Expanded FAQ - PDF Download

1. What is a City Charter?
2. Why do I have to vote on these proposed Charter updates?
3. Where can I find the current Charter language?
4. How often does the City of Shawnee review the Charter?
5. What prompted the most recent Charter review?
6. Does the City of Shawnee always have to mirror State and/or Federal laws?
7. Will the City propose additional Charter changes in the future?
8. What Charter amendments are proposed?
9. TELL ME MORE about the "Ward Specific Voting" PROPOSITION 1.
10. [PROPOSITION 1] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
11. [PROPOSITION 1] How do I know which Ward I live in?
12. [PROPOSITION 1] How were the Ward boundaries determined?
13. [PROPOSITION 1] What is the difference between "Voting at Large" and "Voting by Ward"?
14. [PROPOSITION 1] Among the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, which ones have "At-Large Voting."
15. [PROPOSITION 1] Among the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, which ones have "Ward Specific Voting"?
16. [PROPOSITION 1] If the 'Voting by Ward" proposition passes, what impact will this have for me when I vote?
17. [PROPOSITION 1] How does "Voting by Ward" affect property owners in that ward if they do not reside there?
18. TELL ME MORE about the "Competitive Bidding" PROPOSITION 2.
19. [PROPOSITION 2] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
20. [PROPOSITION 2] Are the City's "Competitive Bidding" requirements not more stringent that State law?
21. [PROPOSITION 2] What is the benefit of aligning with State law on "Competitive Bidding"?
22. [PROPOSITION 2] Are there any other benefits to aligning with State law?
23. TELL ME MORE about the "Swearing-in of the Mayor and Commissioners" PROPOSITION 3.
24. [PROPOSITION 3] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
25. [PROPOSITION 3] Were the proposed "Swearing-in of Mayor and Commissioners" Charter changes precipitated by the transition to monthly City Commission meetings?
26. [PROPOSITION 3] If the City of Shawnee changes back to bi-monthly City Commission meetings, will the Charter have to be amended again?
27. TELL ME MORE about the "Qualifications for City Employees" PROPOSITION 4.
28. [PROPOSITION 4] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
29. [PROPOSITION 4] What is the benefit of aligning with State and Federal laws?
30. [PROPOSITION 4] With the proposed removal of the one-year residency requirement, does that mean City employees can live outside of City limits?
31. [PROPOSITION 4] Does this proposed Charter amendment remove other requirements for City employment positions, such as work eligibility, education, or experience?
32. TELL ME MORE about the "Conflict of Interest Policy" PROPOSITION 5.
33. [PROPOSITION 5] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
34. [PROPOSITION 5] Is the City's "Conflict of Interest Policy" not more stringent than State law?
35. [PROPOSITION 5] Are there any other benefits to aligning with State law?
36. TELL ME MORE about the "Twin Lakes Regulation" PROPOSITION 6.
37. [PROPOSITION 6] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
38. [PROPOSITION 6] Was this Charter amendment proposed by the Lake Advisory Committee?
39. [PROPOSITION 6] Where can I find the Lake Advisory Committee recommendations?
40. [PROPOSITION 6] Does the proposed Charter amendment place specific restrictions on recreational activities at the Shawnee Twin Lakes?
41. [PROPOSITION 6] Does the proposed Charter amendment affect current Lake lot leases?
42. TELL ME MORE about the "Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund" PROPOSITION 7.
43. [PROPOSITION 7] Which sections of the City Charter are affected?
44. [PROPOSITION 7] How many cemeteries does the City of Shawnee operate, and are thy affected by the proposed Charter changes?
45. [PROPOSITION 7] What is the benefit of aligning with State law on "Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund"?
46. [PROPOSITION 7] How would the proposed Charter change affect the Mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery?
47. Will the proposed Charter amendments cost taxpayers money?
48. Will the proposed Charter amendments create revenue for the City?
49. Do I have to vote for or against all the propositions or can we vote on each separately?
50. If approved, when would the Charter amendments go into effect?
51. What happens if voters do not approve these Charter amendments?
52. How does this Charter election affect those living outside of the City limits?
53. When and where do I vote?
54. Will I be able to vote by absentee ballot?
55. How can I register for the Charter election?
56. Who can I contact if I have more questions about the proposed Charter amendments?

