State Rep. Banning files bill to move school-board elections to legislative election cycle

Banning Files Bill to Move School-Board Elections

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has filed legislation seeking to change the date of school board elections in Oklahoma.

House Bill 3563 would place school board members on the same cycle as House and Senate elections. It would also move three-year terms to two-year terms and five-year terms to four-year terms.

"Over the last decade, legislation similar to House Bill 3563 has been proposed," Banning said. "This bill differs from others because of its simplified structure. The goal here is to consolidate elections to save taxpayers' money and increase voter turnout."

In the April 2023 Bixby school board election, 2,048 votes were cast out of an estimated 28,962 registered voters, suggesting a voter turnout of around 7%.

"As a parent of four children in public education, I realize the importance of community involvement in our public school board elections," Banning said. "House Bill 3563 would streamline the electoral process, making it easier for parents and communities to influence policies that directly impact their children's education."

If signed into law, the bill would become effective Nov. 1. The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session starting Feb. 5.