State Question 836 Campaign Begins Gathering Signatures

Proponents of State Question 836 launched their signature gathering effort on Wednesday, with hopes of qualifying for the ballot in 2026.  

Supporters of the ballot initiative, which seeks to implement a top-two primary system where all candidates are placed on a single, nonpartisan ballot, will have until Jan. 26 to collect 172,993 signatures. Senate Bill 1027, which places several restrictions on signature gathering, won’t apply to State Question 836. 

Backers of State Question 836 argue the change would moderate candidate positions and encourage more people to become civically engaged. 

“Oklahomans are ready for an open primary system where every voter matters and has a voice,” said Margaret Kobos, founder of the voter advocacy group Oklahoma United and proponent of State Question 836. “We are excited to visit communities across the state to ensure every voter has a chance to sign our petition and put this initiative to a vote of the people.”

Critics maintain that a top-two primary system could leave general election voters with fewer choices and place the majority party at a disadvantage. A small group of protesters held signs at the launch rally on Wednesday, with messages such as “don’t California my Oklahoma” and “decline to sign.” 

Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that he would “lead the fight” against State Question 836. 

“This is a California-style power grab, plain and simple,” McCall said in a statement. “It’s designed to flood our elections with big money and shut out conservative voices.”

If organizers collect enough valid signatures and survive potential legal challenges, Gov. Kevin Stitt would be tasked with setting an election date. Based on previous initiative petition timelines, it’s plausible that the question could appear on the primary, runoff or general election ballot next year. 

Other initiative petitions are also pending. State Question 832, which seeks to incrementally raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029, will appear on the June 16, 2026 primary ballot. State Question 837, which proposes legalized recreational marijuana, must submit signatures by 5 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 3. 

Keaton Ross, Oklahoma Watch.