Supreme Court of Oklahoma hears arguments on gerrymandering petition
A new state question that Oklahomans could soon get to vote on hopes to end gerrymandering in the Sooner State.
Before the state question gets to the ballot, supporters have to get it through two challenges.
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma heard arguments from people who challenge the question, which is about to go to the signature-gathering stage. If passed, State Question 804 would take the power to U.S. House and state legislative districts away from state lawmakers and give it to a nine-person commission comprised of three Republicans, three Democrats and three Independents.
Activists said the way it works now is part of the reason for government gridlock.
"It's because politicians have drawn districts to be so safe that they know they'll be reelected regardless of how they vote up here," said Andy Moore, executive director of People Not Politicians. "We don't think that's the way democracy is supposed to work."
People challenging the petition said the way it's worded is too broad, arguing it would violate the First Amendment and the summary on the first page leaves off key issues.
"I represent three Oklahoma citizens who want to make sure that the process is fair, want to make sure the voters are not exposed to logrolling, want to make sure that voters who are exposed to the petition get a fair shot to make an informed decision," attorney Robert McCampbell said.
The hearing Tuesday was not on the petition itself nor on whether it's good policy, just on whether the petition can move forward how it's written. If the Supreme Court throws out the challenges, activists would have to gather nearly 200,000 signatures for it to appear on the ballot.