1. What is a City Charter? (back)
A municipal charter is a foundational document that defines the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of a city government. It is comparable to the Constitution of the United States or a state's constitution. The charter is, therefore, the most important legal document of a city. In Oklahoma, any city or town containing a population of 2,000 inhabitants or more may adopt a charter for its own government.

2. Why do I have to vote on these proposed Charter updates? (back)
Oklahoma State law requires a vote of the citizens to amend a city or town charter. The City of Shawnee adopted its first Charter in 1908, and the Charter language has subsequently been amended several times.

3. Where can I find the current Charter language? (back)
The City of Shawnee’s current Charter can be found online. The Charter language can be accessed through the City’s site https://www.shawneeok.org/how_do_i/find/index.php, or by visiting the MuniCode site https://library.municode.com/ok/shawnee/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICH.

4. How often does the City of Shawnee review the Charter? (back)
The most recent review took place ahead of the Charter amendment election in 2018.
At this time, there is no prescribed schedule requiring a periodic review of the City of Shawnee Charter language. City staff is, therefore, recommending that a review of relevant sections is undertaken whenever there is a significant change in related City Codes. In addition, a full Charter review should be conducted no less than every five years, which could occur in parallel to the update of the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the City of Shawnee.

5. What prompted the most recent Charter review? (back)
The City of Shawnee is currently updating its Five-Year Strategic Plan and, in parallel, conducted a full review of the City Charter. In addition, the consideration of “Voting by Ward” and its associated ward-specific representation has been requested both from citizens and Commissioners to be brought to a vote of the people.

6. Does the City of Shawnee always have to mirror State and/or Federal laws? (back)
The short answer to this question is “not always.” The long answer is far more complex.
In general, the City of Shawnee is governed by its own Charter while it also remains subject to and controlled by applicable general State and Federal laws. If, however, ambiguities or potential conflicts exist between the City Charter provisions and Oklahoma State or Federal laws, this may lead to potential litigation. Such litigation would have to determine: a) whether the State or Federal Legislatures may legislate as to matters of statewide or nationwide concern and b) if the respective State or Federal statute is not overbroad. If those were determined to be true, then the conflicting City Charter language would cease to be a strictly municipal affair.

7. Will the City propose additional Charter changes in the future? (back)
Over time as the City of Shawnee changes, the language of its Charter may no longer reflect the roles, responsibilities, or requirements of City government or the concerns of Shawnee citizens. A full Charter review should be conducted no less than every five years, and the related future reviews may result in the recommendation of additional Charter amendments.

8. What Charter amendments are proposed? (back)
Proposition 1, the consideration of “Ward Specific Voting” (or “Voting by Ward”) and its associated ward-specific representation, has been requested both from citizens and Commissioners to be brought to a vote of the people.
Proposition 3 would change the timing of the “Swearing-In of Mayors and Commissioners,” to coincide with the regularly scheduled meetings of the City Commission.
Proposition 6 would eliminate “Twin Lakes Regulations,” which have become redundant with the adoption of updated City codes.
Propositions 2, 4, 5, and 7, related to “Competitive Bidding,” “Qualifications for City Employees,” “Conflict-of-Interest Policies,” and “Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund,” have been identified by City staff as not being in alignment with applicable State or Federal laws and municipal best practices.

9. TELL ME MORE about the “Ward Specific Voting” PROPOSITION 1. (back)
Current Charter language calls for a City Commissioner to reside in the Ward which he or she elects to represent, and the Commissioner is then selected by vote of the City at large.
Citizens and elected officials proposed this amendment to determine if the citizens of Shawnee would prefer to have only Ward residents elect the Commissioner representing that specific Ward. If approved, residents of the individual Ward, registered to vote, will have the opportunity to vote for the Commissioner they wish to represent their specific Ward.

10. [PROPOSITION 1] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would amend Article III, Section 2 and Article XIV, Sections 3 and 5, and the amended language would read as follows:

Article III, Section 2 - The Board of Commissioners shall constitute the governing body of the City. It shall consist of a Mayor, who shall be elected from the City at large; and of six (6) additional Commissioners, each of whom shall file for office from the ward in which the candidate resides and, shall be voted on by the qualified voters in the candidate’s specific ward.

