New voter registrations way up in southern Oklahoma

Now that the new voter landslide is over, south central Oklahoma election workers are gearing up for an avalanche before the filing period, political party primaries and November’s general election.
More people seem to want a piece of the action.
Voter registrations increased 12 to 15 percent from January to March in Carter, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall and Murray counties. Observers and election officials say people are attracted by the presidential race. Not everyone agrees.
Election board officials generally agree that presidential contests attract new and inactive voters every four years. They point to a surge of registrations before Oklahoma’s preferential primary in February. The trend has been up and down since, according to Helen McReynolds, Tammy Richardson, Janis Stewart, Cleta Willis, LaRue Wilhite and Rosa Thomas, election board secretaries in Carter, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall and Murray counties.   
New registrations generally reflect reinstated inactive voters, those deleted from registration because they haven’t voted for at least four years, new residents and those turning 18.
Workers anticipate another “voter surge” during the next three weeks. May 31 is the deadline for registered voters wanting to change their political party affiliation. Because of Democratic dominance in county elections in this region, some Republican voters will use this option to vote in county races and change back by Sept. 1 for the general election.
State’s Closed Primary
An unidentified woman caller took exception to being disenfranchised by Oklahoma’s closed primary election following the election when the late Harvey Burkhart was elected.
“Sorry ma’am, you’re registered with the wrong party,” she was told.
“He’s going to be my sheriff, too,” she complained about not getting to vote.
Oklahoma’s closed primary election limits voting to electors who have candidates listed on the ballot.
The law is simple: only registered Democrats can vote the Democratic ballot and registered Republicans can vote the Republican ballot. 
There are three possible ballots facing voters following the June 2-4 candidate filing period. Party primaries are set July 29, runoff primaries Aug. 26 and the general election Nov. 4. Barring a contested Republican contest, the July/August ballots will be for Democrats. Individuals registered as independent and all others cannot vote in any party primary in Oklahoma; however, the November ballot is open to every registered voter.
Candidate Filings
This year’s state ballot will include U.S. Senate, Representative, Corporation Commission and State Senate and Representative races. Candidates for these offices will file with the state election board, Oklahoma City, with a filing fee or petition. Filing fees can be paid only by a cashier’s or certified check made payable to the State Election Board Secretary. Cash or personal checks cannot be accepted. The U.S. Senate race fee is $1,000; U.S. Representative $750; Corporation Commission $500, and state legislative contests $200.
Court Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff and District 2 County Commissioner positions are subject to election at the local level. Candidates will file with their respective county election board with a $200 filing fee.
State law provides any candidate may withdraw by submitting a written notice to the state or county election board by 5 p.m. the following Friday, which is also the deadline for any candidate to contest the candidacy of another person running for the same office.
State Election Secretary Mike Clingman said candidate filings are limited to political parties recognized by state law. Questions regarding the state election code or candidate qualifications should be directed to the state or county election board.
Regional county offices and contact information
Carter -- Helen McReynolds, Ardmore, courthouse annex, (580) 223-5290.
Jefferson -- Tammy Richardson, Waurika, courthouse, (580) 228-3150.
Johnston -- Janis Stewart, Tishomingo, courthouse, (580) 371-3670.
Love -- Cleta Willis, Marietta, courthouse, (580) 276-2242.
Marshall -- LaRue Wilhite, Madill, courthouse, (580) 795-5460.
Murray -- Rosa Thomas, Sulphur, courthouse, (580) 622-3800.
Wilbert Wiggs, 221-6526
wilbert.wiggs@ardmoreite.com