Did you know there are two state questions on the ballot during the Oklahoma Primary Runoff Election on Tuesday, August 25, 2026? All are encouraged to go vote, regardless of political party. The state question ballot is for everyone.
State Question 844 is about tax reimbursement, and State Question 846 is about Voter ID.
State Question 844, Legislative Referendum 378
Here is the text as it will appear on the ballot:
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.
My Summary
Currently, the State allows property tax exemptions to manufacturing companies that move to or expand within the state. The State then reimburses local schools, counties, and cities for any lost tax revenue due to the exemption. This state question removes the current reimbursement rules and allows the Legislature to establish new rules for calculating and distributing reimbursements.
One of the points for this would be that the legislature would have a bit more flexibility in those reimbursements, offering some predictability in the budget.
The counterpoint would be the same reason, as some local officials worry that new rules could lead to less funding for local schools, counties, etc.
More Information
State Question 846, Legislative Referendum 380
Here is the text as it will appear on the ballot:
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.
My Summary
Oklahoma already has a proof-of-identity law for voting (Voter ID). This state question will add this law to the Oklahoma Constitution.
This ensures that voter ID requirements are permanent and protected from future political or judicial shifts. Any future changes would require a popular vote (a state question) rather than legislative action alone.
The main point for this is that it locks voter ID into law; the counterpoint is that it’s unnecessary and just political play.
More Information
Oklahoma State Question 846, Voter Identification Requirement Amendment (August 2026) - Ballotpedia
What to Know About State Question 846, the Voter Identification Measure - Oklahoma Watch
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My Thoughts
First, I encourage everyone to go vote this August. These are important state questions to be voted on. Whether you vote Yes or No on either of them, it’s important to let your voice be heard by voting. Oklahoma is a very low turnout election state; it’s actually kind of embarrassing. Let’s change that. Please go vote.
Why the Legislature decided to place these two state questions in the lowest-turnout election possible, a state primary runoff, just shows me a lack of confidence in their outcomes and an attempt to game the system yet again. It happens all the time, unfortunately. If it were up to me, I would say all state questions must be on the general election ballot. I guess that’s a debate for another time.
On State Question 844, I’m actually on the fence about. I’m not opposed to making any adjustments to property tax reimbursements for schools, as long as they’re fair. My one worry is how much politics would be at play, especially along urban-rural lines. I’m leaning no on this one, but I’m still open about it.
On State Question 846, I’m a no. I’m not opposed to voter ID. I think what we have here in Oklahoma is reasonable. I don’t think we need to add it to the Oklahoma Constitution, as it would make it more difficult to change if needed. Remember, new laws passed just recently make it harder to get a State Question on the ballot. So, I’m a no.
What Are Your Thoughts?
What are your opinions on these two state questions? Did I miss something in my summaries? Please let us know in the comments.
Oklahoma Elections
The Oklahoma Primary Runoff Election is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM. The last day to register to vote in this election is July 31, 2026. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is August 10, 2026. Early voting is available August 20 -21, 8 AM to 6 PM, and August 22, 8 AM to 2 PM.
More information on voting in Oklahoma can be found at oklahoma.gov/elections
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Until next time. GO VOTE!
– K. @}-;--
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