Today’s election day sets the stage for the runoff election drama that has dominated political talk in recent days.
The 5th District race between Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas and former Senator Steve Russell erupted over the weekend because of a photograph Douglas used in a direct mail piece; the photo showed her with Congressman James Lankford.
The Russell camp cried foul, saying Lankford didn’t endorse Douglas and hadn’t given permission for his photo to be used. Douglas agreed he had not made an endorsement, but insisted he had given permission for use of the photograph.
Lankford said he has made no endorsement.
As today arrived, the topic dominated political talk on Facebook and was a news topic on television and radio.
Polls are open from 7 to 7.
Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said that traditionally, turnout for a primary runoff is lower than for a primary election. About 52,000 voted in the primary.
Russell ran first in the primary slightly ahead of Douglas.
