Two questions will appear on the August 25, 2026, Runoff Primary Election ballot. All Oklahoma voters, regardless of political party, can vote on these questions. The questions are reprinted here as they will appear on the ballot followed by a summary prepared by the Oklahoma Press Association.
STATE QUESTION 844 AmendingOklahomaConstitutionArticle10,Section6B. Reimbursement of certain revenue.
STATE QUESTION 844 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 378
This measure amends article 10, section 6B of the Oklahoma Constitution. Section 6B incentivizes manufacturers to locate, expand, or acquire manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma through an ad valorem taxation exemption for five (5) years. Currently, the State must reimburse common schools, county governments, cities and towns, emergency medical services districts, vocational technical schools, junior colleges, county health departments and libraries for revenues lost as a result of each exemption provided. This measure authorizes the Legislature to enact laws establishing the levels and methodologies of reimbursement for the previously mentioned local governmental entities resulting from the manufacturing exemption. The laws are meant to ensure that no individual county receives reimbursement in an amount detrimental to other Oklahoma counties. The levels and methodologies will replace the current statutory framework for reimbursement. For the purpose of calculating the limit on indebtedness for political subdivisions, the measure requires such amount be equal to the amount of reimbursement applicable to such property under laws enacted by the Legislature. This measure will have a fiscal impact on the state that will depend on the application of the levels and methodologies adopted by the Legislature.
SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO
SUMMARY: State Question 844 changes the system set up by State Question 588, approved by Oklahomans in 1985. That change created a property tax exemption for companies expanding or creating manufacturing facilities in the state. Oklahomans voted to give those manufacturers an ad valorem exemption, meaning they would not pay property taxes for five years. In return, the Legislature would give reimbursements to the affected city and county governments, school districts, vocational technical schools, colleges, libraries and emergency medical services districts that were set to receive that funding. State Question 844 makes changes to the Oklahoma Constitution to allow changes to the reimbursement method tied to that exemption. Proponents say the costs of the current system of reimbursement are outpacing its funding. They also say the money collected should be better spread to other parts of the state, since only 42 of the state’s 77 counties now receive payments. Opponents say such a change to the decades-old system means the local entities could receive less money than they are owed, which could result in local property tax increases. Also if approved, school districts not receiving traditional aid from the Legislature will need to receive money from the state funding formula to fill budget gaps. State Question 844 leaves the changes in the reimbursement method to the Legislature. STATE QUESTION 846 Adding Oklahoma Constitution Article 3, Section 6 Proof of Identity for Voting.
STATE QUESTION 846 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 380
This measure adds a new section 6 to article 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution to require proof of identity to vote in any election authorized by law and conducted by a county election board or the State Election Board. The measure requires proof of identity for all authorized methods of voting. The measure requires the Legislature to enact laws to specify requirements for proof of identity for voting. The measure will not have a fiscal impact.
SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO
SUMMARY: State Question 846 is aimed at securing the requirement for voter identification into the Oklahoma Constitution, so any attempts to remove it would require a statewide public vote. Since 2011, Oklahoma requires voters to present a valid, government-issued or federally recognized tribal government photo identification, or a voter registration card when voting in person. If voters can’t be verified by poll workers, they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. Oklahoma is one of 36 states with such laws and has a reputation of having one of the strongest election systems in the United States. Supporters of this measure are trying to restrict future lawmakers from removing this requirement by passing a law. They also believe establishing this rule in the Oklahoma Constitution will bolster public confidence in election integrity. Opponents believe this state question gives future lawmakers broad authority to set restrictive identification requirements, which could change the mail-in voting process. Right now, absentee ballots by mail must be notarized, which the law says establishes the identity of the absentee voter. If passed, the rules of what counts as proof of identity for any form of voting would be up to the state Legislature.