Hamilton proposal gives rural counties more power in state question approval

Sen. Warren Hamilton proposes changes to state question approval process OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Sen. Warren Hamilton has filed Senate Joint Resolution 30, which would give a voice back to rural Oklahomans and transform how state questions are passed in the state. Hamilton, R-McCurtain, says allowing state questions to pass by a simple majority undermines rural Oklahoma and ensures only the major cities have a voice in hot-button topics that often appear on the ballot. His solution is to require state questions to be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of all Oklahoma counties to pass and be written into the state’s constitution. If a majority of voters approve the question, but not two-thirds of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, the amendment would only take effect in the counties that approved it. “Several notable disasters have been unleashed on Oklahoma, including the lottery, “medical” marijuana, reduction in sentencing for drug offenses, and Medicaid expansion, all through our flawed methodology of state questions,” Hamilton said. “I remind you that rural Oklahoma voted overwhelmingly against each of these. State questions are a way for out of state liberal groups - who are not accountable to us – to spread half-truths and lies and to circumvent our legislature.  It is the duty of the legislature, as our representatives, to solve these issues.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 09, 2022 at 08:44AM

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