A CALL TO ACTION FOR EVERY BUSINESS OWNER
When Business Leaders Stay Home, Someone Else Decides Their Future
On June 16, Oklahomans will vote on candidates, a statewide wage measure, and a local charter change that could affect every business in Bixby. Here is everything you need to know.

 

Part I: Why Business Owners Must Vote

Every regulation, tax policy, labor law, and infrastructure decision that shapes your bottom line originates with elected officials. Zoning codes that determine where you can expand, sales tax rates that affect what customers spend, labor rules that govern whom you hire and at what wage — all of it flows from the ballot box. Yet in primary elections, turnout routinely falls below 20 percent. That means a small, motivated slice of the electorate sets the agenda for everyone else.
Business owners are often the most directly affected people in any community when government policy shifts — and yet they are among the most likely to skip an election that 'doesn't feel important.' Primary elections are, in many Oklahoma districts, the actual decision point. The winner of a primary in a heavily partisan district frequently runs unopposed or faces only token opposition in November.
This June 16 election is consequential for the Bixby business community for three specific reasons: voters will weigh in on statewide leadership races that shape Oklahoma's regulatory and business climate; they will vote directly on State Question 832, a minimum wage initiative with real, near-term cost implications for many employers; and Bixby residents will vote on two City Charter changes that shape local governance going forward.
Your suppliers, your landlord, your workforce, and your customers are all shaped by the policy environment your elected officials create. Choosing not to vote is itself a choice — one that hands influence to others who may not share your perspective on what makes a community thrive.
Beyond self-interest, voting is civic participation. The business community is the backbone of Bixby's quality of life. Schools, streets, parks, and public safety that attract and retain talent depend on engaged, informed citizens making thoughtful decisions at the ballot box.
   

Part II: How to Vote in Tulsa County

All Tulsa County voting information is available at www2.tulsacounty.org/electionboard. Use the Oklahoma Voter Portal to find your polling place, view your sample ballot, and check your registration.
 
Key Dates & Deadlines
JUNE 11 & 12 — 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M.  Early Voting (Days 1 & 2)
Any registered Tulsa County voter who has not returned an absentee ballot may vote early at the Tulsa County Election Board, Tulsa Tech Center – Broken Arrow campus.
JUNE 13 — 8 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  Early Voting (Day 3)
Same location. Note the shorter window — plan accordingly.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 — 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M.  Election Day
Polls are open statewide. Vote at your assigned polling location. Find yours at: okvoterportal.ok.gov
 
Your 4-Step Voting Checklist

Step 1 — Bring Valid ID Oklahoma requires a photo ID issued by the U.S. government, State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government — including a driver's license, passport, or military ID — with your name, photo, and a valid expiration date. The free Tulsa County Voter Identification Card is also acceptable. Step 2 — Find Your Polling Place Oklahoma requires you to vote at your assigned location. Find it at the OK Voter Portal or call the Tulsa County Election Board. Do not assume your polling place is the same as in prior elections — locations can change. Step 3 — Preview Your Sample Ballot The OK Voter Portal lets you view your exact ballot before you arrive. This is especially valuable this cycle, with a statewide measure, local charter question, and multiple candidate races all on one ballot. Step 4 — Absentee Voters Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the Tulsa County Election Board by 7 p.m. on June 16. If hand-delivering, your ballot must arrive by 5 p.m. on June 15. You must show ID when hand-delivering.

 

Tulsa County Election Resources Tulsa County Election Board: www2.tulsacounty.org/electionboard OK Voter Portal (registration, polling place, sample ballot): okvoterportal.ok.gov Oklahoma State Election Board: oklahoma.gov/elections

   

Part III: What's on Your Ballot

The June 16 ballot is unusually packed. All registered Tulsa County voters will see federal, state, and county candidate races, plus State Question 832. Bixby residents will additionally see the City of Bixby Charter Change Special Election. The primary candidate races are partisan — only registered Democrats may vote in Democratic primaries and only registered Republicans may vote in Republican primaries. The state question and the Bixby charter measure are open to all registered voters regardless of party affiliation.
 

STATEWIDE MEASURE  ·  State Question 832 — The $15 Minimum Wage Initiative
What It Is SQ 832 is a citizen-initiated state statute on the June 16 ballot. It would amend Oklahoma's Minimum Wage Act, untying the state from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and establishing a phased schedule of increases. What It Would Do If Approved Because of the timing of the vote, the first increase would take effect January 1, 2027. The schedule would then be: $12.00 per hour in 2027 $13.50 per hour in 2028 $15.00 per hour in 2029 Beginning in 2030: annual adjustments based on the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers — removing future minimum wage decisions from the legislature.   Who It Covers The measure would also eliminate existing exemptions that currently exclude part-time employees, certain students and workers under 18, farm and agricultural workers, domestic service workers, newspaper carriers, and feedstore employees. If passed, those groups would be covered by the state minimum wage for the first time. What a "No" Vote Means Oklahoma's minimum wage would remain at $7.25 per hour, in line with the current federal minimum wage. Who Can Vote on SQ 832 All registered voters — Democrat, Republican, and Independent alike — are eligible to vote on this statewide measure regardless of party affiliation. Arguments For & Against
A YES VOTE MEANS: Supporters, led by Raise the Wage Oklahoma, argue the cost of groceries, gas, and housing has outpaced wages for years. They say raising wages lifts essential workers in nursing homes, hospitals, and childcare, and stimulates local consumer spending. Nationally, 28 of 32 similar ballot measures since 1996 have passed.	A NO VOTE MEANS: Opponents — including the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau — argue mandated wage increases raise costs for small businesses and family farms already squeezed by inflation. They also caution against tying future wage decisions to a national urban cost-of-living index that may not reflect Oklahoma's economic reality.

