Governor Stitt Tuesday took action to comply with the Oklahoma Constitution and send to a vote of the people of Oklahoma whether the legislature shall call a constitutional convention, as required by Article XXIV, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution. This is a remarkable and praiseworthy proclamation.

Article XXIV, Section 2 requires that the people of Oklahoma be given the opportunity at least once every twenty years to decide whether or not to move forward with a constitutional convention. The question was last presented to Oklahomans in 1970, depriving Oklahomans of this constitutional right.

“The Oklahoma Constitution is clear. At least every 20 years, Oklahomans have the right to decide whether it’s time to call a constitutional convention,” said Governor Stitt. “It’s been 56 years since the question was sent to the people. This action puts the question to the people and ensures Oklahomans finally get the opportunity their Constitution guarantees.”

The Executive Proclamation sets a special election for April 6, 2027 and was accompanied by Executive Order 2026-30, which instructs the Secretary of State to take any action necessary to submit the question to the people and creates the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention Commission. The Commission is tasked with studying the Oklahoma Constitution and other state constitutional conventions, then making recommendations about the procedures and rules that would govern a state constitutional convention, should the state question be approved. The Commission will also consider necessary safeguards and proposed legislation needed to implement a convention.

The report will be due no later than December 31, 2026.

“Oklahomans have the right to review our Constitution and determine whether it’s time to consider changes,” continued Gov. Stitt. “It is time to honor that right and give Oklahomans the choice our state founding fathers intended be guaranteed to them.”

The Editorial Board of Tulsa Today agrees and asserts that our Oklahoma forefathers entrusted this decision to the people to prevent gatekeeping by the political elite. It is time the elected follow the ultimate law of this great state. Fifty-six years of inaction is long enough.