Only 3 out of 10 eligible voters in north Tulsa went to the polls in the last general election per the Tulsa Election Board. Meanwhile, 6 out of 10 voters in south Tulsa cast ballots.
This dismal showing came despite a hard push by the community and voting rights organizations to get northsiders — and voters across the city — to the polls.
In the run-up to the November 2024 election, Action Tulsa, a nonpartisan nonprofit, held several sessions encouraging residents to register, learn about the candidates and issues and to vote. They held a major forum for mayoral candidates.
Terence Crutcher Foundation volunteers knocked on doors throughout the northside. During their community walks, they explained how crucial it is for folks to participate in elections to have a say over key issues like how their tax dollars are spent or whether streets in their neighborhoods get repaired.
One big incentive for northsiders was Monroe Nichols’ campaign to become Tulsa’s first Black mayor.
Still, the turnout on the north side ended up only slightly higher than it was two years earlier, when only 2 of every 10 eligible voters participated.
There are several reasons why the voting turnout among African Americans — who comprise many north Tulsa voters — is so scarce.
“But the biggest explanation is that people feel that their votes don’t really matter,” explained Mareo Johnson, president of the Tulsa chapter of the NAACP.
“This perception may have been accurate in the past during stronger voter suppression,” Johnson added. “But it’s not true now. Every vote counts.”
Northside votes helped give Nichols the push he needed to win, according to his supporters. Elections for the school board resulted in Ebony Johnson becoming one of the few Black superintendents in the history of Tulsa Public Schools.
Local elections on April 7, June 16 and Aug. 25 offer new opportunities for northsiders to use the power the ballot gives them.
The biggest topic on the April 7 ballot will be a $609 million bond proposal to support initiatives at Tulsa Public Schools. The funds would support four areas:
- Nearly $201 million for learning opportunities and career development
- $276 million for safe learning environments
- Nearly $105 million for student and staff technology
- $27.2 million for transportation
This funding, Johnson explained, would enhance education for every student in Tulsa Public Schools.
“This bond enables us to provide resources for all our schools, so students can feel proud of their classrooms,” she said during a public forum co-hosted by the Tulsa Press Club and Tulsa Flyer in March.
She argues it would help combat student absenteeism, which has been rampant across the city.
“We urge immediate action to implement this solution and address the ongoing crisis,” she said.
On the June 16 ballot is State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma from $7.25 to $15 an hour. This could dramatically impact the livelihoods of many Tulsans.
Elections scheduled for Aug. 25 could also be consequential. Last week, lawmakers in Oklahoma City moved to put Medicaid expansion back in front of voters.
The state House voted for a separate measure that would allow legislators to take funds from a voter-created Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.
Senators want Oklahomans to weigh in on changing the state constitution to require voters to present their ID at the ballot box. Critics regard this change as a deepening of efforts towards voter suppression.
As a nonprofit news organization, The Oklahoma Eagle does not endorse candidates or ballot initiatives. However, as a publication which seeks to build a stronger community and encourage civic participation, The Eagle urges community members to register and vote.
Those who vote regularly must keep it up. Those who have not done so in a while should check their registration and make a plan to.
