Oklahomans have decided on 454 ballot measures since statehood
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of all Oklahoma ballot measures since 1907, the year the state's constitution was adopted. The constitution also provided for an initiative and referendum process. Oklahomans decided on 454 ballot measures between 1907 and 2024. Two hundred thirty-two (232) measures were approved (51.10%), and 222 measures were defeated (48.90%).
The Oklahoma State Legislature referred 338 ballot measures to the state ballot between 1907 and 2024—nearly three times the number of initiatives (116) placed on the ballot by citizens. Legislatively referred measures were approved 58% of the time, as compared to 32% for ballot initiatives.
The inventory of Oklahoma statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Explore the topics below for detailed information:
This section provides a table to search Oklahoma historical ballot measures by decade and keyword.
This section summarizes notable topics Oklahoma voters have decided on.
This section highlights measures with the closest and widest margins, as well as the breakdown by topic, decade, and type.
This section describes the process of placing a statewide measure on the ballot.
Historic Ballot Measure Lookup Tool
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CISS | State Question 832 | Increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour | On the ballot |
| 2024 | LRCA | State Question 833 | Allow municipalities to create public infrastructure districts when all property owners within the proposed district sign a petition and give public infrastructure districts the authority to issue bonds for public improvements if approved by voters within the district | Defeated |
| 2024 | LRCA | State Question 834 | Prohibit the state and local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote | Approved |
| 2023 | CISS | State Question 820 | Legalize marijuana in Oklahoma | Defeated |
| 2020 | CICA | State Question 802 | Expands Medicaid in Oklahoma to certain low-income adults between 18 and 65 with incomes below 133% of the federal poverty level | Approved |
| 2020 | CICA | State Question 805 | Prohibits a convicted person's former felony convictions from being used to calculate future punishments; provides for sentence modifications for eligible persons | Defeated |
| 2020 | LRCA | State Question 814 | Decreases payments made to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund from 75% to 25%, directs the legislature to appropriate money from the fund to secure federal matching funds for the state's Medicaid program | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | CISS | State Question 788 | Legalize the licensed cultivation, use, and possession of marijuana for medicinal purposes | Approved |
| 2018 | CICA | State Question 793 | Allow optometrists and opticians with a constitutional right to practice within a retail establishment that sells merchandise to the public | Defeated |
| 2018 | LRCA | State Question 794 | Add specific rights of crime victims, together known as a Marsy's Law, to the Oklahoma Constitution | Approved |
| 2018 | LRCA | State Question 798 | Provide for the governor and lieutenant governor to be elected together on one ticket starting in 2026 | Defeated |
| 2018 | LRCA | State Question 800 | Establish a fund for the investment of 5 percent of the state's oil and gas development tax revenue and for the annual transfer of 4 percent of the fund's capital to the general fund | Defeated |
| 2018 | LRCA | State Question 801 | Allow certain local voter-approved property taxes—known as ad valorem levies—to be used to fund school district operations as well as construction | Defeated |
| 2016 | CICA | State Question 779 | Increase the state sales tax by one percentage point to generate a predicted $615 million per year for education funding | Defeated |
| 2016 | CISS | State Question 780 | Reclassify certain property offenses and simple drug possession as misdemeanor crimes | Approved |
| 2016 | LRCA | State Question 792 | Change 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 | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | State Question 781 | Use money saved by reclassifying certain property and drug crimes as misdemeanors, as outlined in the Criminal Justice System Reform Initiative, State Question 780, to fund rehabilitative programs, including substance abuse and mental health treatment programs | Approved |
| 2016 | LRCA | State Question 777 | Create a state constitutional right to farm and ranch; require the courts to apply the same standards to lawsuits concerning agriculture and livestock as in cases concerning free speech, gun ownership, and religious freedom | Defeated |
| 2016 | LRCA | State Question 776 | Give the legislature, rather than the judicial or executive branches of government, the authority to provide for any method of administering the death penalty not prohibited by the U.S. Constitution | Approved |
| 2016 | LRCA | State Question 790 | Repeal the constitutional provision that prohibits public money or property from being used to support any religious organization | Defeated |
| 2014 | LRCA | State Question 771 | Create a property tax homestead exemption for the surviving spouse of military personnel who die in the line of duty and provided that the homestead exemption would no longer be available upon the spouse remarrying | Approved |
| 2014 | LRCA | State Question 770 | Allow a qualifying disabled veteran or his or her surviving spouse to sell their homestead, acquire another homestead property in the same calendar year and keep their property tax homestead exemption | Approved |
| 2014 | LRCA | State Question 769 | Allow government officials to also serve as officers and members of the National Guard, Officers Reserve Corps, Oklahoma State Guard or any other active militia or military force organized under state law | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 762 | Remove the state governor from the state parole process | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 766 | Abolish property taxes on intangible personal property | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 758 | Prevent annual increases in property taxes | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 765 | Create department to provide for public welfare for state residents. | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 764 | Allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to issue bonds to provide a reserve fund for that board | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | State Question 759 | Ban affirmative action programs in the state and prohibited special treatment based on race or sex in public employment, education and contracts | Approved |
| 2010 | CICA | State Question 744 | Repeal the $42 per student requirement and require funding to match surrounding states' operational cost averages. | Defeated |
| 2010 | LRSS | State Question 746 | Require photo ID to vote, allow provisional ballots without ID, and make false statements a felony. | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 747 | Limit statewide officials to eight years and Corporation Commissioners to twelve, excluding partial terms. | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 748 | Restructure the Legislative Apportionment Commission, increasing members from three to seven, replacing current members, and making the Lieutenant Governor a nonvoting chair | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 750 | Change signature requirements for petitions to use gubernatorial election votes. | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 751 | Declare English the "common and unifying language of the State of Oklahoma" | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 752 | Add two at-large members, bar non-lawyer members with lawyer relatives, and keep district representation. | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 754 | Prohibit requiring legislative funding based on formulas, comparisons, or future amendments. | Defeated |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 755 | Require courts to base decisions only on federal and state law, barring use of international or Sharia law. | Overturned |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 756 | Prohibit mandatory participation in health care systems | Approved |
| 2010 | LRCA | State Question 757 | Increase surplus revenue to the Constitutional Reserve Fund from 10% to 15% of the prior year's General Revenue. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | LRCA | State Question 735 | Exempt 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses from personal property tax. | Approved |
| 2008 | LRCA | State Question 741 | Require individuals or businesses to file an application to receive property tax exemptions and prohibit exemptions before filing. | Approved |
| 2008 | LRCA | State Question 742 | Establish a constitutional right to hunt, trap, fish, and take game, granting authority to the Wildlife Conservation Commission. | Approved |
| 2008 | LRCA | State Question 743 | Require buyers to be 21 and present for wine purchases, and allow small winemakers direct sales to retailers. | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | State Question 724 | Limit pay for legislators in jail after a guilty plea or verdict and require repayment of pay received. | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | State Question 725 | Allow Rainy Day Fund spending with unanimous approval to aid manufacturers retaining jobs in Oklahoma. | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | State Question 733 | Remove the ban on package store sales of alcoholic beverages on election days. | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | State Question 734 | Allow laws to mandate applications, deadlines, and filings for the freeport tax exemption. | Approved |
| 2005 | CICA | State Question 723 | Create a Bridge and Highway Trust Fund, funded by capped fuel taxes, for highway and bridge projects. | Defeated |
| 2004 | LRSS | State Question 705 | Establish a state lottery, allocating proceeds to education, with 45% for prizes and 35% for education after two years. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 706 | Create the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund to fund education without replacing existing state funds. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 707 | Permit local governments to use taxes and fees for investments, development, or debts beyond a fiscal year. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 708 | Adjust Rainy Day Fund limits: allow 3/8 for shortfalls, cap at predicted shortages, and cut emergency use to 1/4. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 711 | Define marriage as one man and one woman, ban unmarried benefits, void same-sex marriages, and penalize violations. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRSS | State Question 712 | Enact the State-Tribal Gaming Act, allow gaming machines, regulate operations, and fund education, racing, and gambling programs. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRSS | State Question 713 | Replace tobacco sales tax with new taxes, fund health and services, penalize tribal violations, and adjust income taxes. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 714 | Adjust homestead value limits for seniors by tying qualifying income to the prior year's area mean, replacing the $25,000 cap. | Approved |
