Oklahoma
Early voting for the primary runoffs begins Thursday. Here are the races to watch
Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president
Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Early voting begins Thursday for the Aug. 27 primary runoff.
Early voting at county election boards will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
On Saturday, it will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Voters will pick legislative candidates who failed to get 50% plus one vote in the June 18 primary.
Some races will be decided in the runoff.
More: Ron Lynch, Mike Kelley forced into runoff for Oklahoma House District 60
House Budget and Appropriations Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, faces Republican Jim Shaw of Chandler in the race for House District 32.
The two were the top vote-getters in the June 18 primary. No independent or Libertarian filed for the post.
Wellston residents will also vote on a $10 million bond issue to improve schools.
Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, faces Julie McIntosh, a Republican from Porter. The winner will face Margaret Cook, an independent from Tahlequah, in the November general election for the Senate District 3 seat.
Norman Republicans Lisa Standridge and Robert C. Keyes will face one another for the Senate District 15 seat.
More: Jason Blair, Nick Pokorny forced into runoff for Oklahoma House District 53
The seat is currently held by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, who is term limited.
The winner will face Norman Democrat Elizabeth Foreman.
GOP candidate to run for Sen. Greg Treat’s seat will be decided in Aug. 27 runoff
Residents of Senate District 47 will pick a replacement for Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who is term limited.
Republican Kelly E. Hines of Edmond faces Jenny Schmitt, a Republican from Oklahoma City.
The winner will face Democrat Erin Brewer of Edmond.
Several other races, issues and school propositions will also be on the ballot.
Oklahoma City residents will go to the polls to decide whether or not to raise the hotel tax to 9.25% from 5.5% to promote tourism. The increase is expected to generate $11.6 million.
In Tulsa, seven people are vying to succeed Mayor G.T. Bynum, but only five are actively campaigning. A Nov. 5 runoff is set if necessary.
Nine city council seats are also on the ballot.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 27.
Oklahoma requires proof of identity to vote.
Democrats have opened their primaries to independents, but Republicans have closed primaries.
To view a sample ballot or locate a polling location, go to oklahoma.gov/elections/voters/ok-voter-portal.html.
YUKON, Okla. (KOKH) — Oklahoma City Police are investigating after a man was shot near Yukon Monday night.
The shooting happened near Northwest 10th Street and South Yukon Parkway near the border of Yukon and Oklahoma City.
Police are on the scene, and officials said the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the hip.
OKCPD said they have at least one person in custody.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
For more local news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers consider bill to require annual fee for transmission lines on private property
As consumer electricity needs grow, lawmakers are discussing strategies to ease the burden on landowners who don’t want the towers and wires carrying that energy on their property.
As it’s written now, the bill would require transmission owners to pay landowners $2 per foot of line annually. During the committee meeting, Murdock said he introduced the legislation to “start a conversation.”
“ This is an idea of, maybe moving forward, if the landowners are getting a royalty off of the power being pushed across their property, it may make it a little more palatable for someone to have a transmission line go across their property,” he said.
Landowners can enter into easement agreements with companies to set aside portions of their land for the builds. But in some cases, eminent domain is used to obtain a right-of-way.
“ I’m not saying that this is going to do away with eminent domain,” Murdock said. “What I’m hoping is this just makes it a little more palatable.”
Murdock said he spoke with utility companies about the legislation, though he didn’t name them. The bill’s language could change after creating an alternative rate based on conversations with the companies, he said.
Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, said the bill could raise utility rates for consumers living in Oklahoma’s most populous counties if companies charge more to make up for the annual fee.
Murdock pushed back, noting the lines are necessary to deliver electricity to other counties.
“You understand that you flip that light on because — and have that ability to have electricity because — the people in my district have a transmission line that goes across them, getting you that power,” he said.
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.
Steve McGehee reports live from Paycom Center with the latest on SGA’s return after missing nine games, the Thunder’s push to hold the top spot in the Western Conference, and what getting healthy means for OKC’s title hopes.
North Carolina primary could mean Roy Cooper vs Michael Whatley in pivotal fall Senate race
Gas prices rise slightly in North Dakota amid Iran conflict
Woman dies after saving grandchild playing in driveway from out-of-control car, Ohio officials say
Oklahoma City police are investigating after a man was shot near Yukon
Iranian in Oregon says he was a political prisoner in his home country
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran
Unexpected birth brings hope to near-extinct Amazon tribe
Supreme Court blocks redrawing of New York congressional map, dealing a win for GOP
Map: Earthquake Shakes Central California
Gas prices could jump as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supply
-
World5 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts6 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO5 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Oregon4 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling