Representative Mike Osburn

R

District 81

Hi, I’m Mike Osburn and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 81st District.


representative

Leadership

Rules Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 7, 2025
Recent Posts

Osburn Passes Election Reform Bill Through House

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.

Mar 24, 2025
Recent Posts

Bill Modifying Election Dates Sent to Senate

A measure modifying the dates for certain elections has successfully passed the House floor and is now one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, introduced  House Bill 2106  to increase voter participation in all elections while ensuring Oklahomans have plenty of opportunities to cast their votes. Under the current system, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven in even-numbered years. House Bill 2106 streamlines this process by establishing five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November. "House Bill 2106 is a common sense bill that streamlines our election calendar, reducing voter fatigue and making it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the voting process," Osburn said. "Consolidating elections not only helps keep voters engaged but also ensures a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and maintains Oklahoma's election security." The bill ensures that major election dates, such as those in November, remain unchanged while reducing the number of special election dates. It preserves exceptions for special elections called by the governor and establishes clear guidelines for when additional elections can be scheduled. 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. HB2106 passed the House floor 92-0 and now moves to the Senate.

Mar 5, 2025
Recent Posts

House Oversight Committee Passes Bill Modifying Election Dates

A measure modifying the dates certain elections may be held is now eligible for consideration on the House floor. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, authored  House Bill 2106  to increase voter turnout for all elections while ensuring voters have ample opportunity to have their voices heard at the ballot box. Under current law, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven possible dates in even-numbered years. HB2106 provides for five election days in every year to be held in February, April, June, August and November.  "House Bill 2106 is a commonsense reform that helps combat voter fatigue by streamlining our election calendar," Osburn said. "Part of the reason we have low voter turnout is because we have too many elections. By reducing the number of low-turnout elections, we make it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the democratic process while also ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective system. This bill is a win for voters, a win for election integrity and a win for fiscal responsibility."   HB2106 ensures major election dates remain in the months where they have traditionally been held while reducing the number of special election dates. The bill maintains exceptions for special elections called by the governor and outlines specific circumstances for additional election dates, specifying when they can be held.  Currently, special elections, propositions and candidate races scheduled for these specific dates would be affected. All other elections, as well as the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. HB2106 passed the House Government Oversight Committee 12-4 and may now be considered on the House floor.