Advocate Says OK Supreme Court Ruling on SB 1027 Could Spark Battle

The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down Senate Bill 1027 in its entirety, ruling the 2025 legislation unconstitutional for placing improper restrictions on the initiative petition process.

The decision hands a clear victory to voters who challenged the measure, but political strategist Amber England warns that the underlying fight over citizen-led ballot measures is far from over. England, who leads Strategy 77, discussed the ruling with Scott Mitchell on Hot Seat, pointing out that opponents warned lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session that the bill stripped away voter rights.

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“This was a victory for the people of Oklahoma,” England told News9.

Although the court dismantled the statute, England suspects lawmakers will pursue retaliatory measures or attempt new restrictions during the upcoming legislative session in February. She argues that the initiative petition process acts as a vital check on state government, enabling citizens to bypass a reluctant legislature.

Historically, citizen-led measures have heavily shaped Oklahoma policy, including the establishment of term limits and State Question 640, which put strict limitations on tax increases. England said that the debate transcends partisan lines.

“This isn’t really about partisan politics, it’s about power. Who has and who does not have power?” England told News9.

Beyond the courtroom, recent November general election results showed Democrats gaining seats in the Oklahoma Legislature. England attributes the shift to voter frustration regarding public education, health care access, the rising cost of living, and government corruption, rather than a mere reaction to national politics.

As for whether open primaries might return to the ballot, England doubts the Legislature will advance such a proposal due to a lack of political backing at the Capitol. Instead, any future election reform would likely require another citizen-led petition campaign, following a recent Supreme Court hearing over more than 20,000 rejected signatures from an earlier effort.