Elections and Ethics

A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state. Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers. The legislation was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and was carried in the House by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond. "Senate Bill 652 brings much needed clarity and consistency to Oklahoma’s election calendar," Paxton said. "By streamlining our elections to five set dates each year, we create a more predictable system for voters, election officials and local governments. Fewer, clearly defined election days will reduce confusion, improve administration and help boost voter turnout by making it easier for Oklahomans to know when elections are happening and plan to participate." Osburn said these updates will reduce the number of obscure election days, helping voters more easily keep track of elections and making elections easier to staff. "The existing patchwork system of election dates has often created confusion for voters, which contributes to low voter turnout," Osburn said. "This reform provides relief by creating a predictable schedule that saves time, reduces administrative strain and help counties better steward taxpayer dollars. By modernizing our election calendar to be clear and consistent, Oklahomans can more easily participate in elections and make their voices heard." While SB652 reorganizes the timing of certain special elections, propositions and candidate races, it leaves all existing voting processes intact. Absentee voting, early voting and voter access options remain unchanged. The bill also preserves key exceptions, including the governor’s authority to call special elections outside the standard calendar when necessary. The bill took effect on Nov. 1, 2025, but only affects elections occurring after Jan. 1, 2026. Election information for currently scheduled special elections remain unchanged.

A measure reorganizing when certain elections are held in Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives floor this week. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, presented  Senate Bill 652 , which streamlines the election process by establishing five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November. There are currently 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven in even-numbered years. "The passage of Senate Bill 652 is a forward-looking effort to bring greater clarity, consistency and accessibility to Oklahoma’s electoral process," Osburn said. "By strategically aligning our election dates, we can encourage broader participation in our democracy. This reform is not simply about rescheduling; it’s about respecting the time and voices of Oklahoma citizens. " Osburn added that a reduction in the number of elections will combat voter fatigue, relieve overworked poll workers and improve communication about election dates, all of which contribute to low voter turnout. SB652 was authored by Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. "Senate Bill 652 is about making elections more predictable and is an effort to modernize and streamline Oklahoma’s election calendar," Paxton said. "By consolidating election dates, it will promote greater clarity for voters and improve access to the ballot. With a more structured election schedule, it will provide consistency and give voters greater opportunity to plan ahead and participate in the democratic process. I appreciate Representative Osburn for carrying this measure in the House and moving it forward." While the new structure would affect the timing of some special elections, propositions and candidate races, all other elections, including the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. SB652 preserves exceptions for special elections called by the governor and establishes clear guidelines for when additional elections can be scheduled. SB652 passed the House 93-0. It returns to the Senate for a vote on the House amendments.

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, has passed legislation further enhancing the integrity of Oklahoma's electoral process. If House Bill 1005 becomes law, all voter identification cards must include a photo of the voter beginning in 2027. Under the bill, Service Oklahoma would be tasked with working with the Secretary of the State Election Board to develop and provide a free photo identification card that meets HB1005's requirements. "Oklahoma's elections are among the safest in the nation, and House Bill 1005 presents another opportunity to safeguard the integrity of our elections," Olsen said. "By requiring a photo ID for all voters, we are securing the votes of all Oklahomans and enhancing transparency and accountability in our elections. I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House as we work together to protect Oklahoma's elections." These identification requirements would apply to both in-person absentee voting and Election Day voting. HB1005 passed the House floor 75-18 on Thursday and now moves to the Senate, where it is carried by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.