Oklahoma Voters Reject SQ 845 and SQ 847: What It Means for Lawton Homeowners and the Courts

Oklahoma voters turned down both state questions on Tuesday’s ballot, and the margins tell two different stories. State Question 845, which would have changed the membership and term rules of the Judicial Nominating Commission, failed with roughly 73% voting no. State Question 847, aimed at slowing annual property tax assessment increases, lost by a narrower 54%.

For Lawton homeowners, especially military families around Fort Sill watching assessments rise, the SQ 847 result means the current rules stay in place, at least for now. Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton said the measure’s complexity hurt it at the polls and took part of the blame, noting lawmakers need to explain these proposals better. He also said Governor-elect Mike Mazzio wants property tax relief and that he agrees something still needs to be done.

On the judicial side, former Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger said voters remember the court scandals that led to the commission’s creation and trust the current system. Lawmakers expect both issues to resurface when the 61st Legislature convenes in February. What would you want to see in a property tax relief plan next session?