Okmulgee County Election Board Secretary Ashley Carnes said this week that Oklahomans who changed their political party affiliation after March 31 will be on hold.

Carnes reminds voters that party changes are prohibited from April 1 through August 31 during an even-numbered year.

“If we receive your request after March 31, we are required by law to hold that request and process it in September,” Carnes said.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian.

In Oklahoma, voters must be a registered member of a party in order to vote in that party’s primary election. Independents are permitted to participate in a primary election, only if a party officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Currently, only the Democratic Party allows Independents to vote in its primary elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate during a General Election.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from the State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections. Applications are also available at the Okmulgee County Election Board located at 314 W 7th Street, Room 102 in Okmulgee. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For questions, contact the County Election Board at 918756-2365 or OkmulgeeCounty@elections.ok.gov.