Article XIV, Section 3 - In the general election where three (3) or more candidates have filed for the same office, the two (2) candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for that office shall be nominated to stand in the general runoff election. If one (1) candidate receives a majority of all votes cast at the general election for that office that candidate is ipso facto elected thereto. The candidate shall be issued a certificate of election and the candidate’s name shall not appear upon the general runoff election ballot. In case of a tie at the general runoff election, the elected candidate shall be determined by the flip of a coin. If one (1) of the two (2) candidates nominated for the general runoff election dies, removes from the city or from the ward, or withdraws before the general runoff election, the remaining candidate is elected ipso facto. The candidate shall be issued a certificate of election and the candidate’s name shall not appear upon the general runoff election ballot.

Article XIV, Section 5 - In either the general or general runoff election provided for hereunder, only such persons shall be qualified to vote as electors therein as are qualified and registered under the general statutes of Oklahoma providing for qualification and registration of electors, and only such electors as are residents of the City of Shawnee. All such qualified and registered electors residing in the City of Shawnee may vote for the position of Mayor in the general or general runoff election. All such qualified and registered electors residing in a specific ward may vote for the position of Commissioner running for election in that specific ward.

11. [PROPOSITION 1] How do I know which Ward I live in? (back)
To find your specific Ward, please visit the Online Citizen Request Portal “City Leadership” page https://citizen-request-cityofshawneeok.hub.arcgis.com/pages/city-leadership and then navigate to the lower portion which contains the City Ward map. There, the built-in functionality allows you to type in your address to determine your specific Ward and associated City Commissioner.

12. [PROPOSITION 1] How were the Ward boundaries determined? (back)
Per Charter, the City is divided into six Wards, which must contain as close to the same number of citizens as can reasonably be done. Following each decennial population census, the Ward boundaries are reviewed and slightly adjusted for population growth or loss in individual Wards. The Ward boundary review following the latest 2020 U.S. Census population count is currently underway, but it is not expected to be complete until after the June 13, 2023, Charter election.

13. [PROPOSITION 1] What is the difference between “Voting at Large” and “Voting by Ward”? (back)
With “At-Large Voting” or when “Voting at Large,” the entire electorate (registered voters from within the City) – regardless of where they live in Shawnee – are eligible to cast a vote for all Commission candidates. In this case, all Commissioners are voted in by all residents, including residents who do not live in the Commissioner’s Ward.
With “Ward Specific Voting” or when “Voting by Ward,” the registered voters – specific to the individual Ward – are eligible to cast a vote for the Commissioner representing that Ward. In this case, Commissioners are voted in specifically by those residents who live in the Commissioner’s Ward.

14. [PROPOSITION 1] Among the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, which ones have “At-Large Voting.” (back)
In the City of Shawnee, as well as in Broken Arrow, Stillwater, and Owasso, City Commission or City Council members are currently selected by “At-Large Voting.”

15. [PROPOSITION 1] Among the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, which ones have “Ward Specific Voting”? (back)
In Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, Moore, Midwest City, Enid, Bartlesville, Muskogee, and Bixby, City Commission and City Council members are currently selected by “Ward Specific Voting.”

16. [PROPOSITION 1] If the “Voting by Ward” proposition passes, what impact will this have for me when I vote? (back)
There would be no impact until after the Charter changes are reviewed and approved by the Governor. Once the updated Charter language goes into effect, you would receive your Ward-specific ballot when City Commission candidates are up for election within your Ward.

17. [PROPOSITION 1] How does “Voting by Ward” affect property owners in that ward if they do not reside there? (back)
If the “Ward Specific Voting” proposition passes, property owners’ eligibility would be tied to the Ward of their primary residence within Shawnee.

18. TELL ME MORE about the “Competitive Bidding” PROPOSITION 2. (back)
Current Charter language requires contractors and vendors to comply with local procedures not necessarily required by the State of Oklahoma.
If approved, this amendment will align the City’s competitive bidding requirements with those required by the State of Oklahoma, providing procedural clarity as well as saving time and money based on the contractors’ and vendors’ familiarity with this common process.

19. [PROPOSITION 2] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would replace Article XV, Section 2 of the Charter, and the new language would read as follows:

Article XV, Section 2 - The City of Shawnee shall abide by all Oklahoma statutes and regulations regarding competitive bidding requirements as they relate to municipalities.