| 2004 | LRCA | State Question 715 | Exempt the full value of a homestead for 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. | Approved |
| 2002 | CISS | State Question 687 | Make cockfighting a felony, ban training, owning, or assisting, and penalize spectators as misdemeanants. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 693 | Allow local bonds for development with voter-approved taxes and permit regional districts to issue bonds. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 696 | Exempt up to 100 square feet of a tornado storm shelter installed after January 1, 2002, from property taxes. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 697 | Allow counties, with voter approval, to use up to one-fourth of property tax from exempt business property for development. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 698 | Require 15% of voters to propose laws banning hunting, fishing, trapping, or animal-related activities. | Defeated |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 701 | Allow tobacco trust fund spending up to 5.5% of its average market value and permit payments to vendors and financial managers. | Defeated |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 702 | Allow tax abatements for bankruptcy, insolvency, uncontrollable factors, unfair liability, or good-faith errors. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 703 | Allow the legislature to limit the liability of individuals or entities contracting with the state for information technology services. | Defeated |
| 2002 | LRCA | State Question 704 | Allow school district building funds to cover costs related to property inspections by county assessors as prescribed by law. | Defeated |
| 2001 | LRCA | State Question 695 | Prohibit employment contracts requiring union membership, dues, or approval for jobs, and require employee consent for wage deductions to unions. | Approved |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 684 | Allow use of a percentage of the School Land Trust's market value to support schools and universities. | Defeated |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 685 | Allow counties with more than 500,000 residents to increase property taxes by up to 2.5 mills to fund county health departments. | Defeated |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 686 | Allow state colleges and universities to make contracts with presidents for up to three years. | Approved |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 688 | Allow Oklahoma wineries to sell and ship wine directly to retail package stores and restaurants licensed to sell liquor by the drink. | Approved |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 690 | Allow school districts to eliminate the need for annual elections on emergency, local support, and building fund millage levies. | Approved |
| 2000 | LRSS | State Question 691 | Set vehicle registration fees by years registered, base excise tax on sales price, and lower RV tag costs. | Approved |
| 2000 | LRCA | State Question 692 | Create the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund for health, education, and prevention programs. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | CICA | State Question 672 | Legalize gambling, allow facilities and tribal casinos, enforce debts, and allocate taxes to regulation, education, prisons, and local governments. | Defeated |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 678 | Allow counties to leave emergency medical districts with voter approval, retaining debt responsibility. | Approved |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 679 | Allow pay increases for Corporation Commissioners and Tax Commission members anytime, ensuring equal pay. | Defeated |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 680 | Allow public colleges to let businesses use property for technology research and development. | Approved |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 681 | Allow state colleges and employees to own technology and invest in related businesses. | Approved |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 682 | Allow the state to contract with counties and cities for inmate housing, with terms up to 15 years, and enable jail financing. | Approved |
| 1998 | LRCA | State Question 683 | Exempt all personal property used as pollution control property from ad valorem tax. | Defeated |
| 1996 | CICA | State Question 669 | Cap property taxes at 1993 levels, allowing increases only for voter approval, transfers, improvements, or status changes. | Defeated |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 670 | Increase the minimum and maximum number of signatures required to call for a grand jury. | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 671 | Allow school districts to enter into contracts with school superintendents for up to three years. | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 674 | Protect crime victims' rights to information, presence, notification, and being heard in proceedings. | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 675 | Limit property tax assessments to 11%-13.5% for land, 10%-15% for personal property, allow voter increases, and retain state rates. | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 676 | Limit annual increases in the assessed value of locally assessed real property to 5%, excluding years when the property is sold or improved. | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | State Question 677 | Freeze homestead value for seniors 65 or older with incomes under 25,000 dollars at the first qualifying year. | Approved |
| 1994 | CISS | State Question 658 | Enact a State Lottery law, with proceeds for science, education, and capital needs, while regulating gambling and imposing penalties. | Defeated |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 659 | Make the emergency, local support, and building fund levies permanent unless repealed by voters, remove outdated provisions, and retain levy limits. | Defeated |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 660 | Eliminate the constitutional requirement that a constitutional convention question be presented to voters every 20 years | Defeated |
| 1994 | CICA | State Question 662 | Limit Oklahoma Representatives to 3 terms, Senators to 2 terms, and combined service to 18 years, excluding prior terms and vacant appointments. | Overturned |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 663 | Allow wineries to use out-of-state produce and be exempt from retail store restrictions. | Approved |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 664 | Authorize the Legislature to set minimum prison terms for all felons before parole. | Approved |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 665 | Allow the Legislature to use educational funds to guarantee bonds with repayment and investment regulations. | Approved |
| 1994 | LRCA | State Question 666 | Raise the library tax cap to six mills in large counties, maintaining the current cap in smaller counties, for library and related services. | Approved |
| 1994 | LRSS | State Question 667 | Enact the Oklahoma Breast Cancer Act, funded by a 1% tax on amusement admissions, with revenue for research, prevention, and treatment. | Defeated |
| 1992 | CICA | State Question 640 | Require voter approval for revenue-raising bills unless a 75% majority in each legislative chamber and the governor's signature. | Approved |
| 1992 | LRCA | State Question 643 | Repeal the requirement for railroads within four miles of a county seat to pass through it and maintain a depot. | Approved |
| 1992 | LRCA | State Question 645 | Require public retirement system assets to be held in trust for benefits, refunds, investments, and expenses. | Approved |
| 1992 | LRCA | State Question 646 | Allow counties to levy an annual property tax, with voter approval, to fund a local cooperative extension office. | Defeated |
| 1992 | LRSS | State Question 647 | Create a nursing home grant program, mandate health care reforms, and form a task force for recommendations. | Defeated |
| 1992 | LRCA | State Question 648 | Allow counties to exempt household goods and livestock from property taxes with voter approval and revenue adjustments. | Approved |
| 1992 | LRCA | State Question 649 | Issue $350,000,000 in bonds for state projects, repaid in 30 years with cigarette taxes or general revenue. | Approved |
| 1992 | LRSS | State Question 650 | Regulate charity games through the Oklahoma Tax Commission, including licensing, taxes, fees, and penalties, and repeal bingo laws. | Approved |
| 1991 | CISS | State Question 639 | Replace House Bill 1017, restore prior education laws, and adjust school age, kindergarten, and transfer fees. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 623 | Raise the jury trial threshold to $1,500, require 12-person juries for major cases, and mandate unanimous verdicts for serious crimes. | Approved |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 624 | Redefine compensation for land taken, considering value, injury, and benefits, ensuring owners are not charged more than the injury. | Approved |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 625 | Allow counties to issue bonds for industrial development, set procedures by law, and restrict voting to registered voters. | Approved |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 626 | Allow cities and towns to borrow money for public utilities without additional taxes, repayable through pledged funds or revenues. | Approved |
| 1990 | CICA | State Question 627 | Create a five-member Ethics Commission, appointed by state officials, to set campaign rules and investigate violations. | Approved |
| 1990 | CICA | State Question 632 | Limit future legislators to 12 years total, while allowing current members an additional 12 years. | Approved |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 633 | Create a seven-member State Board of Education, with six appointees serving six-year terms, and the State Superintendent as president. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 634 | Consolidate school levies into a 44-mill cap, redirect high-value property taxes to a statewide fund, and permit levy adjustments within the cap. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 635 | Create the Oklahoma School Land Fund and allow the legislature allocate income from public land leases to schools. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 636 | Allow the legislature to determine the ages at which children are required to attend school. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 637 | Allow liquor stores to remain open during city franchise elections while keeping them closed during other elections. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 638 | Restrict state agencies, except certain lodges, from the alcohol business and let the legislature limit employee involvement. | Approved |
