Req. No. 8522 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 2nd Session of the 58th Legislature (2022) HOUSE BILL 3059 By: Fugate AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to elections; amending 26 O.S. 2021, Section 6-102, which relates to unopposed candidates; providing for retention ballots for certain legislative candidates; p roviding for special election; and providing an effe ctive date. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 26 O.S. 2021, Section 6-102, is amended to read as follows: Section 6-102. A. Any candidate who is unopposed in any election shall be deemed to have been nominated or elected, as the case may be, and his name will not appear on the ballot at any election in which he is so unopposed. B. If an incumbent candidate for legislative office remains unopposed at the succeeding General Election, the candidate's name shall be placed on a retention ballot. Ballots for retention of legislators shall be printed in the same manner as other ballots for the General Election, except as hereinafte r provided. Near the top of the ballot shall be printed the following words: "NOTICE TO Req. No. 8522 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 VOTER: Vote separately on each legislator; they are not running against each other." Below said words shall appear the legislative district number, as reflected by t he numbers of the districts from which said legislators were elected, and this question: "Shall (Here insert name of legislator) be retained in Office? " Said question shall be followed by the words "YES" and "NO", one above the other. If the candidate receives a fifty-one percent (51%) majority of votes in the affirmative, he or she shall retain the legislative office. If the candidate fails to re ceive a fifty-one percent (51%) majority of votes in the affirmative, a Special Election shall be called pursuant to Section 12-106 of this title to fill the vacancy. The incumbent candidate shall continue to serve until a successor has been elected . SECTION 2. This act shall become effective January 1, 2024. 58-2-8522 LRB 12/27/21