Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 28, 2003

Audio Clip

Senator Keith Leftwich


Senator Leftwich Passes Presidential Primary Bill

Senator Keith Leftwich, author of Senate Bill 3, cleared the final legislative hurdle today.

The Democrat from South Oklahoma City enabled final passage of the bill on the Senate floor. The bill will change the date of the Presidential Primary to the first Tuesday in February and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his approval.

“By making the primary election date so early in the game, SB 3 will place Oklahoma at the forefront of the Presidential Primary and will also draw candidates to campaign in our state,” said Senator Leftwich. “I want to make Oklahoma as important to the Presidential candidates as Oklahoma is to us.”

Under SB 3, the official date of the Oklahoma’s Presidential Primary will be the first Tuesday in February and prohibits any county, school district or municipality to hold an election during the twenty days immediately preceding the date of the primary election. The bill also allows the State Election Board the authority to change the Primary date if any boundary state establishes a regional primary election.

“Oklahoma has a model election system. By making Oklahoma’s Presidential Primary date soon after the New Hampshire Primary, candidates will feel impelled to direct their campaign trail through our state,” said Senator Leftwich. “I am very pleased this legislation has made it through the legislative process and is now on its way for the Governor’s approval.”

The effective date of SB 3 if signed by the Governor will be November 1, 2003 enabling the 2004 Presidential Primary to be scheduled for the First Tuesday in February.

For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774