Key Takeaways

• Oklahoma’s primary election is June 16, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• State Question 832 would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029
• The measure also includes yearly increases tied to changes in the cost of living
• Voter registration deadline is May 22; party change deadline is March 31

Oklahoma’s primary election is coming up and State Question 832 could affect many working students at UCO. Primary elections determine which candidates will appear on the general election ballot. Voting will take place June 16, 2026, and polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What is State Question 832?

State Question 832 would amend the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act (OMWA). The measure would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour by 2029. It also includes yearly increases tied to the cost of living.

Reporter Michael Sherman interviewed several students to get their opinions on the measure. Ryan Szymanski, a Forensics and Funeral Service student, shared his thoughts on raising the minimum wage. “With the rising costs of living and inflation, I feel like it should be raised to accommodate that. I’ve met plenty of people here in college who are working full-time and are also full-time students and are still taking out loans.” 

Engineering and physics major Anjali Poulo raised concerns about an increase in inflation if the measure was passed. 

“I think when other states raised the minimum wage, it inflated the price for a lot of things. I don’t think they should raise it to $15, but maybe a small bump up to $9.”

What is included on the ballot? 

A full list of offices on the ballot can be found at Oklahoma.gov. This list includes governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representatives and state treasurer. Candidates who receive the majority vote will then move on to the general election in November. State Question 832 will be the only question on the ballot.

Who is eligible to vote in the primary election? 

You must be an Oklahoma resident to vote. In order to be considered a resident in Oklahoma, you are required to have lived in the state for 12 months and your permanent home must be here. 

How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote through the OK Voter Portal’s online registration system. Applications are also available at most libraries and post offices. When registering, remember that Oklahoma is a closed primary state. This means you may only vote in the primary of the party you are registered with. The voter registration deadline is May 22, 2026. March 31, 2026, is the deadline for those wanting to change their affiliated party. For this election, no party submitted paperwork to allow independents to vote in their primaries.

Where can I vote?

Your voting location can be found through the OK Voter Portal.