Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, Mc-Intosh County Election Board Secretary Janelle McKnight said today. 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.

McKnight reminds voters that no party changes are allowed from April 1 through August 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,” McKnight said.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian. In Oklahoma, voters must be a registered member of a party in order to vote in that party’s primary election. Independents are permitted to participate in a primary election only if a party officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Currently, only the Democratic Party allows Independents to vote in its primary elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can 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 Mc-Intosh County Election Board located on the 1st floor of the McIntosh County Courthouse, 110 N 1st, Eufaula OK. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Questions? Call the County Election Board at (918) 689-2452 or e-mail mcintoshcounty@elections. ok.gov.