 

BIXBY RESIDENTS ONLY  ·  City of Bixby Charter Change Special Election

What It Is Bixby residents will also vote on a special election to amend the City of Bixby's municipal charter — the foundational governing document that functions as the city's local constitution. Charter changes in Oklahoma can only be made by a direct vote of the people; the City Council cannot alter the charter on its own. Why It Matters A city charter governs how the city is structured, how officials are elected or appointed, what powers various offices hold, and how city business is conducted. Updates are periodically needed to bring charter language in line with changes in state law, modern governance practices, or the city's evolving needs. Get the Full Details The specific propositions included in Bixby's Charter Change Special Election are published by the City of Bixby. Residents are strongly encouraged to review the actual ballot language before voting. Visit bixbyok.gov (look under the Elections section) or use the OK Voter Portal sample ballot tool to see the exact questions as they will appear on your ballot. All registered Bixby voters — regardless of party — are eligible to vote on this local measure.

   

Part IV: Also on the June 16 Ballot

Beyond SQ 832 and the Bixby charter measure, the June 16 primary includes a wide range of candidate contests that shape Oklahoma's policy landscape for years to come. The Bixby Metro Chamber is posting recorded interviews with candidates that accepted our invitation this week on our Facebook page. Please see each race for who accepted and you can find on our page:
U.S. Senate
Oklahoma will nominate candidates for U.S. Senate following incumbent Markwayne Mullin's departure to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. This is an open-seat race with significant implications for federal policy affecting Oklahoma businesses.
Interviews:
Rep. Kevin Hern
Brian Ragain
U.S. House of Representatives (District 1 — Tulsa Area)
Tulsa-area voters will participate in a primary, as incumbent Kevin Hern vacated the seat to run for Senate. Congressional representation matters for federal contracting, infrastructure funding, regulatory oversight, and trade policy.
Interviews:
Rep. Mark Tedford
Jed Cochran
Kim David
Governor of Oklahoma
With Governor Kevin Stitt term-limited, both parties are holding contested primaries to determine their gubernatorial nominees. Oklahoma's governor has broad authority over state economic development, regulatory appointments, and the business climate.
Interviews:
Cyndi Munson
Connie Johnson
Gentner Drummond
Oklahoma Commissioner of Insurance With incumbent Glen Mulready not seeking reelection, four Republicans and one Democrat are competing for the office on June 16. The Insurance Commissioner oversees the Oklahoma Insurance Department, enforces state insurance laws, and regulates the marketplace — a role that carries particular weight as Oklahoma homeowners and businesses face some of the highest and fastest-rising insurance rates in the nation.
Interviews:
Bob Sullivan
Marty Quinn
Chris Meredith
Greta Shuler
 
Oklahoma State Treasurer Incumbent Todd Russ is seeking a second term in the Republican primary on June 16, facing a challenge from State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd, who filed a last-minute surprise entry into the race. The State Treasurer manages Oklahoma's cash flow, investments, and unclaimed property — decisions that directly affect the financial health of state government and the business environment statewide.
Interviews:
Cindy Byrd
Todd Russ
 
Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Former Superintendent Ryan Walters resigned from office in September 2025, making this an open-seat race with both parties holding contested primaries on June 16. The superintendent leads the state Department of Education and the state Board of Education, overseeing Oklahoma's public education system and requesting budgets for school needs. The outcome will matter deeply to the business community — workforce readiness, teacher retention, and the long-term health of Oklahoma's talent pipeline all flow through this office.
Interviews:
John Cox
Jeanettie Marshall
James Taylor
Robert Franklin
 
State Legislature
State House and Senate primaries are on the ballot, including House Districts 24 & 69 which cover the Bixby area. State legislators write the tax code, set labor policy, control infrastructure investment, and govern the agencies that regulate your industry.
Interviews:
District 24 –
Rep. Chris Banning
Casey Fixico Sutterfield
 
District 69 –
Carrie DeWeese
Sheila Dills
Cody Nichols
 
Tulsa County Offices
Tulsa County Treasurer, County Assessor, District Attorney and District 1 County Commissioner seats are on the primary ballot. Property tax assessments, county infrastructure, and local government services all flow through these offices.
Interviews:
Tulsa County District Attorney
Steve Kunzweiler
Collen McCarty
 
To see every race on your specific ballot — tailored to your exact address — use the OK Voter Portal at okvoterportal.ok.gov or visit BallotReady.org, which provides candidate information alongside each race.
   

June 16 ELECTION DAY  ·  POLLS OPEN 7 A.M. – 7 P.M. Early voting: June 11–12 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) and June 13 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.) at the Tulsa County Election Board, Tulsa Tech Center – Broken Arrow Campus. Full voting details: www2.tulsacounty.org/electionboard

 

A Note on Non-Partisanship This guide is produced for educational purposes only and does not endorse any candidate or advocate for or against any ballot measure. The arguments presented for and against SQ 832 reflect the stated positions of organized campaign efforts on each side. Voters are encouraged to seek additional information from multiple sources and make their own informed decisions. Information sourced from the Oklahoma State Election Board, Tulsa County Election Board, Ballotpedia, Oklahoma Voice, and official campaign materials. Current as of early June 2026.