County voters who want to change party affiliation, must submit their change no later than March 31 to participate in elections occurring between August and September, Kingfisher County Election Board Secretary Shawna Butts said.

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.

Butts reminds voters that changes in party affiliation are prohibited by state law between April 1 and Aug. 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,” Butts said.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties: Democrat, 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 in the general election.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from the State Election Board website at oklahoma. gov/elections. Applications are also available at the Kin gfisher County Election Board located at the county courthouse in Room 8.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:3 0 p.m., Mon day through Fri day. For questions, contact the County Election Board at 405 -375-3895 or kin gfishercounty@elections.ok.gov.