The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled today to uphold the state statutory procedures a state question must follow to advance to the ballot.
Last week, proponents of State Question 820 – a measure to legalize recreational marijuana – filed a petition to circumvent Oklahoma’s state statute for initiative petitions. The Court heard oral arguments on Friday, August 26 from the supporters of SQ 820 and Attorney General John O’Connor, who represented the Oklahoma Secretary of State, the Oklahoma State Election Board and Governor Kevin Stitt, who opposed the petitioners’ request to the court.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation joined forces with the State Chamber Research Foundation Legal Center and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association to submit a brief urging the Supreme Court to preserve the integrity of the state statute to ensure a fair and equal process for all state questions, both current and past.
The OKFB Legal Foundation and partners released the following statement after the court’s ruling Tuesday:
The State Chamber Research Foundation Legal Center, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association are pleased with the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s commonsense decision to uphold the state statute requiring a 10-day challenge period for all state question initiatives before advancing to the ballot.
This ensures the vital right of Oklahomans to petition the government through an initiative and maintains the integrity of the rules and procedures that all Oklahomans must play by, regardless of the subject matter.
Our members understand the importance and impact of a state question. We are proud of the Oklahoma Supreme Court for applying the law consistently to all citizens.
