Straight-Party Voting Declines in Oklahoma Elections

A coalition in Oklahoma is advocating for open primaries, allowing all voters to participate in elections regardless of party affiliation, aiming to increase voter turnout in a state where many races are decided in closed Republican primaries. This initiative comes as Independent voter registration rises, while Democratic registration declines. In Sri Lanka, recent parliamentary elections saw the lowest voter turnout in recent history, attributed to accessibility issues, the cost of time off work, and dissatisfaction with candidates. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, the popularity of straight-party voting is declining, with only 38% of voters choosing this option in the latest election, down from 45.5% in 2020. The straight-party voting option remains controversial, with proponents citing convenience and critics arguing it discourages engagement. Several states have recently moved to eliminate straight-party voting, reflecting growing concerns about voter engagement and ballot completeness.