Constitutional amendment; increasing percentage of vote required to amend Oklahoma Constitution.
If implemented, SJR5 would result in a more rigorous standard for amending the Oklahoma Constitution. This may lead to fewer amendments being approved, as achieving a 60% majority can be a significant hurdle compared to the current simple majority required. Proponents of the bill argue that this measure will safeguard the constitution from frequent changes and potentially populist amendments that may not fully reflect long-term state interests or needs.
SJR5, or Senate Joint Resolution 5, proposes a significant amendment to Section 1 of Article XXIV of the Oklahoma Constitution. The main intent of this resolution is to increase the percentage of votes required to pass a constitutional amendment from a simple majority to 60% of the electors voting on the amendment. This change aims to make it more challenging for any proposed constitutional amendments to be ratified, promoting what supporters believe is greater stability and deliberation in governing constitutional changes.
The resolution reflects a broader debate on the balance between ensuring stability in constitutional governance and preserving the democratic principle that the majority should determine the laws and amendments that govern them. As Oklahoma considers this proposal, the implications on state laws and voter empowerment will be a focal point of discussion among legislators and constituents alike.
However, this proposed change has sparked contention among legislators and the public. Critics argue that increasing the threshold for passing amendments dilutes the voters' power and could hinder necessary reforms that respond to evolving societal needs. There are concerns that such a measure could effectively stifle grassroots movements seeking to make amendments to the constitution, resulting in a decreased ability for citizens to influence their governance.