OK SB327

County sheriff elections shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis beginning with the 2012 election cycle, with candidates filing declarations of candidacy without party affiliation.

If more than two candidates qualify for the county sheriff ballot in the Primary Election, all names appear on the primary ballot; if no candidate receives over 50% of votes, the top two advance to the General Election.

Removes the six-month party registration requirement for candidates seeking nomination as county sheriff, eliminating the political party affiliation qualification for this office.

Modifies procedures for handling candidate deaths for county sheriff races, including ballot printing protocols and provisions for special elections if death occurs before ballot printing begins.

Effective date of November 1, 2011, with amendments to election procedures in 26 O.S. 2001 and qualifications in 19 O.S. 2001.