State law reference(s)—Public competitive bidding act of 1974, 61 O.S. § 101 et seq.

20. [PROPOSITION 2] Are the City's “Competitive Bidding” requirements not more stringent than State law? (back)
The City of Shawnee Charter has several stipulations in its language that are not currently required by State law. However, these more stringent requirements largely relate to the specific guidance for the opening of bids, which does not directly affect the competitive nature of the bidding process itself.

21. [PROPOSITION 2] What is the benefit of aligning with State law on “Competitive Bidding”? (back)
The Shawnee-specific “Competitive Bidding” requirements are not well understood by all bidders on construction projects, which may act as a deterrent for some competitors. Aligning with commonly known State law requirements, contained in the “Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974,” removes that potential barrier for active competition. 
With https://www.sai.ok.gov/Search%20FormsPubs/database/PCBA%20Handout%20Updated%2011.1.21.pdf, the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s (SAI) Office has compiled a comprehensive overview of the statutory language contained in Title 61, Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 101 to 138, which can be accessed from http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os61.pdf.

22. [PROPOSITION 2] Are there any other benefits to aligning with State law? (back)
If the “Competitive Bidding” proposition passes, any judicial challenges against the City’s compliance with the State requirements would be able to draw on a significant pool of precedent case law as well as directly related Attorney General opinions, which are not available for current Shawnee-specific requirements.

23. TELL ME MORE about the “Swearing-in of the Mayor and Commissioners” PROPOSITION 3. (back)
Current Charter language requires the swearing-in of the newly-elected Mayor and Commissioners on a specific date that does not always coincide with the dates of regularly scheduled City Commission meetings.
If approved, this amendment will adjust the term of office for a newly-elected official to start on the first regularly scheduled City Commission meeting following the election certification.

24. [PROPOSITION 3] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would amend Article III, Sections 4 and 6 of the Charter, and the amended language would read as follows:

Article III, Section 4 - Upon election the Mayor and Commissioners shall serve a four (4) year term or until a successor is elected and qualified for a specific seat on the Board of Commissioners. The terms of office of Mayor and Commissioners shall begin with the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners following the certification of the results of the general election, or runoff election as applicable. The terms of office of those Commissioners or the Mayor elected to fill vacancies at a special election, as provided in Article VIII hereof, shall begin with the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners following the official results of the special election.

Article III, Section 6 - The Board of Commissioners shall appoint one (1) of its members Vice-Mayor for a term of one (1) year at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners in the month following the general election or runoff election, if applicable that particular year, or on the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners in July in years without an election. The Vice-Mayor shall act as Mayor during the absence of the Mayor. If the office of Mayor becomes vacant, then the Vice-Mayor shall serve as Mayor until the next general or special municipal election, and until a new Mayor is elected and qualified. Provided, where the office of Mayor becomes vacant and the Vice-Mayor serves as Mayor until the next general or special election, the Commissioner's seat held by the Vice-Mayor shall not be deemed vacant. The Vice-Mayor shall have no authority to make appointments or remove officers appointed by the Mayor, except where a vacancy exists in the office of Mayor and the Vice-Mayor is serving as Mayor until the election of a successor. 

25. [PROPOSITION 3] Were the proposed “Swearing-in of Mayor and Commissioners” Charter changes precipitated by the transition to monthly City Commission meetings? (back)
Yes and No. Starting in January 2023, the City Commission made the transition from bi-monthly to monthly meetings, and their regular meeting is now scheduled for the third Monday of every month. This has created a timing concern, as it does not accommodate the “first Monday in the month” as stipulated by the current Charter language. However, even before the change to monthly City Commission meetings, in some years, the first Monday following the general election, which is held in June, may have inadvertently fallen on a Holiday.

26. [PROPOSITION 3] If the City of Shawnee changes back to bi-monthly City Commission meetings, will the Charter have to be amended again? (back)
No. If the City Commission decides to reinstate bi-monthly City Commission meetings, the proposed Charter amendments would accommodate the change in schedule without the need for any additional modification, as the proposed Charter amendment simply refers to the “first regularly scheduled meeting […] following the certification of the results of the general election.”

