Senate Pro Tem Comments on Withdrawal of Redistricting Initiative Petition

OKLAHOMA CITY – The leader of the Oklahoma Senate commented on the withdrawal of an initiative petition on redistricting.

“I’m not surprised the initiative petition was withdrawn because this latest iteration was flawed. Regardless of what some may say, the redistricting process in Oklahoma is not broken. Senators take our responsibility seriously to uphold the constitution. That is why we are soliciting the public’s input and taking steps in our process to ensure the public’s important role in redistricting. The Oklahoma Senate will represent the interests of Oklahomans and will conduct an open and transparent redistricting process,” Treat said.

Treat last year announced the formation of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, chaired by Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. In July, Treat and Paxton announced steps taken by the Senate to ensure the public’s role in redistricting including public hearings held at locations around the state with opportunity for public comment at those meetings, and the public submission of proposed maps of state legislative and congressional districts, as well as public notice given before action taken by the redistricting committee.