OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Libertarian Party officials say they have gathered enough signatures to become a recognized political party in Oklahoma for the first time since 2000.
The Oklahoma Libertarian Party delivered more than 42,000 signatures on Monday to the state Election Board, significantly more than the 24,745 needed to become a recognized political party.
Once the signatures are confirmed, Oklahoma voters can register as a member of the party, and Libertarian candidates can run for office.
Oklahoma Libertarian Party Vice Chair Tina Kelly praised the Legislature for passing a bill last year to reduce the number of signatures needed to become a political party.
The party's top candidate on the November ballot needs to get 10 percent of the vote in order for Libertarians to remain a recognized political party.