DON'T CALIFORNIA OUR OKLAHOMA!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

by Steve Fair

 

Benjamin Franklin said, "the world is run by those that show up."  Talking and having good intentions don't cut it.  Sporadic, inconsistent, patchy involvement produces little. True meaningful influence and progress are the fruit of people who consistently put in the effort and do the work.  Most who 'show up' are not flamboyant or theatrical.  They are methodical and structured.  They are not influenced by hyperbole, exaggeration, and sensationalism.  They walk the walk, not just talk the talk. 

 Advocates for changing Oklahoma's primary election system point to the state's low voter turnout, which ranked last nationally in 2024.  They claim going to a California model primary system will increase voter turnout.  But that hasn't been the case in California.  California’s turnout was down (-5%) in 2024, so that theory is flawed.  Three observations:

 First, voter turnout is a science.  It's also big business.  Political operatives charge big bucks to help campaigns determine who will vote. They charge more money to 'get out the vote.'  The goal is to get 'their voters' to the polls.  They will use whatever means necessary.  For them, it's a game of numbers.  By getting their voters to the polls at a higher rate than their opponent, their odds of winning increases.  Many campaigns aren't above lying, cheating or stealing to 'get the vote out.'  Sadly, situational ethics reign in politics.    

 Second, Oklahoma has a turnout problem.  In 1992, Oklahoma's voter turnout was 58.8% and ranked 24th in the country- 4 points higher than the national average.  It has steadily declined through the years.  In 2024, only 55.3% of voters cast a ballot in the Sooner state- dead last in U.S.  There are a variety of reasons people don't vote, but the solution isn't revamping a primary system that is both fair and logical.  The fix is to educate fellow citizens and encourage more people to show up.  But that requires long term commitment by citizens and political leaders, something neither has proven to embrace.  Until Okies take more equity in their own government, expect turnout to be an embarrassment.  FYI- until 2024, Texas voter turnout has consistently been lower than Oklahoma.

 Third, low information voters are easily manipulated.  Poorly informed voters represent a huge opportunity for political operatives.  By using emotional appeals and misleading tactics to influence voter behavior, the uninformed become simply a tool to win.  Misleading, caricatured distortions of opponent’s positions rule the day.  The principled practice unprincipled tactics to win.  Capitalizing on voter's laziness and unencumbered with integrity, political ads, mailers and messaging placate and kowtow potential voters.

 Some believe low information voters should simply stay home, but that is not the answer.  The solution is to encourage, educate, and develop fellow citizens into strong-willed, resolute, unimpressionable voters that can't be exploited, but that requires too much work for most politicos.      

 Three things to remember about the SQ#836 petition: (1) Oklahoma's current primary system isn't broken or unfair.  (2) Changing to a California style primary system will not increase voter turnout.  (3) SQ#836 would increase the number of 'low information' voters.

 Don't sign the SQ#836 petition.  Don't California our Oklahoma!  Start showing up!