Oklahoma House Bill HJR1026

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Constitutional amendment; changing the percentage of legal voters from statewide to each congressional district of the state for certain petitions; ballot title; filing.

Impact

The proposed amendment could significantly alter the dynamics of initiating both legislative proposals and referenda in Oklahoma. By instituting this district-specific threshold, the bill seeks to encourage broader participation in the petition process, which could prevent urban areas from overwhelming the voices of rural populations in policy-making decisions. To pass a measure, not only will signatures from a sufficient number of voters be necessary, but their distribution across districts will also need to align with the new requirements, possibly making it more challenging for certain initiatives to qualify for a ballot.

Summary

HJR1026 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Constitution concerning the process by which citizens can initiate legislation and referendums. Specifically, the resolution proposes to require that at least 15% of the legal voters signing a petition must come from each congressional district in the state. This change aims to ensure that there is broad geographical support for proposed measures, reflecting the interests of constituents across Oklahoma's diverse districts. Under current law, the focus is solely on a statewide percentage without district-specific representation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR1026 include concerns that the amendment may place undue burdens on grassroots movements, particularly those from smaller or less populated districts. Critics argue that such requirements can make it more difficult for citizens to mobilize support for crucial issues, potentially stifling democratic participation by disenfranchising voters in areas with lower population densities. Proponents of the measure believe that it will enhance the democratic process by ensuring that all parts of the state are adequately represented in the initiative process, balancing interests more equitably across Oklahoma.