The Oklahoma State Legislature has referred a constitutional amendment to voters that could significantly reshape how judges are nominated in the state.
The measure, approved on April 9, 2026, will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. If passed, it would change the structure and rules governing the Judicial Nominating Commission, the body responsible for recommending candidates for the state’s highest courts.
What the Proposed Amendment Would Change
The amendment would make several key changes to the Judicial Nominating Commission, including:
- Requiring appointments to align with current congressional districts instead of outdated boundaries
- Allowing commissioners to serve two consecutive six-year terms
- Allowing at-large members to serve two-year terms
- Removing the rule that barred licensed attorneys from serving
- Allowing individuals to serve even if family members are attorneys
- Removing the limit on how many members can belong to the same political party
These changes would update provisions that have remained largely unchanged since the system was created decades ago.
Current System and Historical Background
The Judicial Nominating Commission was established in 1967 through State Question 447.
That measure created the current framework for selecting judges for the Oklahoma Supreme Court and appellate courts.
Under the existing system:
- The commission has 15 members
- Six non-lawyers are appointed by the governor
- Six lawyers are elected from congressional districts as they existed in 1967
- One member is appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore
- One member is appointed by the Speaker of the House
- One member is selected by the commission itself
The current constitution also includes restrictions on attorneys and political party representation that the new amendment seeks to remove.
Legislative Approval and Voting Breakdown
The amendment was introduced as House Joint Resolution 1024 on Feb. 3, 2025.
A simple majority in both chambers is required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, and lawmakers exceeded that threshold.
Voting results were:
- In the House: Passed 78–13
- 13 Republicans voted against
- 8 members (4 Democrats, 4 Republicans) did not vote
- In the Senate: Passed 35–8
- 7 Democrats and 1 Republican voted against
- 6 members (1 Democrat, 5 Republicans) did not vote
The measure was sponsored by Anthony Moore and Todd Gollihare.
Other 2026 Ballot Measures in Oklahoma
This amendment is one of several measures Oklahoma voters will consider in 2026.
Other key ballot items include:
- State Question 832 (June 16, 2026)
- Would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2029
- State Question 844 (Aug. 25, 2026)
- Would require a system to reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue
- Senate Joint Resolution 47 (Aug. 25, 2026)
- Would require proof of identity for voting and allow lawmakers to define acceptable ID
The judicial commission amendment is the fourth statewide measure certified for the 2026 ballot.
Key Details Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Measure Type | Constitutional amendment |
| Election Date | Nov. 3, 2026 |
| Main Change | Restructures Judicial Nominating Commission |
| Key Updates | District alignment, term limits, eligibility rules |
| Legislative Vote | House 78–13, Senate 35–8 |
| Sponsors | Anthony Moore, Todd Gollihare |
| Established System | State Question 447 (1967) |
The proposed amendment represents a major update to how Oklahoma selects judicial nominees. Supporters argue it modernizes the system by aligning it with current districts and removing outdated restrictions.
Opponents may raise concerns about changes to political balance and eligibility rules, particularly the removal of limits on party representation and attorney involvement.
Ultimately, voters will decide in November 2026 whether to approve these changes, making it one of the most significant judicial-related ballot measures in the state in decades.
