Oklahoma Democrats to allow independents to vote in primary elections

Oklahoma's independent voters will be able to cast ballots in Democratic primary elections later this year.

Oklahoma Democratic Party delegates voted 314-137 during a Saturday meeting at Oklahoma City Community College to open primaries up to the 261,000 voters in Oklahoma who are registered as independents.

Party spokeswoman Sarah Baker said the change will take effect in September.

In a statement, State Democratic Party Chairman Mark Hammons said the change was historic.