Oklahoma Constitution Article III: SUFFRAGE
Oklahoma Constitution – Article III: Suffrage
Article III of the Oklahoma Constitution deals with voting rights and elections, commonly referred to as "Suffrage." Below is a summary of its key provisions:
Section 1: Qualified Electors
All citizens of the U.S., over 18 years old, and residents of Oklahoma, are eligible to vote.
Must be registered as provided by law.
Section 1A: Voter Registration
Legislature may enact laws regarding voter registration.
Uniform procedures are mandated for voter registration across the state.
Section 2: Disqualification for Felony
Persons convicted of a felony may not vote unless they:
Have completed their sentence, including parole and probation.
Are otherwise restored to full civil rights.
Section 3: Voting Methods
Voting shall be by secret ballot.
Legislature determines methods and machines used in voting.
Section 4: Elections by Ballot
All votes in elections must be cast by official ballot, as regulated by law.
Section 5: Absentee Voting
Legislature must provide for absentee voting.
Includes procedures for military personnel and others unable to vote in person.
Section 6: Primary Elections
Mandates primary elections for all political parties.
Legislature regulates party nomination processes.
Section 7: Party System
Recognizes the existence of political parties and allows regulation of their processes.
Section 8: Initiative and Referendum
Grants the people the power to propose laws and constitutional amendments via initiative petitions.
Laws can also be approved or rejected by referendum.
Section 9: Recall
Allows for recall of elected officials.
Procedures for initiating a recall are defined by law.
Summary:
Article III secures the right to vote for Oklahoma residents, outlines the requirements and limitations for voting (including felony disqualification), and establishes a framework for elections, party nominations, initiative, referendum, and recall. It provides for a democratic process while allowing the legislature to set details through statutory law.
RELATED Blog
0 comments