OK HB1097

Beginning with the 2016 election cycle, county sheriff elections shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis, with candidates filing a Declaration of Candidacy without declaring party affiliation.

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

If only two candidates qualify, both names appear directly on the General Election ballot.

Modified qualifications for county sheriff to remove party registration requirement; candidates must be registered voters or registered Independents rather than registered to a specific party.

Effective date: November 1, 2015.