Casteel: Low Turnout Decides Runoff Elections

D.C. Notes: Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district race seems to lack voter interest
by Chris Casteel

WASHINGTON — Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district has more than 750,000 people, the capital city and the state Capitol, the headquarters of some major companies and 273 precincts in which to cast a vote.

What it doesn’t apparently have is many engaged voters.

Less than 5 percent of the district’s population — total population, not registered voters — likely selected the district’s next congressman on Tuesday.

Here’s why that’s true:

The district has been represented by a Republican in Congress for the last 40 years. The shape and size of the district has changed significantly over that time — it now includes most of Oklahoma County and Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties — but the political tendencies have not. State and national political handicappers have already declared the seat safe for Republicans this year.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com