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I've seen a few posts regarding filing and that many seats are currently unopposed. I've got some comments on this and I do believe I would consider myself an expert in this, so hear me out.
First off, there's another day left in filing and traditionally the large numbers file on Wednesday and Friday. I do not have the official numbers, but so far, it looks like it is about the same as prior years that DON'T have a teachers walkout in the middle.
If we want to make sure we have every seat opposed every other year, we might want to look at how unbalanced and gerrymandered our districts are. They're drawn based on extreme partisan lines and there's only a handful each year that are even remotely competitive.
These districts are drawn by whichever party is in control during redistricting every ten years. When the Dems were in control, the districts favored the Dems. Now, they obviously favor the Repubs. It's an extremely flawed system that ensures the party in control stays in control
Sure. Oklahoma has changed. We've had a rural/urban shift. We've become less Democratic and more Republican overall. However, it's not THAT out of balance. But, our districts are. We have districts where a Dem candidate MIGHT get 30% (there's also a few where an R would get 30%)
If we want every seat contested every other year, we HAVE to look at these issues first. Otherwise, we are going to continue to run uphill.
Also, as someone who spends a large portion of their life recruiting candidates, there's a worldwide pandemic happening. It should be expected filing will draw less attention than before. Many people are just worried about staying alive.
I would argue it's THAT much more important to run right now, but we have to allow folks some grace out there. Additionally, let's look at the hundreds (we're almost up to 300 candidates) of people who have filed and know how brave they really are in the midst of this.
Anyways, end rant. End partisan gerrymandering. End straight party voting. It creates a rigged system. Period. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
Actually I want to add one more tweet. I fully support candidates running in EVERY district possible. I think it's healthy for democracy, but I understand fully why it is this way and it makes me sad. Let's fix our system (and end covid19) and I promise u it would be much better
