Constitutional amendment; requiring certain vote of people to pass constitutional amendments; ballot title.
Impact
If passed, HJR1007 would effectively alter the threshold required for enacting constitutional amendments in Oklahoma. By raising the approval requirement from a simple majority to a supermajority, it could significantly affect the nature and frequency of amendments that make it through the electoral process. This change may deter some initiatives from succeeding simply due to the heightened hurdle for approval, possibly creating a more stable constitutional framework that is less susceptible to frequent amendments based on transient public opinion.
Summary
HJR1007 is a proposed Joint Resolution directing an amendment to Section 3 of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution. It mandates that constitutional amendments shall require a fifty-five percent (55%) majority vote from the electorate for approval. The resolution also stipulates that any measure called for a referendum by the people must be voted on at the next statewide election, or in the case of a special election ordered by the legislature or the governor, at that time as well. This measure aims to enhance the democratic process by ensuring that significant changes to the state constitution reflect a considerable consensus among voters.
Contention
The key point of contention surrounding HJR1007 is the potential impact on voter engagement and the legislative power of the people. Supporters argue that establishing a higher threshold would ensure that only widely supported constitutional amendments are enacted, thus promoting stability and preventing hasty decisions based on popular sentiment. Opponents might argue that this could disenfranchise voters and make it more challenging for important issues to gain necessary traction, particularly those that may not reflect widespread yet passionate support in the general populace.