27. TELL ME MORE about the “Qualifications for City Employees” PROPOSITION 4. (back)
Current Charter language conflicts with State and Federal employment regulations and laws. If approved, this amendment will expand employment prospects and align the City’s employment requirements with State and Federal laws.

28. [PROPOSITION 4] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would remove Article V, Section 8 of the Charter in its entirety.

29. [PROPOSITION 4] What is the benefit of aligning with State and Federal laws? (back)
At both the State and Federal levels, employment-related statutes, rules, and regulations change regularly. Alignment with applicable State and Federal laws will allow the City to consistently remain in compliance and will eliminate the need to amend the Charter when referenced laws change.

30. [PROPOSITION 4] With the proposed removal of the one-year residency requirement, does that mean City employees can live outside of City limits? (back)
Yes. The proposed Charter change would eliminate the current language that conflicts with State Law. (Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 22-127,  which can be accessed from http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os11.pdf) If the “Qualifications for City Employees” proposition passes, only the City Manager must live in the City limits, the associated school district boundary, or no more than ten miles from either. (Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 10-112, which can also be accessed from http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os11.pdf)

31. [PROPOSITION 4] Does this proposed Charter amendment remove other requirements for City employment positions, such as work eligibility, education, or experience? (back)
No. General requirements related to eligibility to work in the U.S. as well as position-specific requirements for education and experience remain in effect.

32. TELL ME MORE about the “Conflict of Interest Policy” PROPOSITION 5. (back)
Current Charter language differs from the requirements established by State law. If approved, this amendment will align the City’s requirements for Commissioners, City officers, and employees with those established by State law.

33. [PROPOSITION 5] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would replace Article XVI, Section 1 of the Charter, and the new language would read as follows:

Article XVI, Section 1 - The City of Shawnee shall abide by all Oklahoma statutes and regulations regarding conflict of interest policies for Commissioners, City employees, and City officers.

State law reference(s) – 11 O.S. § 8-106 and 8-113.

34. [PROPOSITION 5] Is the City's “Conflict of Interest Policy” not more stringent than State law? (back)
The requirements contained in Title 11, Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 8 106 and 8 113, both of which can be accessed from http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os11.pdf, encompass the intended contents of the “Conflict of Interest Policy” section in the City of Shawnee Charter, albeit with modernized and easier-to-understand language.

35. [PROPOSITION 5] Are there any other benefits to aligning with State law? (back)
If the “Conflict of Interest Policy” proposition passes, any judicial challenges against the City’s compliance with the State requirements would be able to draw on a significant pool of precedent case law as well as directly related Attorney General opinions, which are not available for current Shawnee-specific requirements.

36. TELL ME MORE about the “Twin Lakes Regulation” PROPOSITION 6. (back)
Current Charter language related to swimming, water skiing, surfboard riding, and other water recreation sports conflicts with Shawnee Twin Lakes related City Codes, most recently updated in March 2022 following the conclusion of an in-depth review by the Lake Advisory Committee. If approved, this amendment will align the Charter with adopted City Codes regulating recreational activities on the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

37. [PROPOSITION 6] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would remove Article IX, Section 1 of the Charter in its entirety.

38. [PROPOSITION 6] Was this Charter amendment proposed by the Lake Advisory Committee? (back)
No. This Charter amendment was not directly proposed by the City’s Lake Advisory Committee. However, the Lake Advisory Committee delivered its recommendations to the City Commission, which subsequently initiated a City Code update related to boating and other recreational activities on the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

39. [PROPOSITION 6] Where can I find the Lake Advisory Committee recommendations? (back)
Shawnee’s Lake Advisory Committee recommendations were presented to the City Commission on February 7, 2022. The associated meeting video, presentation, and technical memorandum can be found on the City of Shawnee website https://www.shawneeok.org/services/video_multimedia/index.php or bit.ly/ShawneeInfo under the “Shawnee Twin Lakes” heading.

40. [PROPOSITION 6] Does the proposed Charter amendment place specific restrictions on recreational activities at the Shawnee Twin Lakes? (back)
No. New restrictions on recreational activities at the Shawnee Twin Lakes would not be put in place by the proposed Charter amendment. Any specific restrictions currently included in the City Code would also not be affected by this Charter change.

