OK HB1579

Beginning with the 2016 election cycle, all county sheriff elections shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis, with candidates unable to declare party affiliation on their Declaration of Candidacy.

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

Removes the party affiliation requirement from sheriff candidate qualifications, allowing registered voters of any party or registered Independents to run.

Counties with populations of 500,000 or more must require sheriff candidates to be current certified peace officers in good standing.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2015.