Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31.

According to Okmulgee County Election Board Secretary Ashley Carnes, voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new Voter Registration Application.

Carnes reminds voters that no party affiliation changes are allowed from April 1 through Aug. 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, a voter must be a registered member of a party in order to vote in that party’s primary election. Independents are permitted to participate in primary elections only if a party officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Currently, no party allows Independent voters to participate in its party’s primary elections. More information about primary elections can be found on the State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, may 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 in the Okmulgee County Courthouse, located at 314 W. 7th Street, Room 102 in Okmulgee. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions, contact the County Election Board at 918-756-2365 or by email OkmulgeeCounty@elections. ok.gov.