Political Parties

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 its primary elections in 2024 and 2025.

• If you register in a political organization recognized in Oklahoma you CANNOT vote for party candidates in primary elections.
• If you choose a political party or organization not recognized in Oklahoma, you will be registered as a No Party (Independent) voter.
• All voters, regardless of political affiliation, may vote in any non-partisan elections held on the same date as a partisan primary election.
• You may not change your political party affiliation from April 1 through August 31 in even-numbered years.

Title 26, Section 1-108, Oklahoma Statutes

1. Notice of intent to form a recognized political party must be filed in writing with the Secretary of the State Election Board at any time except during the period between March 1 and November 15 of any even-numbered year;
2. After such notice is filed, petitions seeking recognition of a political party, in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of the State Election Board, shall be filed with such Secretary, bearing the signatures of registered voters equal to at least three percent (3%) of the total votes cast in the last General Election for Governor. Each page of such petitions must contain the names of registered voters from a single county. Petitions may be circulated a maximum of one (1) year after notice is filed, provided that petitions shall be filed with the Secretary no later than March 1 of an even-numbered year. Such petitions shall not be circulated between March 1 and November 15 of any even-numbered year; and
3. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such petitions, the State Election Board shall determine the sufficiency of such petitions. If such Board determines there are a sufficient number of valid signatures of registered voters, the party becomes recognized under the laws of the State of Oklahoma with all rights and obligations accruing thereto.

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

Notice of intent to form new political party

Petition form