A Message from Chief Batton: Make Your Voice Heard in the Runoff Election

Halito!

Runoff elections are approaching, and I urge everyone who is registered to vote in Oklahoma to make time to vote tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 25). Among the races voters will decide is the Republican primary runoff election for Governor.

Oklahoma City TV station KWTV has compiled information on tribal stances of each candidate for Governor (including the two Republican candidates and Democratic nominee, who has already advanced to the November general election). You can access that information here: Where do Oklahoma’s Governor Candidates stand on tribal relations?

Tomorrow’s ballot will also include special elections for two state questions.

• State Question 844 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to authorize the Legislature to recalculate the amount the state reimburses local entities for a five-year property tax exemption offered to manufacturers establishing new operations in Oklahoma.

• State Question 846 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to require proof of identity for every method of voting and would allow the Legislature to establish the specific identification requirements. Oklahoma law already requires voters to provide identification when voting.

We have seen what happens when those at the Oklahoma State Capitol are not on the same page with the sovereign rights of the Choctaw Nation and the state’s other tribal nations. We need strong leadership that is not constantly trying to undermine tribal rights. To forge a strong path ahead, it will take cooperation between the State of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation to have a brighter future, not just for the Choctaw Nation, and other tribes, but for all Oklahomans. The ballot box gives us the opportunity to make our united voices heard loud and clear.

You can access information on your specific polling location and your specific sample ballot by visiting the Oklahoma voter portal.

Please remember to vote tomorrow! Take this opportunity to exercise your God-given, American right and vote.

Yakoke and God Bless!

Chief Gary Baton,
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma