Legal Challenge Looms over New Ballot Initiative Restrictions in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent signing of Senate Bill 1027 is igniting controversy and prompting a potential legal challenge. The legislation, authored by Senator David Bullard, R-Durant, imposes stricter regulations on how voters can place issues on the ballot. Critics, including Margaret Kobos, CEO of the nonpartisan group Oklahoma United, assert that the bill undermines the initiative petition process, making it more difficult for residents to hold elected officials accountable.
Key points of contention with the new law include provisions that ban out-of-state circulators, prohibit paying petition circulators based on the number of signatures collected, and require detailed disclosure of payment sources. Additionally, the bill grants judicial authority to the Secretary of State, which opponents claim violates constitutional principles. A detailed analysis by attorney Robert McCampbell indicates multiple unconstitutional issues with the legislation.
Oklahoma United is preparing to launch a legal challenge against SB 1027, though details regarding the entity that will file the lawsuit remain unclear. Currently, there are no restrictions on where signatures can be gathered, but the new law limits the percentage of votes required from any single county for ballot measures—11.5% for statutory changes and 20.8% for constitutional amendments.
Supporters of the bill argue that it enhances input from rural counties and safeguards against fraud. However, critics counter that it serves only to reinforce government distrust and suppress voter participation. Historically, Oklahomans have successfully employed the initiative process to implement significant reforms, such as expanding Medicaid and legalizing medical marijuana.
As the situation develops, activists remain hopeful that legal avenues will be pursued to challenge the new restrictions.
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