Primary election reminders

Primary elections for federal, state, and county candidates are scheduled for June 18 across the state. On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting will be held June 13 and 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also on Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting in Stephens County is held at the Stephens County Election Board office at 1075 West Elm Avenue, Duncan.

A list of early voting locations and the election list are available on the State Election Board website. Voters can find their polling place using the OK Voter Portal.

Voters are reminded that Oklahoma has modified, closed primaries.

CLOSED PRIMARIES

In order to participate in a party’s primary election, you must be a registered voter of that party – unless the party opens its primaries to Independent (unaffiliated or “no party”) voters. There are three recognized political parties in Oklahoma: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian.

For the 2024 to 2025 election years, the Democratic Party has chosen to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Independent voters who wish to vote a Democratic Primary ballot, must request a Democratic Primary ballot whether voting in person or by absentee ballot. Independent voters may not vote a Republican Primary ballot or Libertarian Primary ballot.

HOW PRIMARIES WORK

A primary election is held if more than one candidate from the same recognized political party files for a single office. Candidates who receive the majority of the votes cast for their office in their respective party’s primary election will advance to the general election.

If more than two candidates file, and no candidate receives a majority of the votes, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will advance to the runoff primary election.

If candidates from only one recognized political party file for an office, the elected official will be chosen during the primary election or runoff primary election. (Primary election laws apply.) A general election will not be held. More information about primary elections can be found on the State Election Board website at https://oklahoma.gov/elections.html.

Voters with questions should contact the Stephens County Election Board at 580-255-8782 or StephensCounty@elections.ok.gov.

The County Election Board is located at 1075 West Elm Avenue, Duncan. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.