Alright! Now if you’re my age, then it’s probably the first time you’ve ever gotten to vote. But right now, I do not want to focus on the Presidential elections. I want to focus on our more local level. I’m going to take a look at what will be on the State Questions that will be feature on Oklahoma state ballot, as well as focusing more on my own county elections, as those are the one’s I’ll be taking part in. I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible, and present each side of the issues, or point out different things about the person up for a state level seat of power. But first, I would like to talk about absentee voting.
An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station to which the voter is normally allocated. So, let’s say that you are not able to get to your polling place because you are attending a college in a different state, well, you can sign up for an absentee ballet. The deadline for Oklahoma is November 2nd, I found that out and immediately texted my sister who freaked out and immediately went online to ok.gov and the Oklahoma State Election Board has a page devoted to absentee voting, AND you can apply for an absentee ballot online! Remember, the deadline is November 2nd.
I went online and I found a sample ballot for Oklahoma on ballotpedia.com, you can type in your address or your zip code and it will give you a list of things you will be eligible to vote on. I highly recommend it if you are confused or don’t know what exactly is going on in your district. The first thing it lists for me are those up for President, but I’m not gonna touch that today. Local elections. Local elections. So, first up is our candidates for U.S. Senate. In no order in particular we have Mike Workman, James Lankford, Mark Beard, Sean Braddy and Robert Murphy.
Mike Workman’s campaign as focused on the four E’s- Equality, Economy, Education, and Environment. These are his opinions on his focused issues that are listed on Workman's campaign website. “Equality: Equal treatment under the law for all regardless of their race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or national origin. Protect and expand middle class by reducing income inequality. Protect a woman’s right to choose their own health care, including unhindered access to abortion counseling and services. Establish a fair path to citizenship for undocumented workers and their families. Support automatic voter registration with opt-out provisions.
Economy: Better worker protections in international trade agreements. Raise minimum wage: phase out exemptions, raise to at least $10.10 an hour, index to inflation, then work towards a livable wage of $15 an hour. Strengthen and improve Affordable Health Care [Obamacare] and work towards universal coverage. As a cancer survivor and former care-taker, I will support major efforts for a healthier workforce and citizenry with a new national effort to cure most forms of cancer in our lifetime. More diverse and better economic development in clean industries such as tourism and the arts.
Education: Support all levels of public education. Improve pre-K standards and early-childhood programs. Lessen unfunded mandates for K-12. Fight all efforts to divert public funds into voucher programs. Allow negotiation of post-secondary student loan debt. Support graduate and research programs. Increase tax incentives and programs for teachers in K-12 public schools.
Environment: Fight results of global climate change. Support alternative energy development and program.” If you like to see what other opinions he has, this is his website: https://www.facebook.com/notes/workman-4-oklahoma/....
Next is James Lankford, who currently is in office. If you’d like to look fat his voting record ballotpedia has a list @ https://ballotpedia.org/James_Lankford and his main point for his campaign are, “2nd Amendment: "…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Before we were even a nation, Americans owned and carried guns. It is not only a distinct part of our history, it is also a Constitutional right. There is no threat from law abiding citizens who own guns for hunting, sport shooting, protection or just collecting.
Agriculture: Our nation has incredible diversity, but we do have a few things in common: we all like to eat and wear clothes, which means we need farms and ranches. A nation that cannot provide its own food and its own fuel will always be at risk. While energy continues to develop, our farms and ranches remain the most productive and innovative in the world. The modern farm is technically integrated and directly affected by global trade agreements and commodity price swings. There is no substitute for the hard work and moral tenacity of America's farmers.
Budget: Every American knows that our nation is deeply in debt. We currently owe over $19 trillion dollars in debt and our future liabilities exceed $71 trillion. President Obama and the Washington Democrats believe that the economic malaise of our nation will be solved by more government spending and debt. President Obama put our nation on a path to double our federal debt during his presidency.
Doing it Right: As Oklahomans, we want someone to recognize a problem and lead on the solution to fix it right way. I have been committed to getting things done, even in a city that fights against every conservative free market solution to every problem. I put my head down and get to work on solving the issues.
Education: Every parent wants their child to have the best education and preparation for life. In my family, we say that we are not trying to raise great kids, we are trying to raise great and godly adults. I am grateful for the many excellent teachers and administrators that have been in my children's life. As a son of a school teacher and librarian, I understand well the sacrifices made by so many educators.” And you can also view more of his opinions on other issues @ http://jameslankford.com/issues
Mark Beard is also running, however, there were not any issues listed on his page, nor a website for his campaign. But there were some articles that mentioned him listed on the ballotpedia page of him. I would check them out. https://ballotpedia.org/Mark_Beard
Next is Sean Braddy, his campaign mainly focuses on, “Minimum Wage: Income inequality is slowing the economy, limiting the job market, and shaping the increasingly rigged political system of the United States today. Sean recognizes that the struggle against poverty must be America’s top priority if the country is to progress. One of the best ways to ensure that hard-working Americans get the fair compensation they deserve is by linking their salaries to those of our leaders and representatives in government.
