On July 8, Oklahomans who want to improve ballot access met in Stroud. The meeting was attended by independent voters, and leaders of the state’s Libertarian, Green and Constitution Parties. The group had previously met in June. The parent organization is called OKIES (Oklahoma Independents). A subgroup called Oklahoma Ballot Access Reform (OBAR) was re-energized, and its officers have filed campaign finance paperwork in order to raise money for an initiative to improve the ballot access laws for minor parties. The officers are also obtaining a post office box and a bank account.

An initiative to improve the ballot access laws will require about 74,000 valid signatures. A group that wants to circulate an initiative must complete the task in 90 days. The group is tentatively planning the drive for September-October-November 2007.