Why I'm Voting NO on State Questions 844 & 846

As Oklahoma voters prepare to head to the polls on August 25, there are two statewide questions on the ballot that deserve our attention. State Questions 844 and 846 address very different issues, but both could have lasting implications for how our state operates and how Oklahomans participate in our democracy.

As your representative, I believe it is important to be transparent about where I stand on issues that come before Oklahoma voters. Below, I'll break down what each state question would do, why these issues matter to our communities and my position on each measure.

State Question 844

State Question 844 would give the Oklahoma Legislature the authority to reimburse local governments for lost ad valorem tax revenue at less than 100%. The state currently reimburses affected schools, career techs, and local governments for the full amount of the lost revenue.

Ad valorem taxes are property taxes paid on homes, businesses, and other property. In Oklahoma, that revenue is a primary source of funding for local public schools, career technology centers, county governments, roads, emergency services and other essential community services.

To encourage companies to locate in Oklahoma, the state offers manufacturing tax exemptions that reduce or eliminate certain property taxes.

State Question 844 would allow the Legislature to reduce those reimbursements in the future.

I oppose State Question 844 because it could result in less funding for public schools, career techs, county governments, roads and other local services that Oklahomans rely on every day.

State Question 846

State Question 846 would place voter identification requirements into the Oklahoma Constitution.

Under current law, voters are already required to provide identification, such as a driver's license or voter registration card, before casting a ballot. The language of this measure would give the Legislature the authority to determine what forms of voter identification are acceptable, and no one could challenge its decision on the basis of the state constitution. This affectively gives the legislature unfettered power over the identification methods used for voting.

I oppose State Question 846 because I do not believe this change is necessary. Supporters argue it is needed to address voter fraud, but Oklahoma's voter fraud rate does not demonstrate a need for this constitutional change. In fact, Oklahoma’s election system is one of the most secure in the country. I believe it could create additional barriers for eligible voters while addressing a problem that is not widespread.