| 1990 | LRCA | State Question 641 | Allow the legislature to permit cities and counties to provide tax exemptions and other tax relief for economically declining areas. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | CICA | State Question 620 | Set the legislature to meet annually from February to May, with a one-day session in January during odd years. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 603 | Allow the Senate or House to disapprove state rules and let the legislature regulate rulemaking processes. | Defeated |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 604 | Allow cities to vote on an additional property tax of up to 5 mills to fund city-owned hospitals. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 610 | Authorize $100 million in bonds for a development reserve fund, repaid by the legislature. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 611 | Allow state funds for business development grants and loans, administered by OCAST, with legislative approval and review. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 612 | Expand bail denial to include violent crimes, life offenses, repeat felonies, and certain drug crimes if safety can't be ensured. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 613 | Change the Commissioner of Labor to an elected position with a four-year term, instead of being appointed by the Governor. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 616 | Allow cities and towns to issue bonds for building, rebuilding, improving, or repairing streets or bridges in addition to public utilities. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 617 | Allow fair market leases of trust land, require public bidding for some leases, limit lease terms, and ensure improvements revert to the trust. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | State Question 618 | Remove the definition of "manufacturing facility" and require the legislature to define it for property tax exemptions. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 589 | Allow individuals 18 or older, regardless of gender, to work in underground mines, removing outdated language and raising the minimum age. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRSS | State Question 590 | Remove Section 18 of Article 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution relating to the poll tax. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 591 | Require winemakers to sell to all wholesalers and allow direct sales on winery grounds for locally made wine. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRSS | State Question 592 | Remove the limits on railroads rates for first-class train passengers. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 593 | Remove the power to grant paroles for death or life without parole sentences, while retaining authority for other clemency actions. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRSS | State Question 594 | Eliminate the Chief Mine Inspector position, transferring duties to the Department of Mines and removing mining district requirements. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRSS | State Question 596 | Allow counties to provide solid waste services, fund them with a tax levy up to three mills, and issue bonds for related purposes. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 597 | Authorize taxing federal property obtained through foreclosure or bankruptcy unless prohibited by federal law. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 599 | Allow certain school funds to be invested in federally insured savings and loans and credit unions. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | State Question 600 | Increase the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority's bond limit to $90 million, raise lending limits, and allow federal loan purchases. | Approved |
| 1985 | LRCA | State Question 586 | Allow the legislature to set limits on damages for personal injury claims against the state or its subdivisions resulting in death. | Approved |
| 1985 | LRCA | State Question 587 | Require a balanced budget, limit spending to 95% of income, cap growth at 12%, and create a restricted reserve fund. | Approved |
| 1985 | LRCA | State Question 588 | Exempt new or expanding manufacturing plants from ad valorem taxes for five years, with reimbursement laws for local governments and schools. | Approved |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 561 | Increase the maximum ad valorem tax levy from 2.5 to 5 mills for county health departments. | Defeated |
| 1984 | CICA | State Question 563 | Rename the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, remove Senate confirmation, and let the Legislature regulate and tax alcohol. | Approved |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 570 | Allow counties with populations over 250,000 and a park system to levy up to 3 mills for park construction and maintenance. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 571 | Allow the legislature to set damage limits for claims against the state or its subdivisions for personal injuries resulting in death. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 572 | Increase the school district debt limit from 10% to 15% of taxable property value, requiring voter approval for any increase. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 573 | Allow counties to impose an additional ad valorem tax of up to 5 mills for constructing and maintaining county roads and jails. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 574 | Allow cities, towns, and counties to incur debt for public utilities with approval from at least three-fourths of their governing body. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 575 | Allow counties to levy an additional ad valorem tax of up to 3.5 mills to fund health care for poor residents. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 576 | Increase grand jury petition requirements to 400-800 signatures and 2% of the county population. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 578 | Remove outdated language, eliminate payment limits, and grant the legislature authority over payment formulas. | Approved |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 579 | Allow cities, towns, or counties to create transportation service districts for providing transportation. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 580 | Authorize local school districts to propose an annual incentive tax levy of up to 20 mills on taxable property. | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 581 | Allow state funds for public water and sewage projects using the Water Development and Resources Funds. | Approved |
| 1984 | LRCA | State Question 582 | Tax for-profit schools, maintain nonprofit school exemptions, and remove Civil War soldier and widow exemptions. | Approved |
| 1982 | CISS | State Question 553 | Create the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission to regulate racing, set taxes, and allow county option elections. | Approved |
| 1982 | LRSS | State Question 555 | Authorize transportation districts with taxing powers, established by local vote, to provide services via agreements. | Defeated |
| 1982 | CISS | State Question 556 | Establish new boundaries for Congressional districts and repeal prior legislation setting those boundaries. | Defeated |
| 1982 | LRCA | State Question 557 | Allow cities, towns, and counties to borrow money for public buildings, streets, and roads with up to 30 years repayment. | Defeated |
| 1982 | LRCA | State Question 558 | Allow the legislature to use state funds and incur debt for water and sewage projects, bypassing constitutional debt and grant limits. | Approved |
| 1982 | LRCA | State Question 559 | Create a trust fund managed by a seven-member board, with capital invested and income spent by legislative appropriation. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 540 | Allow the legislature to call special sessions with a two-thirds agreement, while retaining the Governor's authority. | Approved |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 544 | Allow the state to manage federal transportation funds, with legislative authority for administration and taxation on projects. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 545 | Allow municipalities, counties, and transportation districts to pledge revenues, issue bonds, or levy taxes for transportation. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 546 | Increase the school district emergency levy from 5 mills to 15 mills on taxable property. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 548 | Increase the maximum allowable indebtedness for school districts from 10% to 20% of the valuation of taxable property. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 549 | Authorize an additional five mill ad valorem tax levy for counties, cities, towns, and school districts. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 551 | Require apportionment within 45 days after the second regular session, with a commission handling it if the legislature fails. | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | State Question 552 | Allow municipalities or joint agencies to issue revenue bonds or incur debt for public utilities without constitutional debt limits. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | CISS | State Question 539 | Allow individual taxpayers to deduct federal income tax paid from their state gross income over three years. | Defeated |
| 1978 | CISS | State Question 524 | Allow the Oklahoma Tax Commission to manage vehicle registration by mail, with five-year tags and county treasurers as agents. | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 525 | Authorize mandatory minimum sentences for repeat felons and bar Pardon and Parole Board attorneys from representing defendants. | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 526 | Remove language that allows for separate schools for white and people of color students. | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 527 | Repeal section with definitions for "colored", "colored race", "negro", "negro race", and "white race". | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 528 | Allow elections to create or dissolve hospital districts funded by annual tax levy, provisions for trustee appointments, and elections for issuing bonds for specific purposes. | Defeated |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 530 | Allow brewers of beer and cereal malt beverages, and licensed wholesale distributors, to enter territorial or marketing agreements. | Defeated |
| 1978 | LRCA | State Question 531 | Repeal and replace Article III of the Oklahoma Constitution, addressing election policy | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | State Question 507 | Increase ad valorem tax levies for cooperative and joint city-county libraries, and allow counties with populations over 100,000 to fund joint libraries. | Approved |
| 1976 | CICA | State Question 515 | Authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages with an approved license in businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. | Defeated |
