Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton Secures Passage of Senate Bill 652 to Enhance Election Consistency and Voter Turnout

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a move to create a more predictable and accessible voting process, Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today passed Senate Bill 652 off the Senate Floor.  

Senate Bill 652 is a measure aimed at increasing voter turnout through a more consistent and targeted election schedule.

Senate Bil 652 passed unanimously, 47-0, off the Senate Floor with bipartisan support. The legislation modifies authorized election dates and establishes a streamlined schedule. It also provides a more structured and less fragmented approach to elections.

“This measure is about making elections more predictable and voter-friendly,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “By consolidating election dates, we reduce voter confusion, increase participation and allow for more efficient election administration across our counties. Too often, voter turnout suffers because elections are scattered throughout the year. With a more structured election schedule, we provide consistency and give voters greater opportunity to plan ahead and participate in the democratic process.”

Senate Bill 652 aims to improve voter engagement by aligning elections with timeframes when turnout has historically been stronger. By minimizing the number of low-turnout special elections and ensuring voters can anticipate election dates well in advance, the measure seeks to make it easier for Oklahomans to exercise their right to vote.

If signed into law, the provisions of Senate Bill 652 will take effect for elections held after January 1, 2026. The measure will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.