose of a Presidential general election is to make a final choice among the various candidates who have been nominated by parties or who are running as independent or write-in candidates. In addition, where nonpartisan races have not been decided in the primary, the runoffs are held at the general election. The purpose of the statewide general election for given state and congressional offices is for voters to make a final choice between the top two-vote getters in the statewide primary election. Statewide measures also can be placed on the November ballot.

What is a nonpartisan office?

It is an office for which candidates' names appear on the ballot without party designation. No party may nominate a candidate for nonpartisan office.

Which offices are nonpartisan?

Local offices such as most city council members, county supervisors,  all school boards, all judgeships, including the statewide office of member of the California Supreme Court. The statewide offices of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner are nonpartisan.

Are there nonpartisan primaries?

Yes. Some local nonpartisan primaries such as those for judges are usually held at the same time as the statewide regular primary. A candidate for a nonpartisan office who is on the primary ballot is selected if he or she wins more than 50% of the vote. If not, there is a runoff election in November between the top two candidates.

Do all nonpartisan offices use primaries?

No, some nonpartisan offices, such as most city councils and school boards, do not use primaries. Candidates run as independents and the person with the most votes wins even if it is not a majority.

When are local elections held and how do I learn about them?

There is no set time or method that applies to all city, county, school or special district elections. If you are a registered voter you will receive a Sample Ballot before the election. This provides basic information you need about who is running for what office and whether there are any local ballot measures. Most local offices are nonpartisan and candidates run without party affiliation noted on the ballot. You can always check VotersEdge.org for more information about your local elections.

What is the definition of closed primary?

What is a Closed Primary? A closed primary is a type of primary election conducted to vote for the candidates who will run in the general election.

What is a closed primary quizlet?

closed primary. A primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote. open vs closed primary. An open primary is a primary election in which any registered voter can vote in any party's primary. In a closed primary, only voters registered for the party which is holding the primary may ...

What are the three primary factors that shape voters choices?

The three cleavage-based voting factors focused on in research are class, gender and religion. Firstly, religion is often a factor which influences one's party choice.

What is one difference between closed and open primary elections?

In a closed primary, registered voters must declare their party affiliation on, or prior to, election day and receive only the ballot of their party choice. In an open primary, any voter can participate regardless of party affiliation.