| 1976 | LRCA | State Question 517 | Repeal Section 3 of Article III, which allowed women to vote in school district elections and meetings. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | State Question 521 | Require the Legislation to establish institutions that provide support for those who are deaf or blind. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | State Question 522 | Allow elections to create or dissolve emergency medical districts, fund them with tax levies, and hold bond elections for equipment and facilities. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | State Question 523 | Require apportionment within 90 days after the first session post-census, with an Apportionment Commission if the Legislature fails to act. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 506 | Revise revenue estimates using a five-year average, adjusting for declines, and allowing the legislature to reduce revenue and transfer funds. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 508 | Restructure the Board of Equalization, replacing the Secretary of State with the Lieutenant Governor and the State Auditor with the Superintendent. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 509 | Abolish the office of Commissioner of Charities and Corrections. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 510 | Consolidate the offices of State Auditor and State Examiner and Inspector into a single office of State Auditor and Inspector. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 511 | Change the secretary of state from an elected position to one appointed by the governor | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 512 | Allow the Governor, with Senate approval, to appoint the Labor Commissioner. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 513 | Allow the Governor, with Senate approval, to appoint the Chief Mine Inspector. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRCA | State Question 514 | Restructure the Land Office, replacing the Secretary of State and State Auditor with the Lieutenant Governor and State Auditor. | Approved |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 494 | Allow the Governor, with Senate approval, to appoint the Commissioner of Labor. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 495 | Provide that a citizen initiative requires a simple majority of votes cast, rather than a majority of total votes in the election. | Approved |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 496 | Require a constitutional amendment to pass with a simple majority of votes cast on it, not total votes. | Approved |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 497 | Allow counties to levy a two-mill property tax, with voter approval, to fund operations until repealed. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRSS | State Question 498 | Authorize fair boards to conduct horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering, allow county elections, and create the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRSS | State Question 502 | Authorize a full-time State Pardon and Parole Board with 3 to 5 members appointed by the legislature with Senate consent. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 503 | Remove residency requirements for voters, allow the legislature to set qualifications, and permit mental institution residents to vote. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 504 | Authorize emergency medical service districts, with elections for bonds and up to 4 mills for repayment and operations. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | State Question 505 | Allow the legislature to reorganize executive departments into 20 entities, excluding constitutional departments and agencies. | Defeated |
| 1972 | CICA | State Question 480 | Allow the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-premise consumption and permit franchise agreements and advertising. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 485 | Authorize the state to issue up to $250 million in general obligation bonds for highway improvements. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 486 | Limit real property assessments for ad valorem taxation at 35% of its fair cash value based on its highest and best use during the previous year. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 487 | Allow emergency and local support school tax levies up to 5 and 10 mills to remain indefinitely unless repealed by voters. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 488 | Allow all voters, not just property taxpayers, to participate in municipal public utility bond elections. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 489 | Limit the maximum annual indebtedness of cities and towns to 10% of the value of their taxable properties. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | State Question 490 | Increase the loan limit to 70% of farmland's reasonable valuation from educational funds. | Defeated |
| 1971 | CISS | State Question 478 | Prohibit the sale of specific merchandise on both Saturday and Sunday at the same location. | Defeated |
| 1971 | LRCA | State Question 479 | Allow city, town, and county bonds for industrial development without requiring voters to be property taxpayers. | Defeated |
| 1971 | LRCA | State Question 481 | Allow the investment of permanent school and educational funds in federally or state-insured student loans. | Approved |
| 1971 | LRCA | State Question 482 | Require testimony or evidence, even if self-incriminating, with immunity from prosecution or penalties. | Approved |
| 1971 | LRCA | State Question 483 | Allow grand juries to be convened by citizen petitions or the Attorney General for investigations and indictments of all crimes. | Approved |
| 1971 | LRCA | State Question 484 | Lower the voting age requirement for qualified electors to 18 years. | Approved |
| 1970 | VR | State Question 464 | Require voting machines to disable party-voting levers in elections with nonpartisan or noncompetitive judicial retention candidates. | Defeated |
| 1970 | VR | State Question 469 | Grant the State Treasurer authority to determine public fund deposits and require 4.10% annual interest on time deposits. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 472 | Authorize the legislature to call a Constitutional Convention to propose changes to the Oklahoma Constitution or create a new one. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 473 | Allow constitutional amendments to propose a new or entire article as a single question, including related revisions or transfers. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 474 | Authorize additional State Industrial Finance Bonds, increasing the total limit to $60 million, and permit loans for tourism and rural water districts. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 475 | Prohibit the segregation of children in Oklahoma public schools based on race, creed, color, or national origin. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 476 | Authorize hospital districts to issue bonds for hospitals, levy up to 10 mills for bond repayment, and 5 mills for operations with voter approval. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | State Question 477 | Repeal sections directing state officials to reapportion the legislature and allow Supreme Court review of reapportionment orders. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | LRCA | State Question 466 | Establish a specific form of oath of office for all public officers in Oklahoma. | Approved |
| 1969 | LRCA | State Question 468 | Authorize the issuance and sale of additional State Industrial Finance Bonds, with legislative authority to increase the cap to $50 million. | Defeated |
| 1968 | CICA | State Question 441 | Repeal Article 7 and adopt a new article to create a judicial department. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 442 | Allow permanent common school and educational funds to be invested in banks or trust companies with FDIC-insured deposits. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 443 | Exempt personal tangible property from taxes when moving through Oklahoma or used in manufacturing and storage for less than 9 months. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 445 | Replace the current oath of office with an updated version that all public officers must take. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 453 | Require the State Board of Equalization to provide annual revenue estimates based on the most recent fiscal year, with changes to the timing and basis of the estimate. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 454 | Allow the legislature to regulate lenders, set maximum interest rates, and cap unagreed rates at 6%, with rates over 10% considered usurious. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 455 | Eliminate the requirement for corporations to file reports on stockholders, officers, directors, and stock holdings with the Corporation Commission. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 456 | Remove the prohibition on changing public officials' salary or benefits after election and add a prohibition during their term. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 457 | Allow qualified electors to sign grand jury petitions, requiring 1% of county population, with double signatures for subsequent petitions in a year. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 458 | Restrict corporate stock issuance, allow ownership in competitors, and remove stockholder filing requirements with the Corporation Commission. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 459 | Modify jury trial rules, including the number of jurors in specific cases, and establish a three-fourths jury concurrence in cases less than felonies. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 460 | Prohibit intangible personal property from being taxed. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 461 | Require the State Board of Equalization to estimate state revenues based on the previous year and withhold appropriations until the estimate is provided. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 462 | Require laws to prevent legislators' conflicts of interest and establish a Board of Legislative Compensation to review pay every two years. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | State Question 463 | Authorize the Legislature to pass legislation to incur debt up to $99,808,000 for government construction projects. | Approved |
| 1967 | LRCA | State Question 446 | Repeal the constitutional Pardon and Parole Board and replace it with a legislatively authorized State Pardon and Parole Board. | Defeated |
| 1967 | LRCA | State Question 444 | Authorize the state legislature to define various taxes based on federal laws, rules, and regulations. | Approved |
| 1967 | LRCA | State Question 447 | Establish terms of tenure for Justices of Supreme Court and Judges of Court and Criminal Appeals. | Approved |
| 1967 | LRCA | State Question 448 | Repeal Article VII and create a new one establishing a Judicial Department with the Supreme Court, District Courts, and appellate courts. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 428 | Repeal Section 3 of Article XIII that required the Legislature to establish separate schools for white and people of color students. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 429 | Establish impeachment procedures for officials convicted of a felony, with automatic suspension without pay and reinstatement if reversed. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 431 | Establish a Court on the Judiciary with authority to remove or retire judges, selected by the Supreme Court, Governor, Attorney General, or House. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 432 | Allow U.S. citizens who recently moved to Oklahoma to vote for President and Vice President, but not other offices, if they’ve been residents for less than six months. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 434 | Authorize the State Board to create vocational education districts, levy additional taxes with voter approval, and incur debt for improvements. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 435 | Provide for annual regular legislative sessions with a limit of ninety legislative days for each session. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | State Question 436 | Prohibit the Governor from serving more than two consecutive terms, but allow the Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer to succeed themselves. | Approved |
