Voters heading to the polls on November 3, 2026, will decide the fate of Oklahoma State Questions 845 and 847, two statewide measures that propose fundamental changes to judicial candidate screening and property tax assessment caps.
Election Day in Oklahoma brings a host of federal and local races, but two specific state questions will appear on ballots regardless of where residents live. As outlined by the Oklahoma Election Board, these proposals carry direct implications for how the state’s courts are staffed and how homeowners experience property taxation year over year.
Reshaping the Judicial Nominating Commission under SQ 845
State Question 845 targets the architecture of the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission, the body responsible for screening candidates for judicial vacancies, including appointments to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Established in 1967 via an amendment to the state constitution, the 15-member commission currently operates under strict geographic and professional boundaries.
Right now, six of the 15 commissioners are lawyers elected by the Oklahoma Bar Association, with each attorney representing one of the six congressional districts as they existed back in 1967. The remaining nine members are non-lawyers appointed by state leaders, subject to rules that restrict immediate family members from practicing law and limit party representation.
A “yes” vote on State Question 845 would dismantle several of these legacy restrictions. SQ 845 would update geographic guidelines to match current congressional districts rather than the map from 1967. It would also remove caps on the number of attorneys allowed to serve, meaning the commission could theoretically be composed entirely of lawyers. The measure also removes restrictions preventing all appointees from belonging to the same political party and allows commissioners to serve consecutive terms.
Supporters argue that updating the boundaries and easing legal restrictions modernizes the screening process and increases necessary legal expertise. Opponents contend that removing these specific safeguards strips away vital protections against potential political imbalance and corruption on the bench.
Lowering Property Tax Caps and Revenue Pressures via SQ 847
While lawyers and lawmakers watch the courts, property owners across the state are turning their attention to State Question 847. This measure proposes a reduction in property tax assessment caps, sparking a sharp debate among homeowners, local governments, and public school administrators.
According to Aanahita Ervin with the Oklahoma Policy Institute, SQ 847 would drop assessment caps from 3 percent to 1.75 percent for homestead and agricultural land. For all other properties, the cap would drop from 5 percent to 4 percent. To see how this plays out in practice, consider a home currently valued at $200,000. Under the existing 3 percent cap, that home’s taxable assessed value can rise to $206,000. Under SQ 847, that figure would be limited to $203,500.
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Proponents champion the measure as a much-needed shield for property owners against surging valuations, slowing the pace at which taxable values climb. The proposal also includes specific adjustments for older adults who previously missed out on property tax freezes due to strict income limits.
On the other side of the ledger, school leaders and municipal officials warn of the fiscal fallout. Slower growth in taxable property values directly translates to reduced revenue streams for local public services and classrooms.
If SQ 847 fails to pass, the current caps of 3 percent for homesteads and 5 percent for all other properties remain firmly in place.
Check Precinct Details and Sample Ballots on State Portals
Oklahomans preparing to cast their ballots on November 3, 2026, can review the Full List of Races to verify every contest on their specific ballot. Voters are encouraged to check their local precinct details and sample ballots ahead of time through official state election portals.
