It’s almost time. Filing for political office at the county, legislature, state and federal levels is less than a month away. Are we ready for it? Of particular interest in our area is the campaign for a “new” seat in the Oklahoma House, the result of census redistricting. The seat is not “new” because there are still 101 seats in the House. HD 36 has been recarved into a district to represent rural eastern Oklahoma County, including Luther, Jones, and Harrah with a little bit of Edmond, Norman and Oklahoma City thrown in.
Luther and much of the surrounding area is currently served by HD 96 (Rep. Preston Stinson) which largely includes East Edmond. The new district population is estimated at 38,603 and the newly elected representative will take office in January after the November election. But first filing in April, the primary election in June, and a possible run-off election in August.
Find out more about the map of the Oklahoma House and other nearby districts with this helpful information from the House.
The Oklahoma Senate also has new district lines, and Luther is out of SD 17 (Sen. Shane Jett). The new senate district that includes Luther is SD 28 and encompasses much of Lincoln County, skirting around Shawnee and into Seminole County.
Other races of interest are Oklahoma County Commission District 3, district attorney, other county offices, and statewide races including the governor.
Candidates filing for federal, state, legislative, judicial or district attorney offices file with the Secretary of the State Election Board at the State Capitol. Candidates filing for county offices file with the appropriate County Election Board on April 13, 14 and 15.
RELATED: Candidate Filing Packets Available
Stump Speech Showcase
As part of the Luther Register’s 2022 election coverage, at least two events are planned for voters to hear directly from candidates. We’re calling the events “Stump Speech Showcases” to be held on Luther’s Main Street, on Fri., May 6 and Fri., June 3. All candidates from all parties and all offices are invited to come take the stage to give their “stump speech,” and meet voters one-on-one.
We are hoping to draw a big crowd from the community and surrounding areas. What’s more America than a good old-fashioned political event on Main Street? Candidates and vendors are invited to buy booth space for more opportunities to meet voters.
The first event is planned just a couple of weeks after filing in early May. That should be before our mailboxes get full of postcards, and the television is taken over with commercials! We are planning another event for the first Friday in June for voters to have more opportunities to meet candidates, and candidates to meet voters.
We’ll probably have some great music, shopping, and food too! Details coming soon.
If you are a candidate, save the dates, May 6 and June 3, and fill out this form to get your spot on the stage. It’s going to be fun.
