SQ 834 - Citizenship Voting Requirement

Ballot Icon Ballot Measure

PASSED

Result Icon Result

CONSERVATIVE

BALLOT LANGUAGE

This measure amends Section 1 of Article 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution. It clarifies that only citizens of the United States are qualified to vote in this state.

SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?

WHAT IT MEANS

For/Yes

A "For/Yes" vote means that you desire to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to specify that only citizens are allowed to vote.

Against/No

An "Against/No" vote will keep current voter qualification law and may result in non-citizens being allowed to vote.

ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST

For/Yes

  • “There is a need to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to clarify that a voter in Oklahoma state elections must be a United States citizen, because Article 3, section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution does not clearly prohibit noncitizens from voting. Specifically, Article 3 provides that one who is a United States citizen is qualified to vote but does not state that noncitizens are prohibited from voting. Although the Oklahoma Election Code currently is silent on noncitizens from voting, it could be easily amended by a future legislature to permit noncitizen voting. Enshrining a provision in the Oklahoma constitution clearly prohibiting noncitizen voting would make it difficult for a future legislature to enable noncitizens to vote and would prohibit home-rule cities from independently permitting noncitizen voting.” - Center for Election Confidence 

  • "Amid the worst border crisis in American history, the United States faces an unprecedented threat from non-citizens voting in elections. More than a dozen cities throughout the country already allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, increasing the potential for fraud at the state and federal level. The voters of Oklahoma will now have the opportunity to enshrine this important election integrity measure in their state constitution this November." - Association for Mature American Citizens 

Against/No

  • "I failed to see where the confusion might lie when it is currently a felony to register to vote in the state of Oklahoma if you are not a U.S. citizen. Putting this measure on the ballot would create confusion and rile up people by making absurd claims that people are unlawfully voting in Oklahoma elections. It’s a political game."  - Carri Hicks, Oklahoma State Senator  

  • “Creating irrational fear is a way for some people to make money. It has led to expensive and extensive audits and investigations in other states. Allegations of fraud in other states have not panned out. But the click bait, money making narrative still has bills to pay. So this bill is paying someone’s bills. It’s paying for some political operative out there somewhere that stirs people up and sends out mailers.” - Mary Boren, Oklahoma State Senator 

FINANCIAL BACKING

The following information provides insight into the money being spent to pass or defeat the ballot measure.

For/Yes

OKLAHOMA CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING AMENDMENT (2024)

This question is on the ballot in Oklahoma as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 5, 2024. As of October 13, 2024, no committee to support or oppose the amendment has been identified. Thus, there is no record of funds raised to support either position.

Against/No

OKLAHOMA CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING AMENDMENT (2024)

This question is on the ballot in Oklahoma as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 5, 2024. As of October 13, 2024, no committee to support or oppose the amendment has been identified. Thus, there is no record of funds raised to support either position.

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