'Disappointed, but not shocked': Minimum wage vote delayed nearly two years

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahomans will be able to vote on raising the minimum wage, but it won't happen for nearly two years.

More than 157,000 Oklahomans signed their names in support of State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma if passed by voters.

The signatures were well over the 92,000 minimum that were required to bring the question to the ballots.

"This is 320,000 Oklahomans who could have been given a pay raise through the passage of state," said Amber England, Raise The Wage Spokeswoman.

The state's current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

State Question 832 would have raised minimum wage to $9.00 an hour and would have continued to increase by $1.50 each year until it reaches $15.00 in 2029.

On Tuesday, Governor Stitt set the question to appear on the gubernational primary ballot in June 2026.

Governor Stitt sent News 4 the following statement following his decision.

“Consistent with state law, Secretary Cockroft and the State Election Board recommended the next possible statewide ballot, which would be the June 2026 statewide primary. This choice saves taxpayers over $1.8 million and prevents the need for the Election Board to request supplemental funding from the Legislature to arrange a standalone statewide election.”

Governor Kevin Stitt

"I'm disappointed, but not shocked that Governor Stitt is trying to play politics with the lives of Oklahomans," said England. "The Governor could have put this on the ballot in 70 days and he chose not to."

Though supporters were hopeful the measure would be on the November ballot, opponents said they are going to do everything they can to make sure the minimum wage stays exactly where it is.

"It doesn't really matter when it's on the ballot. We're going to be opposed to it. I think it's bad policy for Oklahoma, particularly the portion that ties it to the consumer price index," said Chad Wormington, President of the State Chamber of Oklahoma. "Then every year you're going have uncertainty, what the minimum wage is going to be increase based on the CPI number and it just it adds uncertainty."

Meanwhile advocates for the question said they will be ready.

"When we get to June 2026 and we've had these conversations with Oklahoma voters, it will be a no brainer," said England.

The order also explains that beginning in 2023, the minimum wage would automictically increase annually based on if there is any increase in the cost of living.