HB 2551 Summary

• Amends 26 O.S. 2011, Section 1-104 to allow all registered voters eligible to vote for an office to participate in a recognized political party's Primary and Runoff Primary Election if that party has two or more nominees and no other party has nominees for the office.

• Permits registered voters who are members of other recognized political parties or registered as Independents to vote in the Primary Election and Runoff Primary Election under the specified conditions.

• Allows recognized political parties to voluntarily permit Independent voters to participate in their Primary and Runoff Primary Elections by notifying the Secretary of the State Election Board between November 1-30 of odd-numbered years.

• Requires state party chairmen to notify the Secretary of the State Election Board of their party's intention to permit or prohibit Independent participation, with notification extended to December 15 if another party files first.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2014.