Gov. Mary Fallin signed election proclamations Monday for five state questions that will now be on November’s general election ballot.
Fallin signed off on questions allowing voters to decide on a one-cent sales tax to boost teacher pay, twocriminal justice reform measures aimed to reduce incarceration rates and provide alternate sentencing opportunities, one proposal altering the Oklahoma Constitution to remove a section barring state resources for religious purposes and a fifth question permitting wine and full-strength beer to be sold in convenience and grocery stores.
Voters will now see at least seven questions when they go to the polls Nov. 8. Fallin has already signed election proclamations for State Question 776, which codifies the death penalty in Oklahoma’s Constitution and gives the Legislature power to choose an alternate method of execution should one be determined unconstitutional. She has also signed paperwork for State Question 777, known as “right-to-farm.” It would provide broad protection to the agriculture industry by banning the state legislature from passing laws that could interfere with farming and ranching practices, without a compelling state interest.
State questions must receive an election proclamation before Friday, August 26, to be placed on the November ballot.
The Secretary of State’s office is still counting signatures for State Question 788, which would legalize medical marijuana, and has asked Attorney General Scott Pruitt to rewrite the ballot title.
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membershipdepartment.
