State Election Board Secretary comments on Oklahoma voter turnout, reporting delay in two counties

It never ceases to amaze me that even when there are technical issues or delays, such as with Cleveland and Comanche counties this past Tuesday, Oklahoma can count every vote far faster than pretty much every other state in the union. Other states should learn from us 

Statement from the Secretary of the State Election Board, Paul Ziriax

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 4, 2026) – More than 1 million Oklahoma voters cast their ballots on November 3 in the 2026 General Election. However, the total votes cast and turnout percentage for the 2026 General Election were down compared to the last two gubernatorial elections in 2022 and 2018. While the high turnout for early voting this year created optimism that participation numbers might exceed previous years, unfortunately, this did not equate to a high voter turnout overall.

We are grateful for the voters who exercised their right to vote and appreciate the thousands of poll workers and election officials who worked hard to ensure that this election was free and fair.

Oklahoma expands public access to state spending data

Oklahoma expands public access to state spending data

New transparency database gives Oklahomans a clearer view of state purchases.

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 5, 2026) – Building on transparency reforms enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature this year, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services recently launched the Oklahoma Spending Transparency database, giving Oklahomans and lawmakers an easier way to follow how state agencies spend taxpayer dollars.

Election Day: Links and Resources

Today is the General Election. If you haven't voted yet, you have from 7:00am to 7:00pm to cast your ballots at your precinct polling location. If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out.

Here are some links to various posts and additional resources about the candidates that you may find helpful.

House members study biochar production and potential for Oklahoma

Dobrinski Studies Biochar Impacts for Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 20th) – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, on Tuesday held an interim study before the House Agriculture Committee examining biochar production and its potential applications in Oklahoma.

Study participants first had to learn what biochar is.

Dr. Lori Han, with the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma, explained biochar is a carbon-rich material made from biomass that undergoes a thermochemical conversion process known as pyrolysis. A simpler way to say this is a once living material, exposed to high heat, becomes a material with new properties.

New state agency rules transparency reforms take effect

New Admin Rules Transparency Reforms Take Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 30th) – Two new laws taking effect Nov. 1 will further strengthen Oklahoma's administrative rules process by requiring state agencies to demonstrate clear legal authority for their regulations and making agency guidance documents more accessible to the public.

OK joins FTC, 19 states in suing Dollar General for unlawfully overcharging consumers

Drummond sues Dollar General for charging consumers more than advertised

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 27, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond has sued Dollar General Corporation for engaging in deceptive pricing practices that routinely charged customers more at the register than the prices displayed on shelves, price tags and advertisements.

Drummond, the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of 19 other state attorneys general filed the complaint yesterday, noting that Dollar General’s unfair practices have cost consumers millions of dollars. The complaint alleges that Dollar General has, for years, repeatedly mislabeled prices, overcharged consumers and failed to correct the issue despite extensive corporate knowledge of the problem.

AG opinion says Nov. 3rd U.S. Senate winner will take office upon election certification

Drummond: Nov. 3 winner will fill remainder of U.S. Senate term

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 29, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today issued a formal opinion on the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Sen. Markwayne Mullin. The opinion concludes that the candidate elected to the seat on Nov. 3 will also fill the rest of the term. That candidate will be eligible to take office once the State Election Board certifies the results. 

MuskogeePolitico's recommendations for the 2026 Election

Tuesday, November 3rd, is the Oklahoma General Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide who will hold elected offices for the next two to six years (depending on the position). Below are my voting recommendations. I know I'm just a lowly blogger, but hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans.

If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out. Early voting continues tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 31st), from 8am to 2pm, at these locations. Election day voting is 7am to 7pm at your polling place.

Stitt appoints Judge Marion Fry to Court of Criminal Appeals

Gov. Kevin Stitt has picked a successor to retiring Judge Gary Lumpkin on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals:

Governor Stitt Appoints Judge Marion D. Fry to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 29, 2026) – Today, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Judge Marion D. Fry to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, District 3.

"Judge Fry has spent his whole career fighting for law and order,” said Governor Stitt. "He knows the law, he respects the Constitution, and he understands that public safety matters to every Oklahoma family. I'm confident he'll serve the people of eastern Oklahoma and our entire state well on the Court of Criminal Appeals."

Vote against Judge Jane Wiseman

Among the statewide judges up for retention this year is Judge Jane P. Wiseman of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals (read more about this year's judicial retention ballot here). 

A key figure in the Left's long march to reshape Oklahoma's conservative, Christian-rooted culture, Wiseman officiated Oklahoma's first same-sex marriage, calling it a "joyous occasion." Her liberal record stretches much further back, but this distinction sets her apart from the other judges on Oklahoma's appellate courts. Christians and conservatives have strong grounds to oppose her.

Lawmakers study use of Flock cameras in Oklahoma

Sen. Boren presents interim study on use of Flock cameras in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 13rd) – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, asked the Public Safety Committee to examine the rapid expansion of Flock license plate reader cameras across Oklahoma. With billions of vehicle images stored in databases nationwide, the technology has intensified debate at the Capitol over the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement, and mass surveillance. The interim study brought this growing national dispute before members Wednesday.

“Before the study, I reviewed feedback from across the state and was impressed by Oklahomans’ understanding of their right to be free from unreasonable surveillance and warrantless searches. People should feel secured by their government, not stalked by it,” Boren said.

The hearing addressed several issues, including Oklahoma law governing Flock camera use, relevant case law, Fourth Amendment protections, and public safety concerns.

Early voting begins Wednesday for Oklahoma voters

Early Voting Begins Wednesday for November General Election

(Oklahoma City, Oct. 23rd) – State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that in-person absentee voting (also known as “early voting”) for the November 3 General Election begins Wednesday across the state. Early voting locations will be open Wednesday, October 28 through Friday, October 30 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday, October 31 (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

Secretary Ziriax encourages voters to make a plan to vote. “With four days of early voting and Election Day on Tuesday, there are plenty of opportunities for voters to cast their ballot. Remember, no excuse is needed to vote early. However, you will need to complete an in-person absentee ballot application when you check in at your early voting location.”