Bill > SB197

This bill modifies Oklahoma state law regarding how and when special elections are held for ballot initiatives and referendums. Currently, initiated measures and referendum questions must be submitted to voters at the next regular election, but the Governor has discretionary power to call a special election. The bill expands this discretionary power to include the Legislature and provides specific guidelines for setting special election dates. Under the new provisions, if a special election is called, it must be held either on the second Tuesday of November in odd-numbered years or the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years. If the Legislature and Governor set conflicting dates for a special election, the default date will be these specified Tuesdays. This change gives more flexibility to state leaders in scheduling elections for ballot measures while also establishing clear rules for when such special elections can occur. The bill will take effect on November 1, 2025, providing ample time for election officials and political stakeholders to prepare for the new process.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb197&Session=2600