| 1966 | VR | State Question 437 | Establish new boundaries for Oklahoma's congressional district. | Defeated |
| 1965 | LRSS | State Question 425 | Enact a one cent sales tax to increase the sales tax to three cents with funds dedicated to the state's General Revenue Fund. | Defeated |
| 1965 | LRCA | State Question 426 | Authorize $56,750,000 in debt for government construction, using cigarette tax revenue, General Revenue Fund allocations, and specific tax proceeds. | Defeated |
| 1965 | LRSS | State Question 427 | Authorize a Joint Resolution to issue $60,000,000 in Highway Revenue Notes to fund road maintenance with an interest rate of 3.5%. | Defeated |
| 1965 | LRCA | State Question 430 | Amend the State Constitution to authorize school districts to enact a property tax levy approved by voters. | Approved |
| 1965 | LRCA | State Question 433 | Authorize $54,750,000 for state construction projects, funded by cigarette taxes, General Revenue Fund, specific tax proceeds, and bond issuance. | Approved |
| 1964 | CICA | State Question 409 | Prohibit labor organization membership or dues as a condition of employment in Oklahoma. | Defeated |
| 1964 | LRCA | State Question 412 | Require qualified electors to reside in the state for at least six months, in the county for two months, and in the election precinct for 20 days. | Approved |
| 1964 | LRCA | State Question 413 | Allow the compensation of members of the legislature to be set by law. | Defeated |
| 1964 | LRCA | State Question 414 | Set legislator compensation at $25 per day for up to 75 legislative days, $25 per day for up to 40 Legislative Council meeting days, and 10 cents per mile for travel. | Defeated |
| 1964 | LRCA | State Question 415 | Add Article VII-A to create a Court on the Judiciary with trial and appellate divisions to handle judicial removals or retirements for specific causes. | Defeated |
| 1964 | LRCA | State Question 416 | Revise legislative apportionment to create 19 one-county and 29 two-county senatorial districts, allocate representatives by population, and set terms for legislators. | Approved |
| 1964 | VR | State Question 420 | Repeal the Governor's authority to appoint District Judges, Superior Judges, and U.S. Senators, requiring special elections for vacancies. | Defeated |
| 1964 | CICA | State Question 421 | Abolish the emergency levy for school districts and authorize a local support levy of up to 15 mills for school funding. | Defeated |
| 1964 | CISS | State Question 422 | Increase school district allowances, adjust teacher salaries, and provide state aid for approved teaching units. | Defeated |
| 1964 | CISS | State Question 423 | Allow disorganization of school districts not maintaining 12 years of accredited instruction and annexation to high school districts. | Defeated |
| 1964 | CISS | State Question 424 | Require county superintendents of schools to conduct joint programs for school districts upon request and set their total compensation. | Defeated |
| 1963 | LRCA | State Question 411 | Authorize the state to incur up to $7 million in debt to construct, repair, and improve buildings at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. | Approved |
| 1963 | LRCA | State Question 417 | Increase county officers' terms from two to four years and prohibit them from running for other offices during their terms. | Defeated |
| 1963 | LRCA | State Question 418 | Increase the term of office for County Judges from two to four years. | Defeated |
| 1963 | LRCA | State Question 419 | Increase the terms of office for State Representatives to four years and State Senators to six years. | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | State Question 400 | Authorize the legislature to ensure temporary succession of officials and continuity of government during emergencies or threats. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | State Question 404 | Allow municipalities and counties, with voter approval, to issue bonds for securing and developing industry within or near their boundaries. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | State Question 405 | Limit legislative sessions to 91 days (regular) and 20 days (special), with salaries of $300 per month, $10 per day, and mileage for travel. | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | State Question 406 | Remove the requirement for manufacturers and distributors of alcoholic beverages to sell at the same price to all licensed wholesale distributors. | Defeated |
| 1962 | CICA | State Question 408 | Create an apportionment commission with the Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer, and grant the Supreme Court review authority. | Defeated |
| 1961 | LRCA | State Question 401 | Allow criminal trials in any county where evidence suggests a crime may have occurred if the exact county is uncertain. | Approved |
| 1961 | LRCA | State Question 407 | Require the State Election Board to use a formula based on the Federal Decennial Census to apportion House membership. | Defeated |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 388 | Allow candidates for presidential elector to be nominated at political party conventions instead of by primary elections. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 389 | Set legislators' compensation at $200 per month, $15 per diem for up to 75 legislative days, and mileage reimbursement for up to eight round trips. | Defeated |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 390 | Authorize counties to levy an additional ad valorem tax, up to 2.5 mills, with voter approval, to fund a department of health. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 391 | Establish a State Industrial Finance Authority, authorize up to $10 million in bonds (or $20 million with approval), and create a Revolving Loan Fund for local development. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 392 | Allow a recurring additional tax levy of 1 to 2 mills on taxable property for public library purposes in counties based on population size. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 393 | Authorize the state to incur up to $35.5 million in debt for constructing, equipping, remodeling, and repairing buildings at state universities. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | State Question 394 | Allow the legislature to call itself into special session with a written call signed by two-thirds of its members. | Defeated |
| 1960 | VR | State Question 395 | Establish income tax withholding by employers. | Defeated |
| 1960 | CICA | State Question 396 | Establish a constitutional State Highway Commission to oversee statewide road programs, highways, and bridges. | Defeated |
| 1960 | CICA | State Question 397 | Establish legislative apportionment by a commission of the Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State, set terms and districting rules, and create 48 senatorial districts with minimal population variance. | Defeated |
| 1960 | CISS | State Question 398 | Allow counties to decide whether to transfer road construction and maintenance to the State Highway Commission or keep it under county commissioners. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | LRCA | State Question 386 | Repeal prohibition in Oklahoma, create the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and allow regulated private package stores. | Approved |
| 1959 | LRCA | State Question 387 | Provide for county option on alcoholic beverages and allow counties to hold elections on legalizing alcohol manufacture, sale, and distribution. | Defeated |
| 1958 | LRCA | State Question 379 | Limit assessed value for ad valorem taxes to 35% of fair market value and establish penalties for willful errors in assessment. | Approved |
| 1958 | LRCA | State Question 380 | Authorize cities and towns to jointly own water facilities, enter contracts, and issue bonds (up to 30 years) for purchasing water and securing facilities. | Approved |
| 1957 | CICA | State Question 376 | Authorize counties to hold special elections every two years to decide whether to permit or prohibit beverages with 0.5% to 3.2% alcohol by weight. | Defeated |
| 1956 | CISS | State Question 357 | Create six new congressional districts with adjusted populations based on the 1950 federal census, replacing districts with unequal populations. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 369 | Authorize the legislature to create the Oklahoma Veterans Loan Authority, with up to $50 million in bonds for veterans' farm or home loans. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 370 | Remove the provision allowing the Commissioners of the Land Office to invest educational funds in loans secured by first mortgages on real estate from resident veterans exceeding 50% of the land's valuation without improvements. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 371 | Establish a seven-member Board of Regents for the Oklahoma College for Women, with members appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 372 | Create a seven-member Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Military Academy at Claremore, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 373 | Allow cities and towns, with majority approval from property taxpaying voters, to exceed debt limits for water facilities and enter long-term water contracts without voter approval. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 374 | Create a Department of Wildlife Conservation and an Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. | Approved |
| 1956 | LRCA | State Question 375 | Allow corporations to own stock in competitive corporations or those in the same line of business. | Defeated |
| 1956 | CICA | State Question 377 | Establish county offices, including County Attorney, Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, and others, as well as county courts and judges. | Defeated |
| 1955 | LRCA | State Question 368 | Modify ad valorem taxes for schools, allow additional levy uses, increase debt limits, permit multi-year contracts, and provide more funding for school and state institution improvements. | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | State Question 358 | Allow corporations to acquire real estate for lease or sale under legislative limits and revise restrictions on corporations acting as agents for agricultural land transactions. | Approved |
| 1954 | VR | State Question 359 | Amend provisions on toll turnpikes and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, including corrections, route details, wages, contracts, and reimbursements for engineering services. | Approved |
| 1954 | VR | State Question 360 | Approve House Bill 933, which authorized the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to construct and maintain toll turnpikes on specified routes. | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | State Question 361 | Allow the legislature to release or reduce tax and assessment charges on real property delinquent for the period required to acquire property by prescription. | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | State Question 362 | Allow common school funds to be invested in 3% mortgage loans for honorably discharged veterans, up to 93.5% of the land's value. | Approved |
