Oklahoma Constitutional Convention Vote Set for April 2027

Oklahoma Constitutional Convention Vote Set for April 2027

Oklahoma voters will decide next year whether the state should move forward with an Oklahoma constitutional convention, after Gov. Kevin Stitt said the question has gone before voters far less often than required by the state Constitution.

Stitt has set a special election for April 6, 2027, saying Oklahomans have not been asked to consider a constitutional convention since 1970 — a span of 56 years.

Oklahoma Constitutional Convention Required to Go Before Voters

Article XXIV, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution says the question of whether to call a constitutional convention must be submitted to voters at least once every 20 years.

The provision also says the Legislature cannot call a convention to propose constitutional revisions, amendments or an entirely new constitution unless voters first approve holding the convention.

That required vote last happened in 1970, according to Stitt.

“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,” Stitt said.

The governor said allowing more than five decades to pass without another vote deprived Oklahomans of a decision specifically reserved for them under the state Constitution.

Importantly, the April 2027 special election will not ask voters to approve specific changes to the Oklahoma Constitution.

Instead, voters will decide whether the Legislature should be allowed to move forward with the process of calling a constitutional convention.

Stitt Creates Commission to Prepare for Possible Convention

Along with the election proclamation, Stitt issued Executive Order 2026-30, directing the Secretary of State to take the steps necessary to place the issue before Oklahoma voters.

The order also creates the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention Commission.

The commission will study Oklahoma’s existing Constitution, examine how constitutional conventions have operated in other states and make recommendations about procedures that could be used if Oklahoma voters approve a convention.

Members will also consider possible safeguards and any legislation that could be necessary before a convention is held.

The commission must complete its report by December 31, 2026, several months before the statewide vote.

Stitt said the process is intended to give voters information while preserving their authority to make the initial decision.

“Oklahomans have the right to review our Constitution and determine whether it’s time to consider changes,” Stitt said.

The Oklahoma State Election Board already lists April 6, 2027, as an election date on the state’s 2027 calendar.

What a Yes or No Vote Would Mean

A YES vote would authorize the state to move toward calling an Oklahoma constitutional convention under the procedures ultimately established for that process.

It would not automatically change the Oklahoma Constitution.

Under Article XXIV, even if a convention were held and delegates proposed constitutional amendments, revisions or a new constitution, those proposals would still have to go back before Oklahoma voters and receive majority approval before taking effect.

A NO vote would reject moving forward with a constitutional convention as a result of the April 2027 election.

That makes the coming vote the first step in what could become a much longer constitutional process — not a vote on individual policy changes.

Stitt argues that regardless of how voters ultimately decide, the choice belongs to them.

“The Oklahoma founders entrusted this decision to Oklahomans to prevent gatekeeping by the political elite,” Stitt said. “56 years of inaction is long enough.”

The Oklahoma constitutional convention vote is scheduled for April 6, 2027.

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