It will be a busy ballot on Nov. 8 with national, state and local races. A big part of the ballot will be seven state questions. Guthrie News Page will help break down each question with information and a video for each state question.
Mike Jackson, a Senior Vice President Political Affairs and Advocacy for the State Chamber, overviews the seven questions that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. The presentation was presented inside City Hall on behalf of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce.
State Question 776
Known as the Oklahoma Death Penalty Amendment.
Voting yes supports amending the Oklahoma Constitution to guarantee the state’s power to impose punishment and set methods of execution. Voting no opposes amending the Oklahoma Constitution to guarantee the state’s power to impose punishment and set methods of execution. View the ballot.
The death penalty is legal in 31 states, including Oklahoma. In Jan. 1 of this year, there were 49 inmates on death row. Additional information
State Question 777
Known as the Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment.
A yes vote supports amending the state constitution to include the right to farm and ranch. A no vote opposes this proposal to amend the state constitution to include the right to farm and ranch. View the ballot.
This was placed on the ballot by the state legislature and was designed to require courts to rule on any law regulating farming and agriculture passed after December 31, 2014 by employing “strict scrutiny.” Additional information
State Question 779
Known as the Oklahoma One Percent Sales Tax.
A yes vote is a vote in favor of increasing the state sales tax by one percentage point to generate a predicted $615 million per year for education funding. A no vote is against increasing the sales tax. View the ballot.
If approved, the funding would allow 69.50 percent for common school districts, 19.25 percent for institutions under the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 3.25 percent for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and 8 percent for the State Department of Education.
The measure would also require an increase in teacher salaries of at least $5,000 and would mandate an annual audits of school districts’ use of the revenue. Additional information
State Question 780
Known as the Oklahoma Reclassification of Some Drug and Property Crimes as Misdemeanors Initiative.
A yes vote supports this proposal to reclassify certain property offenses and simple drug possession as misdemeanor crimes. A no vote opposes the proposal. View the ballot.
Question 780 was designed to change certain non-violent drug and theft related crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, which come with a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Additional information
State Question 781
Known as the Rehabilitative Programs Fund Initiative.
A yes vote supports this proposal to use money saved by declassifying certain property and drug crimes as misdemeanors as outlined in State Question 780. View the ballot.
Question 781 would only become effective if voters also approve State Question 780. Additional information
State Question 790
Known as the Oklahoma Public Money for Religious Purposes.
A yes vote is in favor of allowing public money to be spent for religious purposes. A no vote is against. View the ballot.
Passage of the measure would allow the Ten Commandments monument to be returned to the State Capitol. Additional information
State Question 792
Known as the Oklahoma Regulations Governing the Sale of Wine and Beer Amendment.
A yes vote supports completely changing the laws governing alcohol sales and distribution in the state, including provisions allowing grocery stores and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer and wine seven days a week. A no votes opposes the proposition. View the ballot.
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