41. [PROPOSITION 6] Does the proposed Charter amendment affect current Lake lot leases? (back)
No. The proposed Charter amendments would not impact lease agreements for City-owned lots at the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

42. TELL ME MORE about the “Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund” PROPOSITION 7. (back)
Current Charter language regarding the management of revenues generated at the municipal cemetery for Perpetual Care Funds differs from requirements established by State law. If approved, this amendment will align the Charter with State law regarding the management of Perpetual Care Funds for the Fairview Cemetery.

43. [PROPOSITION 7] Which sections of the City Charter are affected? (back)
This Charter change would replace Article XII, Section 6(b) of the Charter, and the new language would read as follows:

Article XII, Section 6(b) - The City of Shawnee shall abide by all Oklahoma statutes and regulations regarding cemetery perpetual care fund requirements as they relate to municipalities.

…

State law reference(s)—Perpetual care funds, 36 O.S. § 7101 et seq.; annual audit of books and accounts, 11 O.S. § 17-105 et seq.; funds generally, 11 O.S. § 17-212; trusts for perpetual care, 11 O.S. § 26-201 et seq.

44. [PROPOSITION 7] How many cemeteries does the City of Shawnee operate, and are they affected by the proposed Charter changes? (back)
The Shawnee Fairview Cemetery is the only cemetery owned and operated by the City of Shawnee. The proposed Charter amendment would affect the Perpetual Care Fund set up for this cemetery.

45. [PROPOSITION 7] What is the benefit of aligning with State law on “Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund”? (back)
Accessible from http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os36.pdf, the requirements contained in Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 7101 et seq., encompass the intent of the “Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund” section in the City of Shawnee Charter, albeit with modernized and more comprehensive language.

46. [PROPOSITION 7] How would the proposed Charter change affect the Mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery? (back)
The Mausoleum located at the Shawnee Fairview Cemetery is privately owned and, thus, not affected by the Charter change nor eligible for investment of the municipal “Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.”

47. Will the proposed Charter amendments cost taxpayers money? (back)
Other than the cost of the Charter election itself, no additional costs would be incurred. Several of the proposed amendments are intended to streamline procedures, reducing costs to citizens and the City by increasing efficiencies.

48. Will the proposed Charter amendments create revenue for the City? (back)
No. The proposed Charter amendments would not create a new revenue stream for the City of Shawnee. However, as stated before, several of the proposed amendments are intended to streamline procedures, reducing costs to citizens and the City by increasing efficiencies.

49. Do I have to vote for or against all the propositions or can we vote on each separately? (back)
Each amendment will be listed separately on the ballot. Citizens can vote for or against any proposition.

50. If approved, when would the Charter amendments go into effect? (back)
The Charter amendments that are approved by the majority of voters will be submitted to the Governor for review. Upon gubernatorial approval, the new language will become the governing law of the City of Shawnee and replace existing Charter language.

51. What happens if voters do not approve these Charter amendments? (back)
Except for ward-specific voting and swearing-in of newly-elected officials, which are local matters, the proposed changes to the Charter are intended to reduce confusion and eliminate potential conflicts between the City of Shawnee and State or Federal laws. If one or more of the propositions do not pass, it is possible that future litigation may be needed to resolve differences.

52. How does this Charter election affect those living outside of the City limits? (back)
Anyone living outside of the boundaries of the City of Shawnee will not be affected by the proposed Charter amendments and will also not be eligible to vote.

53. When and where do I vote? (back)
On June 13, 2023, polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. For details on where you can cast your vote, please call 405-273-8376 or visit www.pottawatomiecountyok.gov/government/county-election-board.

54. Will I be able to vote by absentee ballot? (back)
Please note that State law on absentee ballots has changed, effective January 1, 2023. Your absentee ballot must be requested no later than 5:00 pm, the third Monday (15 days) prior to the election. Barring recent address changes, which have to be verified, you may request your absentee ballot using the secure OK Voter Portal https://oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.html, or visit the Pottawatomie County Election Board, located at 330 N Broadway Avenue in Shawnee.

55. How can I register for the Charter election? (back)
All voting-age citizens of Shawnee are invited to vote in this Charter election. If you are not sure about your voter registration status, please visit the Oklahoma State Election Board https://okvoterportal.okelections.us.

56. Who can I contact if I have more questions about the proposed Charter amendments? (back)
Please contact the City Manager’s Office at 405-878-1601 or CityManager@shawneeok.org.