| 1952 | CISS | State Question 349 | Increase the sales tax rate to 3%, adjust allocations for the Oklahoma Social Security Act, and reallocate sales tax revenues to the State Assistance Fund. | Defeated |
| 1952 | LRCA | State Question 353 | Establish a single-subject rule and separate-vote requirement for constitutional amendments. | Approved |
| 1952 | LRCA | State Question 354 | Allow both men and women to serve on grand juries and trial juries in courts of record and courts not of record. | Approved |
| 1952 | LRCA | State Question 355 | Authorize Oklahoma to incur up to $125 million in debt for military service compensation, repaid through taxes on resources, beverages, tobacco, and a surtax on incomes. | Defeated |
| 1952 | LRCA | State Question 356 | Lower the voting age requirement for qualified electors from 21 to 18 years. | Defeated |
| 1950 | CICA | State Question 325 | Create a four-member highway commission with exclusive authority over state highways, funds, and employment decisions. | Defeated |
| 1950 | CICA | State Question 326 | Prohibit diversion of highway user revenues, ensuring exclusive use for construction, maintenance, and the State Highway Patrol. | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRAQ | State Question 344 | Inform federal officials that Oklahomans urge U.S. delegates to propose or support amendments to the U.N. Charter to strengthen it and establish a world federal government to prevent war. | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRCA | State Question 345 | Authorize the legislature to enact laws for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Law for deaths from employment-related injuries. | Approved |
| 1950 | LRCA | State Question 346 | Establish a five-member Board of Regents, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, to govern the Oklahoma Military Academy. | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRSS | State Question 347 | Call a Constitutional Convention to alter, revise, or propose a new Constitution for Oklahoma. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | CICA | State Question 343 | Repeal Prohibition and allow the legislature to regulate, license, and tax intoxicating liquors, prohibiting sales to minors, Sunday sales, and open saloons. | Defeated |
| 1949 | LRCA | State Question 348 | Authorize the state to incur up to $36 million in debt for state building projects, funded by a 2¢ per cigarette package tax. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | State Question 327 | Allow a county excise board to levy up to one additional mill for separate schools for white and Black children. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | State Question 328 | Create a Board of Regents for five state colleges in Oklahoma. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | State Question 329 | Set legislative compensation at $100 per month during their term, or $15 per day for up to 75 days during regular or special sessions. | Approved |
| 1946 | CICA | State Question 314 | Allow school districts to increase the annual ad valorem tax rate for school purposes by up to 15 mills, with approval from a majority of voters in the district. | Approved |
| 1946 | CICA | State Question 315 | Require the legislature to fund common schools at $42 per student annually, with distribution by a state agency in addition to existing apportionments. | Approved |
| 1946 | CICA | State Question 316 | Allow a county excise board to levy an additional property tax of up to one mill for acquiring sites and building separate schools for white and Black children. | Approved |
| 1946 | CICA | State Question 318 | Require the legislature to establish a free textbook system for common schools, appoint a state committee to create textbook lists, and allow local committees to select from approved lists. | Approved |
| 1946 | LRCA | State Question 319 | Allow a county excise board to levy an additional property tax of up to one mill for purchasing equipment, acquiring sites, and building separate schools for white and Black children. | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | State Question 309 | Create a Pardon and Parole Board and require reporting all clemency acts to the Legislature. | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | State Question 310 | Create a nine-member Board of Regents for Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, including the State Board of Agriculture President and members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | State Question 311 | Create a seven-member Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. | Approved |
| 1944 | LRSS | State Question 312 | Provide for runoff primary elections | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | State Question 313 | Require surplus state general revenue funds to be placed in a sinking fund to pay off state bonded debt. | Approved |
| 1942 | LRCA | State Question 302 | Require candidates for statewide offices, including Governor and Lieutenant Governor, to be U.S. citizens, at least 31, and qualified Oklahoma electors for 10 years before election. | Approved |
| 1942 | LRCA | State Question 303 | Authorize the legislature to allow the state, institutions, and school districts to provide retirement, death, and disability benefits for teachers and public education employees. | Defeated |
| 1942 | LRCA | State Question 304 | Ensure wrongful death damages cannot be limited by statute, except under Workers' Compensation, and allow unlimited damages through legal action. | Defeated |
| 1942 | CICA | State Question 306 | Authorize the legislature to create retirement plans for public education employees, funded by state or district funds, based on service and salary. | Approved |
| 1941 | LRCA | State Question 298 | Prohibit appropriations exceeding revenue estimates, void excess appropriations, and limit annual deficiency certificates to $500,000. | Approved |
| 1941 | LRCA | State Question 299 | Remove limits on assistance for needy elderly, allow state legislation with federal social security plans, and permit non-ad valorem taxes to fund these programs. | Approved |
| 1941 | LRCA | State Question 300 | Create "The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education," establish a Board of Regents, and allow private institutions to join under board regulations. | Approved |
| 1940 | CICA | State Question 215 | Authorize a graduated tax on land over 640 acres for old age security, with exemptions, refunds, and enforcement provisions. | Defeated |
| 1940 | CISS | State Question 241 | Abolish alternate members of the State Board of Medical Examiners, ensure no medical school majority, require hearings for license revocation, and allow physicians to employ agents without suspension risk. | Defeated |
| 1940 | CISS | State Question 253 | Reallocate motor vehicle and fuel tax revenues to increase funding for local governments and reduce State Highway Fund allocations. | Defeated |
| 1940 | LRCA | State Question 281 | Require candidates for specific statewide offices to be U.S. citizens, at least 31 years old, and qualified Oklahoma electors for the 10 years before their election. | Defeated |
| 1940 | LRCA | State Question 282 | Require Corporation Commission approval for public service corporations to consolidate or control competing corporations, excluding railroads, bus, and truck lines. | Defeated |
| 1940 | CICA | State Question 289 | Regulate alcohol importation, manufacture, and sale, require licenses and taxes, establish an enforcement department, authorize local fees and county options, and set penalties and employment restrictions. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | CICA | State Question 205 | Allow public bodies, including rural utility districts, to assume revenue debt, issue certificates, mortgage property, and set rates with election approval. | Defeated |
| 1938 | VR | State Question 216 | Repeal slot machine bans, redefine vending and pin machines, and legalize them with a state licensing fee system. | Defeated |
| 1938 | VR | State Question 236 | Grant the Oklahoma Tax Commission authority to regulate oleomargarine sales and allocate 95% of taxes to common schools. | Defeated |
| 1938 | VR | State Question 238 | Designate the Oklahoma Tax Commissioner as State Oil Inspector and authorize the appointment of Deputy Oil Inspectors. | Defeated |
| 1938 | LRCA | State Question 242 | Authorize the legislature to provide retirement, death, and disability benefits for teachers and employees in public schools, colleges, and universities. | Defeated |
| 1938 | LRCA | State Question 243 | Establish a 77-member House and a 34-member Senate, set annual salaries for legislators up to $2,400, and require reapportionment every 10 years. | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRCA | State Question 207 | Authorize the legislature to pass laws enabling cities to provide pensions for meritorious and disabled police officers. | Approved |
| 1936 | LRCA | State Question 210 | Remove the State Board of Agriculture's duties as Regents and create a separate nine-member Board of Regents for Oklahoma Agricultural Colleges. | Defeated |
| 1936 | CICA | State Question 225 | Authorize legislation to provide relief for needy elderly and others, capping assistance at $30 per month, including federal contributions. | Approved |
| 1936 | CICA | State Question 222 | Repeal prohibition, authorizing the regulated manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol under a Governor-appointed commission, with revenues funding administration, debt repayment, and old age pensions. | Defeated |
| 1936 | CISS | State Question 226 | Provide assistance to needy seniors, blind, disabled children, and low-income minors, funded by doubling sales and motor vehicle excise taxes. | Approved |
| 1936 | CISS | State Question 230 | Designate the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to collaborate with federal soil programs, allocating $500,000 plus unspent funds through June 1937. | Defeated |
| 1935 | CICA | State Question 201 | Allow the legislature to exempt all homesteads from ad valorem taxes, excluding prior obligations, for at least 20 years, with allowable increases but no reductions. | Approved |
| 1935 | LRCA | State Question 208 | Exempt up to $1,500 of homestead value from ad valorem taxes, excluding existing debts, assessments, and school taxes | Defeated |
| 1935 | LRCA | State Question 209 | Allow pensions for elderly Oklahoma residents, funded by special taxes, with payments capped at $15 per person or $20 per family, including federal pensions. | Defeated |
| 1935 | LRCA | State Question 211 | Allow women to be eligible for statewide offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other executive positions. | Defeated |
| 1935 | LRCA | State Question 212 | Replace the "Commissioners of the Land Office" board with a single office, appointed by the Governor, to manage public lands and proceeds. | Defeated |
| 1935 | CICA | State Question 214 | Authorize old age pensions, creating a Commission for implementation and allowing the necessary taxes. | Approved |
| 1935 | CISS | State Question 220 | Allocate $2.5 million for county aid to indigent and unemployed residents, grant more powers to the State Board of Public Welfare, and fund $65,000 for election expenses. | Approved |
