{"id":752377,"date":"2025-11-03T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oklahomawatch.org\/?post_type=newspack_nl_cpt&p=752377"},"modified":"2025-10-31T09:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:36:09","slug":"state-question-836-campaign-begins-gathering-signatures","status":"publish","type":"newspack_nl_cpt","link":"https:\/\/oklahomawatch.org\/newsletter\/state-question-836-campaign-begins-gathering-signatures\/","title":{"rendered":"State Question 836 Campaign Begins Gathering Signatures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Proponents of State Question 836<\/a> launched their signature gathering effort on Wednesday, with hopes of qualifying for the ballot in 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporters of the ballot initiative, which seeks to implement a top-two primary system where all candidates are placed on a single, nonpartisan ballot, will have until Jan. 26 to collect 172,993 signatures. Senate Bill 1027<\/a>, which places several restrictions on signature gathering, won\u2019t apply to State Question 836.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backers of State Question 836 argue the change would moderate candidate positions and encourage more people to become civically engaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOklahomans are ready for an open primary system where every voter matters and has a voice,\u201d said Margaret Kobos, founder of the voter advocacy group Oklahoma United and proponent of State Question 836. \u201cWe are excited to visit communities across the state to ensure every voter has a chance to sign our petition and put this initiative to a vote of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Critics maintain that a top-two primary system could leave general election voters with fewer choices and place the majority party at a disadvantage. A small group of protesters held signs at the launch rally on Wednesday, with messages such as \u201cdon\u2019t California my Oklahoma\u201d and \u201cdecline to sign.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that he would \u201clead the fight\u201d against State Question 836. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a California-style power grab, plain and simple,\u201d McCall said in a statement. \u201cIt\u2019s designed to flood our elections with big money and shut out conservative voices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If organizers collect enough valid signatures and survive potential legal challenges, Gov. Kevin Stitt would be tasked with setting an election date. Based on previous initiative petition timelines, it\u2019s plausible that the question could appear on the primary, runoff or general election ballot next year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other initiative petitions are also pending. State Question 832<\/a>, which seeks to incrementally raise Oklahoma\u2019s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029, will appear on the June 16, 2026 primary ballot. State Question 837<\/a>, which proposes legalized recreational marijuana, must submit signatures by 5 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoughts, questions or story ideas? Let me know at Kross@Oklahomawatch.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Keaton Ross<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Reading<\/h4>\n\n\n\n