Political Parties should determine their nominee!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

DON’T SIGN SQ836

by Steve Fair

      On Tuesday the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled unanimously against the Oklahoma Republican Party (OKGOP) that State Question 836 (SQ 836) can proceed to the signature-gathering phase. The OKGOP had argued SQ 836 infringed on the First Amendment rights of political parties and violated a parties' 'associational rights. 

  SQ836 proposes an open primary where all candidates would appear on a single primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation.  All registered voters, including Independents, could vote and the top two candidates would advance to the general election.    Currently Oklahoma has modified closed primaries.  Only voters registered Republican can vote in the Republican primary.  Democrats allow Independents to vote in their primary.  Changes to the primary system require a change to the state constitution and therefore a vote of the people.  Supporters of SQ836 now have 90 days to collect at least 172,993 valid signatures from Oklahoma voters.  If they are successful, SQ836 would likely be on the November 2026 ballot.  SQ836 could still face legal challenges.  In its ruling, the Supreme Court said the challenge to the initiative petition could occur after signatures have been collected. 

     In a separate case, the Oklahoma Supreme Court granted temporary relief from a new law (Senate Bill 1027), which was passed last session to restrict geographical areas where initiative petition signatures could be gathered. The ruling means supporters of SQ 836 will not have to comply with the new rules during their signature drive.  Three observations:

     First, political parties should determine their nominee, not outsiders.  It makes no sense for those who do not identify, agree with, or participate in an organization to have a say in the parties' business.  No civic club or church opens their business meetings up to whoever walks in off the street.  That's crazy, but that is what Democrats and some Republicans want.  Why?  Because they are losing elections!  If open primaries are such a great idea, why didn't the Ds want it when they dominated Oklahoma politics for a century?  Because open primaries are not a good idea.  It's a scheme to win elections with candidates who are not as conservative.  It's a plan to move Oklahoma to the left.  Instead of educating voters, which takes time and effort, proponents of SQ836 want an election system that will promote manipulation, conniving and scheming. 

     Second, not just Republicans should oppose SQ836.  Democrats should not support a system that allows Rs to vote to determine their nominee.  SQ836 would hurt the Democrat brand.  If registered Independents truly are 'independent,' they shouldn't support it.  They should want the three recognized parties in Oklahoma to pick their nominee and the Independents can vote in the general.  Open primaries would render political parties irrelevant and meaningless.    

     Third, informed citizens should not sign the petition.  Signature solicitors will be at the state fair, in parking lots, and online.  They will make the false claim Oklahoma's current primary system is unfair and disenfranchises/excludes voters. But no voter is excluded in a closed primary who doesn't choose to be excluded.  To participate in the GOP primary, a voter need only to register Republican.  Simple as that.  Don't sign the petition! 

     If Oklahoma moves to open primaries, political parties will become toothless and meaningless.  Special interest money will pour into politics, making it next to impossible for grassroots candidates to win.  Oklahoma's title of the most conservative state in America will be gone.  But those who want Oklahoma to be more liberal will be back in control.