| 1934 | LRCA | State Question 186 | Require Corporation Commission approval for public service corporations to consolidate with or acquire competing corporations. | Defeated |
| 1934 | LRCA | State Question 187 | Authorize the legislature to allow cities to provide pensions for meritorious and disabled police officers. | Defeated |
| 1933 | VR | State Question 179 | Veto House Bill No. 229, which imposed a three-cent stamp tax on cigarette sales within Oklahoma. | Approved |
| 1933 | LRSS | State Question 183 | Adopt House Bill No. 647 to define, regulate, and tax non-intoxicating beverages, allocate the revenue, and penalize intoxicating beverage sales. | Approved |
| 1933 | VR | State Question 184 | Expand the State Board of Equalization's powers, authorize the Tax Commission to investigate, and require standardized property forms. | Approved |
| 1933 | LRCA | State Question 185 | Limit ad valorem taxes to 15 mills for local governments, prohibit state taxes, allow school levies with voter approval, and permit debt levies. | Approved |
| 1932 | VR | State Question 164 | Repeal the 1931 law taxing, regulating, and restricting the sale and use of oleomargarine. | Defeated |
| 1932 | CICA | State Question 168 | Limit ad valorem taxes to 23 mills on personal property and 15 mills on real property, prohibit state taxes, and allow additional levies with voter approval. | Defeated |
| 1932 | CISS | State Question 170 | Limit soil-depleting crops to 30% of cultivated land, create a commission, grant the Governor authority, and establish penalties. | Defeated |
| 1932 | CISS | State Question 171 | Create a commission to oversee unemployment relief, authorize construction, and manage funds from the one-cent gasoline tax and county shares. | Defeated |
| 1932 | CISS | State Question 175 | Reduce ad valorem taxes with income taxes on individuals and businesses, exempting nonprofits, and allocating revenue to the state, schools, and tax expenses. | Defeated |
| 1931 | CISS | State Question 167 | Replace existing tax laws with a new annual net income tax on individuals and entities based on property and business in Oklahoma. | Defeated |
| 1931 | CICA | State Question 169 | Require corporate-owned lands outside permitted uses or held under mortgage for over 10 years to escheat to the state. | Defeated |
| 1931 | CISS | State Question 172 | Create a nine-member State Board of Education, establish a Textbook Committee, and provide free textbooks for grades 1–8. | Defeated |
| 1931 | CICA | State Question 173 | Create a Budget Officer appointed by the Governor to prepare biennial budgets, allowing the Legislature to decrease but requiring the Governor's consent or a three-fourths majority to increase. | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | State Question 122 | Require candidates for state offices, including Governor and Lieutenant Governor, to be U.S. citizens, at least 30 years old, and Oklahoma electors for three years before the election. | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | State Question 158 | Remove the State Board of Agriculture's duties for Agricultural Colleges and create a separate Board of Regents. | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | State Question 159 | Create a Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma with procedures for appointing and removing its members. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | CISS | State Question 152 | Establish a process to contest illegal ad valorem tax levies, with filings, a Court of Tax Review, appeals to the Supreme Court, tax roll corrections, refunds, and limits on debt and warrant issuance during disputes. | Approved |
| 1926 | VR | State Question 135 | Repeal House Bill No. 369 to maintain the requirement that convict-made goods be labeled as such, preserving the "Convict Label Law." | Defeated |
| 1926 | VR | State Question 137 | Veto Senate Bill No. 54, retaining the Free Textbook Law as enacted by the Ninth Legislature. | Defeated |
| 1926 | CISS | State Question 138 | Establish a method to determine the average annual ad valorem tax rate as the basis for gross production tax rates on oil, gas, and minerals. | Defeated |
| 1926 | CISS | State Question 139 | Require future state bonds to be repaid in equal annual installments starting at least three years after issuance, sold through advertised sales to the lowest bidder at or above par. | Defeated |
| 1926 | CISS | State Question 141 | Prohibit unauthorized tax levies, establish a process to void illegal levies, set time limits on contests, and require refunds for unconstitutional levies. | Approved |
| 1926 | LRCA | State Question 144 | Increase legislators' compensation to $10 per day, limit sessions to 90 days, provide 10 cents per mile for travel, and prohibit bills after the 60th day unless recommended by the Governor. | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | State Question 145 | Create a Special Tax Apportionment Fund for schools, funded by a state levy exceeding constitutional limits to provide $15–$16 per pupil annually. | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRSS | State Question 146 | Call a Constitutional Convention in November 1927 to amend, revise, or propose a new Oklahoma Constitution. | Defeated |
| 1923 | CISS | State Question 119 | Allow the legislature to convene, at the request of a House majority, to investigate impeachment cases, limiting other actions to those necessary for impeachment. | Approved |
| 1923 | LRCA | State Question 121 | Authorize compulsory compensation for employees and dependents in cases of death or disability under the Workmen's Compensation Act. | Defeated |
| 1923 | LRCA | State Question 122 | Require state office candidates, including Governor and Lieutenant Governor, to be U.S. citizens, at least 30 years old, and qualified electors in Oklahoma for the past three years. | Approved |
| 1923 | LRCA | State Question 123 | Add Article 26 to aid honorably discharged World War I soldiers with $50 million in bonds and a Soldiers' State Aid Commission. | Defeated |
| 1923 | LRCA | State Question 124 | Limit ad valorem taxes to 31.5 mills, allow school districts to increase by 10 mills, and establish a state levy of $15 per child in daily attendance. | Approved |
| 1923 | LRCA | State Question 125 | Authorize the legislature to pay lawful claims against the Depositors' Guaranty Fund from state bank failures before the Ninth Legislature, excluding funds from direct ad valorem taxes. | Defeated |
| 1922 | LRCA | State Question 114 | Increase the maximum total ad valorem tax levy from 31 mills to 41.5 mills and raise the school district levy from 5 mills to 15 mills to support common schools. | Defeated |
| 1922 | CICA | State Question 116 | Issue up to $50 million in bonds to fund a bonus for veterans of World War I and create a sinking fund for repayment. | Defeated |
| 1920 | CICA | State Question 109 | Add Section 9-A to Article 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution to levy an annual property tax of 6 to 10 mills for funding common schools. | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRCA | State Question 111 | Authorize the state to provide nonprofit insurance for farm property and products, trade businesses, and fraternal life, health, and accident insurance. | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRCA | State Question 112 | Set legislators' pay at $6 per day for 90 working days and 10 cents per mile for travel. | Defeated |
| 1920 | VR | State Question 94 | Veto Senate Bill No. 111, which regulated drugless practitioners and added a chiropractor to the State Board of Medical Examiners. | Approved |
| 1920 | CICA | State Question 99 | Levy an annual tax on public service corporations in multiple counties, equal to the average rate for common school funding. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | LRCA | State Question 100 | Authorize the state to issue $50 million in bonds to establish a system of durable, hard-surfaced highways. | Defeated |
| 1918 | LRCA | State Question 97 | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | Approved |
| 1916 | CICA | State Question 78 | Abolish all existing election boards and establish a State Election Board of three members. | Defeated |
| 1916 | CISS | State Question 80 | Prohibit the legislature from passing laws on voter registration, requiring such laws to be enacted only through the initiative process. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 81 | Create a State Tax Commission and abolish the State Board of Equalization. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 82 | Establish a literacy test for electors, exempting those who served in the U.S. Army or Navy during the Mexican War or in wars with certain Native American tribes. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 83 | Repeal Section 12-a of Article 10, which required taxes from public service corporations in multiple counties to be paid into the common school fund. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 84 | Reduce the salary of the Clerk of the Supreme Court from $3,000 to $2,500 and require the Clerk to be appointed by the Supreme Court. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 85 | Limit the indebtedness of incorporated cities and towns to 5% of the assessed property valuation, plus the amount allowed under Section 26, Article 10. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 86 | Authorize the legislature to establish compulsory or elective employer compensation for employees in cases of death or disability. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 87 | Consolidate the Supreme Court and the Criminal Court of Appeals into a single court known as the "Supreme Court of Oklahoma." | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 88 | Establish jury sizes at eight members in courts of record and six members in county courts and courts not of record. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | State Question 89 | Abolish County Courts and transfer their jurisdiction, including probate matters, to District Courts. | Defeated |
| 1914 | LRCA | State Question 59 | Authorize the legislature to levy taxes for common schools and distribute funds to districts with insufficient local revenue to maintain schools for five months annually. | Defeated |
| 1914 | VR | State Question 61 | Repeal Chapter 185 of the 1913 Session Laws, which prohibited gambling, bookmaking, and related activities. | Defeated |
| 1914 | VR | State Question 62 | Invalidate Chapter 128 of the 1913 Session Laws, which penalized gambling, operating slot machines, and maintaining buildings used for such activities. | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | State Question 68 | Re-establish a taxation system with changes to assessment methods, bond exemptions, taxes on banks and transmission companies, higher oil production tax, and a graduated tax on landholdings over 640 acres or $10,000 in value. | Defeated |
| 1914 | CICA | State Question 71 | Consolidate the state’s final appellate courts into a single Supreme Court with one chief justice and nine associate justices. | Defeated |
| 1914 | CICA | State Question 73 | Make drunkenness and excessive use of intoxicating liquors grounds for impeachment or removal from office. | Approved |
| 1914 | CICA | State Question 74 | Reduce the maximum state ad valorem tax levy from 3.5 mills to 2.5 mills and prohibit the legislature from making appropriations exceeding this limit. | Defeated |
