Unchallenged Incumbents

What happens when an incumbent legislator runs for office and does not draw an opponent? In Oklahoma, they win their election automatically. Regardless of whether their constituents want the legislator, they are stuck with them.

Doesn't seem right, does it?

That's why I am running a bill this session to put unchallenged incumbents to a vote. So how does this work? It's pretty simple.

If a legislator files for re-election and has no opponent, they stand for retention. That's the same thing we do for judges, where a simple yes/no vote determines whether we keep them. On a retention ballot, at least 50% of the voters must vote yes to keep the official.

So what happens if voters say no? Then we call a special election. Until the special election is complete, the incumbent will continue to hold the office. That's so there is no loss of representation.

If nobody else files for the office in the special election, then the incumbent keeps the seat. But let's be realistic. If less than 50% of the voters said yes, that shows they are vulnerable and will likely draw an opponent.

Democracy demands more than a participation trophy. It's time to put all elected officials on the ballot.