Nominee elections for political party deadline set for May 31

Melissa Stambaugh, secretary of the Lincoln County Election Board, reminds Oklahomans that if they want to elect a nominee for a political party they should make sure they are registered correctly no later than May 31.
May 31 is the last day for registered voters to change their political affiliation, Stambaugh said. Changes in political affiliation are not allowed between June 1 and Aug. 31. Only new voter registrations, name changes and changes of address can by processed at that time.
Each political party may nominate one candidate per office for the November general election. If two or more candidates from the same party file for one office, the party nominee is selected at either the primary or run-off primary election.
Only voters registered in a political party can vote to select that party’s nominees. Voters not registered in a party (independents) cannot vote for party candidates in primary elections, Stambaugh said.
Oklahoma has two recognized political parties in 2008: Democratic and Republican.
All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate at the November general election and for state or local questions at any election.
Applications to register to vote or to change political affiliation are available at county election board offices, post offices, public libraries, state offices providing public assistance and most political party and candidate campaign offices.