| 1914 | CICA | State Question 75 | Levy a 2% mine production tax on natural gas, petroleum, and crude oil, with revenue split between the state, local road and bridge funds, and school funds in the county of production. | Defeated |
| 1914 | CICA | State Question 77 | Restructure the legislature into an 80-member House of Representatives with a subordinate body of Commissioners, including the Lieutenant Governor. | Defeated |
| 1913 | LRCA | State Question 46 | Allow railroad, transportation, or transmission companies to lease, sell, or acquire property or franchises from similar companies. | Approved |
| 1913 | VR | State Question 47 | Veto Section 18 of the Act on coal mine safety, including provisions for telephones, bathhouses, and fire boss protections. | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | State Question 57 | Require multi-county public service corporations' taxes to be paid to and distributed through the common school fund. | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | State Question 58 | Provide for a county election, upon a petition signed by 16% of voters from the last general election, to decide whether to abolish or establish township government. | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | State Question 60 | Create a five-member Board of Agriculture, reducing it from eleven members. | Approved |
| 1912 | CICA | State Question 38 | Change the qualifications, duties, and selection process for members of the Board of Agriculture. | Approved |
| 1912 | CICA | State Question 40 | Locate the State Capitol in Guthrie. | Defeated |
| 1912 | CISS | State Question 41 | Select United States Senators by direct vote. | Approved |
| 1912 | LRCA | State Question 45 | Authorize the legislature to levy taxes to fund public schools for at least five months each year. | Defeated |
| 1911 | LRCA | State Question 25 | Allow out-of-state railroad, transportation, or transmission companies to operate by filing incorporation documents and appointing a resident agent. | Defeated |
| 1910 | CISS | State Question 15 | Authorize choosing a permanent State Capitol, forming a commission to buy land with $600,000 reimbursed by lot sales, and naming Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Shawnee, and petitioned sites as candidates. | Approved |
| 1910 | CICA | State Question 16 | Allow out-of-state rail and transmission companies to operate in the state by filing incorporation documents and appointing a resident agent. | Defeated |
| 1910 | CICA | State Question 17 | Require Oklahoma voters to read and write a section of the state constitution unless exempt by voting eligibility as of January 1, 1866, or as their descendants. | Approved |
| 1910 | VR | State Question 21 | Establish a State Election Board, appointed by the Governor, with party balance and preference for nominees from the two largest parties in the last general election. | Defeated |
| 1910 | CICA | State Question 22 | Allow municipalities to license liquor sales after a local vote, with $2,000 annual fees for on-site consumption, $500 for off-site sales, and regulated hours and conditions. | Defeated |
| 1910 | LRCA | State Question 23 | Require public service corporations' taxes from multi-county operations to be paid to the State Treasury and distributed as common school funds. | Defeated |
| 1910 | LRCA | State Question 24 | Prohibit Oklahoma public service corporations from evading state jurisdiction by transferring to or merging with foreign corporations. | Defeated |
| 1910 | CISS | State Question 6 | Create a district, called the New Jerusalem District, within 50 miles of the state's center to contain the state's capital and public institutions | Defeated |
| 1910 | CICA | State Question 8 | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | LRCA | State Question 1 | Create a State Agency to dispense spirituous liquors in original packages based on physicians' prescriptions. | Defeated |
| 1908 | LRCA | State Question 2 | Establish the Torrens System to adjudicate land titles, issue certificates, and streamline real estate registration and transfers. | Defeated |
| 1908 | LRCA | State Question 3 | Allow the people of the state to select a Capitol location by majority vote during any election where the question is submitted. | Defeated |
| 1908 | LRSS | State Question 4 | Authorize the State to obtain a Capitol site with grounds and lots that could be sold for the benefit of the State. | Defeated |
| 1908 | CISS | State Question 5 | Allow auction sales of school and public lands, granting lessees purchase rights, capping sales at 160 acres, permitting deferred payments, and taxing upon sale. | Defeated |
| 1907 | CCRCA | State Question 1 | Ratify the Oklahoma State Constitution | Approved |
| 1907 | CCRCA | State Question 2 | Prohibit the sale of alcohol in Oklahoma | Approved |
Analysis
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of Oklahoma ballot measures from 1907 to 2024. Oklahomans have decided on 454 ballot measures placed on the ballot by successful citizen initiatives and the Oklahoma State Legislature. The types of measures decided included advisory questions (1), constitutional convention referrals (2), initiated constitutional amendments (57), initiated state statutes (39), veto referendums (20), legislatively referred constitutional amendments (313), and legislatively referred state statutes (22). Two hundred thirty-two (232) measures were approved (51.10%), and 222 measures were defeated (48.90%).
The inventory of Oklahoma statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Contents
Notable topics
The power of citizens to initiate constitutional amendments, statutes, and veto referendums was included in the state's original constitution, ratified by voters as State Question 1 on September 17, 1907.
Notable topics appearing on the Oklahoma ballot include alcohol prohibition, election processes, taxation, and women's suffrage, among others:
- Oklahoma voters approved State Question 2 in 1907, which prohibited the sale of alcohol in the state. In 1959, voters considered two measures related to alcohol regulation: State Question 386, which repealed prohibition and established the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and State Question 387, which would have allowed counties to opt in or out of alcohol sales but was defeated.
- In 1944, Oklahoma adopted a runoff primary election system with the approval of State Question 312 .
- Voters in Oklahoma rejected State Question 475, which would have prohibited school segregation in the Oklahoma Constitution
- In 1992, voters approved State Question 640, requiring voter approval or a 75% supermajority vote in the legislature to enact tax increases.
- Oklahomans approved two amendments requiring the state to maintain a balanced budget—first with State Question 298 in 1941, and again with State Question 587 in 1985.
- The state adopted measures affecting the initiative and referendum process. State Question 353 (1952) established a single-subject rule for constitutional amendments, while two measures in 1974—State Question 496 and State Question 495—set a simple majority vote requirement for amendments and citizen initiatives.
- Oklahoma voters rejected a women's suffrage amendment in 1910 but later approved State Question 97 in 1918, giving women the right to vote. In 1935, voters rejected State Question 211, which would have allowed women to hold state office.
- Oklahoma voters have twice considered right-to-work laws. A 1964 initiative, State Question 409, was defeated, while a later measure, State Question 695, was approved in 2001, prohibiting mandatory union membership as a condition of employment.
Statistics
Closest and widest margins
Of the 454 ballot measures, nine were decided by less than a percentage point of the vote. The top five closest measures are below:
| Closest vote margins for Oklahoma statewide ballot measures, 1907-2024 | |||||||
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| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
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The following five measures had the widest vote margins by percentage:
| Widest vote margins for Oklahoma statewide ballot measures, 1907-2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
| # | % | # | % | ||||
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Oklahoma ballot measure topics
Oklahoma ballot measures have addressed 62 unique topics with some addressing multiple topics in one measure. The top 10 most common topics addressed are:
- Taxes (94 measures)
- Education (64 measures)
- State and local government budgets, spending, and finance (47 measures)
- Administration of government (42 measures)
- State legislatures measures (30 measures)
- Alcohol (24 measures)
- County and municipal governance (24 measures)
- Transportation (24 measures)
- Property (21 measures)
- Business regulation (20 measures)
By the decade
The average number of measures per decade was almost 35, and the average number of measures approved per decade was 47.23%. The decade with the most ballot measures was the 1960s, which featured 67 ballot measures. Thirty-five measures (52.24%) were approved, and 32 (47.76%) were defeated. The decade that had the highest approval rate was the 2000s, which featured 35 measures—28 (80%) were approved, and 7 (20%) were defeated. The decade with the lowest approval rating was the 1900s. The decade featured seven ballot measures—1 (14.29%) was approved and six (85.71%) were defeated.
By type
- See also: Types of ballot measures in Oklahoma
There are seven different types of ballot measures in Oklahoma. All seven types have appeared on the ballot at least once between 1907 and 2024. The only advisory question in Oklahoma appeared on the ballot in 1950. Legislatively referred constitutional amendments have appeared on the ballot the most number of times (313).
Background
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In Oklahoma, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes, and veto referendums. These powers were established with adoption of the state's constitution in 1907.
In Oklahoma, the number of signatures needed to place a measure on the ballot is based on the total number of votes cast for the governor in the preceding election.
The following are the requirements for the types of citizen-initiated measures in Oklahoma:
- initiated constitutional amendment (ICA): 15 percent of the votes cast for governor
- initiated state statute (ISS): 8 percent of the votes cast for governor
- veto referendum (VR): 5 percent of the votes cast for governor
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Oklahoma State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 51 votes in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Oklahoma State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Legislatively referred state statutes
- See also: Legislatively referred state statute
A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Oklahoma State Legislature to place a state statute on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 51 votes in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Oklahoma State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Statutes require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. Bills that raise revenue must pass in both the House and Senate with at least a three-fourths supermajority to be enacted without voter approval; if a revenue-increasing bill passes by more a simple majority but less than a three-fourths supermajority, they must be referred to the ballot.
