Why Your Vote In This Tulsa Mayoral Race Matters

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GREENWOOD DIST. — In Oklahoma, it’s easy to feel like our votes don’t matter. This sense of futility has contributed to us having the lowest voter turnout in the nation. But on August 27, the Tulsa mayoral race presents a rare opportunity where every single vote will count. If you’re tired of feeling powerless or like your participation doesn’t make a difference in Oklahoma, now is the time to take meaningful action that will have a lasting impact.

The impact of your vote could be greater in this election than any election in Tulsa for the next 4-years, and here’s why.

First, people are not paying enough attention to this race. While national politics dominate the headlines, local elections like this one can be overlooked, even though they directly affect our daily lives. The timing and lack of engagement in this election mean that turnout will likely be low, making every vote even more critical.

Second, let’s talk about the margins. In the last Tulsa mayoral race, only 70,820 out of more than 400,000 eligible Tulsans cast their votes—an alarming turnout of just 17.5%. The margin between the top two candidates was a mere 16,586 votes. This year, with no incumbent running and three main candidates drawing support from different political camps, the race will be even tighter.

We don’t know how the votes will fall on Tuesday, August 27, but we do know this: the outcome will be close, and your vote could be the deciding factor. This is your chance to shift Tulsa’s political landscape in a meaningful way.

Don’t let this opportunity pass by. Mark your calendar, make your plan to vote, and encourage your neighbors to do the same. This election may not be as front and center as our national politics, but it has the power to shape our city’s future—and that’s worth showing up for.

Sheyda Brown

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