Universal Healthcare: Sean supports healthcare for all because no one should have to choose between treating injury or illness, buying medications, and feeding their family. Paid family leave is something Sean will also fight for. In 2014, his son was in an accident that resulted in almost 3 months of unpaid leave. No one should have to choose between their livelihood and caring for loved ones.
Unions: Unions can be the only effective voice that workers have, which is why Sean believes we should go the extra mile to protect both public and private unions. Unions speak for the everyday man or woman trying to make his or her way in an economy run by big corporations that are first and foremost concerned with profit margins.
Climate Change & Clean Energy: Science has proven time and time again that climate change is real. It is our responsibility to ensure there is a planet left to support future generations. We know that the increased burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change. Environmental protections and transitions to clean energy are critical now, not in one or two or six decades.
Education: It is the government's responsibility to educate its citizens. They should not sell the development of our children to private industry (i.e. charter schools and vouchers). We must catch up with the rest of the developed world. Until we do, the unemployment rate and poverty line will rise and we will miss out on the talent and energy of potential innovators who are buried by economic hardship.” If you would like to see more on his campaign it’s site is http://braddyforsenate.com/sean-on-the-issues/
And last but not least, Robert Murphy, whose campaign focuses on, “Womens' Reproductive Rights- Oklahoma Law should recognize that all women have an inalienable right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term. Further, the law should recognize that a human embryo, as long as it dwells inside its mother and is dependent upon her for nourishment, is not a legal person, but the sole property of the woman who carries it. Though this may be offensive to many, the alternative view would lay the legal groundwork for the virtual enslavement of fertile women.
Civil Unions-Oklahoma Law should recognize that adults should be free to choose for themselves who they will share their lives with. It is not for the State to define human relationships, but the people. Whether the relationship is that of a woman and a man, a woman and a woman, or a man and a man is not subject to a vote. The role of the law in these matters should be confined to registering and adjudicating whatever contractual arrangements people make for the sharing of property and rearing of children.
Drug Laws-Oklahoma Law should recognize that adults have an inalienable right to decide for themselves what they will use as medicine, and the role of the State in this matter should be isolated to setting standards of quality and purity and prosecuting fraud. For this reason, Robert Murphy is calling for the immediate pardon and release of any and all prisoners doing time for the cultivation, sale, or possession of any drug.” If you would like to look at further issues, his website is, http://www.murphy444.org/
The 2016 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Oklahoma will take place on November 8, 2016. Voters will elect five candidates to serve in the U.S. House, one from each of the state's five congressional districts. So that means I’d have to write down all of them for 5 districts and this is already really, really long. So if you are not District 1, here;s the link: https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_House_of_Rep...
But if you are District 1, we’ve got two people to vote for, Jim Bridenstine, who is currently in office and running for reelection. His voting history is listed on https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Bridenstine and his campaign focuses on “2nd Amendment: Supporting our constitutionally recognized right to keep and bear arms is an honor I do not take lightly. I know that the Second Amendment is not negotiable to the people of Oklahoma’s First District.
Obamacare: Stopping Obamacare is one of my top priorities in Congress. In March 2010, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said of Obamacare, “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what’s in it.” Unfortunately, she was right. Democrats blindly passed Obamacare, and now Americans are suffering the consequences every day.
Defense & National Security: Congress’s number one job is to protect American national security. The Constitution invests the Federal government with the responsibility to “provide for the common defense.” Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the enumerated power to fund our military. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), I see my responsibility as ensuring our military has the necessary resources to deter enemies and prevail in conflict. As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I have particular insight and appreciation for our troops and the sacrifices they make along with their families.
Spending Cuts & Debt: I believe free markets, economic mobility, and equal opportunity are the drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital formation. Every piece of legislation should be considered in light of the impact on these drivers.
Energy: Reliable, affordable energy is at the heart of nearly every aspect of modern American life. Business and the economy are dependent on abundant energy, and energy issues critically impact U.S. foreign and domestic affairs. American energy policy should be a true all-of-the-above strategy to promote energy security.” His campaign website is: http://jimbridenstine.com/issues/
His competition is David Matthew Hullum, who I could not find any solid evidence for any certain positions on any issues, however Bollotpedia does have some articles that he is mentioned in if you would like to take a look at them @ https://ballotpedia.org/David_Matthew_Hullum
And that is it for the local elections in Oklahoma. Again, I haven't gone through all the districts simply because I didn't want this article to be too long and have it become disengaging for any readers. If you would like me to go over the districts, comment and let me know.
Next is the Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, but there is only one candidate, Dana Murphy, who is also looking to be reelected. Any information as to her campaign in listed @ https://ballotpedia.org/Dana_Murphy After that is the supreme court judge, Douglas L. Combs Justice Combs filed to stand for retention in 2016. His page that lists political ideology is listed @ https://ballotpedia.org/Douglas_L._Combs
After that is the Oklahoma House of Representatives District 74, our candidates are Jeri Moberly and Dale Derby. Jeri Soberly has a Facebook page where she communicates openly with voters, you can check it out here @ https://www.facebook.com/MoberlyForOwasso. Dale Derby has a website that lists his principles @ http://www.dalederby74.com/dales-guiding-principle... Both candidates have little information on any solid stances on either Ballotpedia or other neutral site.
