Senate passes Seifried bill to move school board elections

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has passed legislation from Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, to increase voter turnout in school board races by moving these contests to coincide with Oklahoma’s general election.

Seifried’s Senate Bill 6 moves the general election for school board races from April to November, when Oklahoma holds general elections for other elected positions. 

Seifried has worked on this issue since she first took office, and said she wants more voters to have their voices heard in these important elections.  

"Voter turnout in local school board elections is alarmingly low because these contests are held outside Oklahoma’s traditional election cycle,” Seifried said. “Senate Bill 6 will increase the number of candidates running for these key positions and, more importantly, boost voter participation in these pivotal races. School board decisions shape the future of public education across our state and determine how taxpayer dollars are allocated. By moving these elections to a time when more members of the community are engaged in the election process, we can ensure that these races receive the attention they deserve."

SB 6 passed the Senate 33 to 10 and now advances to the House. Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, is the principal House coauthor.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Seifried at (405) 521-5555 or Ally.Seifried@oksenate.gov