CHICKASHA — There are going to be 11 state questions on your ballot when you go to the voting booth this November.  Last week I covered the first state question that was put on the ballot through the initiative petition process by the teachers’ labor union, therefore bypassing the state legislature, State Question 744.

All of the remaining 10 state questions were put on after being passed by the legislature, so that the people would have a voice in deciding these important issues.

The second question on the state ballot will be SQ 746 the Voter Identification question. If this measure is passed, it will require Oklahoma voters to show a valid picture ID to vote, such as a drivers license. 

If a registered voter does not have a picture ID, one will be provided for them by the state election board at no cost to the individual, so that no voters will be disenfranchised from voting in our state. 

The reason for this bill is to avert potential voting fraud in our state. The community organizing group ACORN targeted several states, most notably Ohio, in the last presidential election. This reportedly resulted in many people voting at multiple precincts, and others voting for deceased citizens whose names had not been purged from the voter rolls. 

This measure would ensure that voter integrity stays high in our state, and that this type of fraud would not occur here.  Remember, you have to show an ID to cash a check, or board an airplane, so why not show it to ensure voter integrity?

The third question on the state ballot will be SQ 747, which would make all of our state-wide elected offices term limited.

At the present time the Governor is limited to two four-year terms. If passed this measure would make all state-wide office holders subject to two terms in office as well.  State School Superintendent,  Insurance Commissioner, State Auditor, all these positions would have an eight year limit. The one exception would be Corporation Commissioner, which would have a 12-year limit because their terms are for six years each. State Representatives and State Senators are elected in their own districts only, and would maintain their 12-year term limits. 

U.S. Congressmen and Senators would not be affected, as it would take a U.S. constitutional amendment for all states to enact federal term limits (which would be a fantastic way to clean up Federal Government in Washington D.C.).

There are so many talented and intelligent people in our state, willing and able to serve; and term limits ensure that no politician becomes so engrained in the system that he or she cannot remember that they represent the private sector and citizens.