Election to replace Bridenstine could cost $600,000, official says

A special election in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District could cost up to $600,000 and require a supplemental appropriation to the state Election Board, board secretary Paul Ziriax said this week in a letter to Finance Secretary Preston Doerflinger.

“Should a Special Election be necessary, the State Election Board estimates the total cost to the State for a Special Primary Election, Special Runoff Election and Special General Election to be approximately $600,000,” he wrote.

“At this time, our agency anticipates a supplemental appropriation would be necessary to cover all or most of these expenses.”

Besides ballot printing and other relatively minor expenses, the state would be responsible for paying at least three workers at each polling site.

The 1st District has 326 precincts in Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, Rogers and Creek counties.

Last week, President Donald Trump nominated 1st District Rep. Jim Bridenstine to head the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A special election to replace Bridenstine would be required if he is confirmed and/or a vacancy occurs before Jan. 1.

After Jan. 1, the position would be filled through the regular 2018 election cycle.

Five Republicans are already campaigning for the position, making a primary almost certain and a runoff highly possible.

A general election would be required if a Democrat, Libertarian or independent also runs.

An unusually large number of special elections have been held or are scheduled this year because of legislative vacancies. Election Board spokesman Bryan Dean said they are expected to cost as much as $206,000 total.