Oklahoma Democrats may allow independents to vote in their primary elections

A voter fills out a ballot in Yukon. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman Archives]

Oklahoma’s 261,000 independent voters would be allowed to cast votes in Democratic primary elections under a proposal state party delegates are expected to support in a meeting next month.

The move is intended to show the party is inclusive of differing viewpoints and is aimed at boosting support for Democratic candidates in a state dominated by the GOP.

The ranks of independent voters have been increasing in Oklahoma.

Twenty years ago, independents made up only about 5 percent of registered voters. They now represent nearly 13 percent. The rest of the electorate is about evenly balanced between Republicans and Democrats, with Republicans holding a slight edge.