After that are the two candidates for Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, Carlene Clancy Smith and Rob Hudson, both of whom are already presiding judges on the court of criminal appeals, and both have filed to stand for retention by voters in 2016. A retention election or judicial retention is a periodic process whereby voters are asked whether an incumbent judge should remain in office for another term.. Carlene Clancy Smith’s political history and ideology is listed @ https://ballotpedia.org/Carlene_Clancy_Smith Rob Hudson’s political ideology is not listed but there are some articles that mention him @ https://ballotpedia.org/Rob_Hudson
Next, Candidates for Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Same situation, all of the judges have filed to stand for retention by voters in 2016. They are John Fischer, Larry E. Joplin, Thomas Thornbrugh. Their pages are here: https://ballotpedia.org/John_Fischer_(Oklahoma) , https://ballotpedia.org/Larry_Joplin, and https://ballotpedia.org/P._Thomas_Thornbrugh with relevant articles, awards and associations.
Lastly, we have our state questions, 1. Oklahoma Death Penalty, State Question 776 Voting ‘yes’ supports amending the Oklahoma Constitution to guarantee the state’s power to impose capital punishment and set methods of execution. Voting ‘no’ opposes amending the Oklahoma Constitution to guarantee the state’s power to impose capital punishment and set methods of execution.
2. Oklahoma One Percent Sales Tax, State Question 779 A "yes" vote is a vote in favor of increasing the state sales tax by one percentage point to generate a predicted $615 million per year for education funding. A "no" vote is a vote against increasing the state sales tax.
3. Oklahoma Public Money for Religious Purposes, State Question 790 A "yes" vote is a vote in favor of allowing public money to be spent for religious purposes. A "no" vote is a vote against allowing public money to be spent for religious purposes.
4. Oklahoma Reclassification of Some Drug and Property Crimes as Misdemeanors, State Question 780 A "yes" vote supports this proposal to reclassify certain property offenses and simple drug possession as misdemeanor crimes. A "no" vote opposes this proposal to reclassify certain property offenses and simple drug possession as misdemeanor crimes.
5. Oklahoma Regulations Governing the Sale of Wine and Beer, State Question 792 Voting yes supports completely changing the laws governing alcohol sales and distribution in the state, including provisions allowing grocery stores and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer and wine seven days a week. Voting no opposes this proposition to repeal current laws concerning alcohol distribution and replace them.
6. Oklahoma Rehabilitative Programs Fund Initiative, State Question 781 A "yes" vote supports this proposal to use money saved by reclassifying certain property and drug crimes as misdemeanors, as outlined in the Criminal Justice System Reform Initiative, State Question 780, to fund rehabilitative programs, including substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. A "no" vote opposes this proposal to use money saved by reclassifying certain property and drug crimes as misdemeanors to fund rehabilitative programs, including substance abuse and mental health treatment programs.
7. Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment, State Question 777 A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to include the right to farm and ranch. A "no" vote opposes this proposal to amend the state constitution to include the right to farm and ranch. If you’d like to read my article on this specific question, you can find it here: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/oklahoma-state-qu...
There, that’s some information to get you started on any last minute decision making on who you want to vote locally this upcoming election. It’s a lot to take in, I know but it’s important because these people are going to either work for or against whoever we vote for as president, so it’s important that you take the local level just as serious as you take the presidential, or in some cases, even more so than the presidential race.
If anyone is interested to do their own research another good source that you can look at is called https://votesmart.org/election/2016/C/OK/2016-cong... which I stumbled upon while researching.
All sources, in no particular order:
https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_V...
http://www.murphy444.org/
https://www.facebook.com/notes/workman-4-oklahoma/issues/223044408078638
https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Workman
http://jameslankford.com/issues
https://ballotpedia.org/James_Lankford
https://ballotpedia.org/Mark_Beard
http://braddyforsenate.com/sean-on-the-issues/
https://ballotpedia.org/Sean_Braddy
https://ballotpedia.org/Robert_Murphy_(Oklahoma)
http://jimbridenstine.com/issues/
https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Bridenstine
https://ballotpedia.org/David_Matthew_Hullum
http://www.dalederby74.com/dales-guiding-principles/
https://www.facebook.com/MoberlyForOwasso/
https://ballotpedia.org/Dana_Murphy
https://ballotpedia.org/Douglas_L._Combs
https://ballotpedia.org/Jeri_Moberly
https://ballotpedia.org/Dale_Derby
https://ballotpedia.org/Carlene_Clancy_Smith
https://ballotpedia.org/Rob_Hudson
https://ballotpedia.org/John_Fischer_(Oklahoma)
https://ballotpedia.org/Larry_Joplin
