On November 2, Oklahoma voters will be asked if they wish to pass Question 750, which lowers the number of signatures for statewide initiatives.  Current law says initiatives to change a statute need the signatures of 8% of the last vote cast.  Question 750 would change this to 8% of the vote cast in the last gubernatorial election.

In Oklahoma, as in all states, voter turnout is much higher in presidential years than in midterm years.  Thus, if voters approve Question 750, the result would be to make it easier to get initiatives on the ballot in midterm years.  The measure would have no impact on the number of signatures needed in presidential election years.

The legislature put this measure on the ballot, in 2009.  The voters must vote on the idea, because the State Constitution contains the requirements on how many signatures initiatives need, and the Constitution can’t be changed unless the voters agree.