'Last call for signatures': Minimum wage increase petition approaching July 14 deadline

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — On Monday night in Oklahoma City, petitioners hosted a "Last Call for Signatures" to get a minimum wage increase on the November ballot.

Volunteers tell Fox 25 they've been traveling all over the state to collect signatures. They added a handful more tonight.

"I think it's really important that people make enough money to take care of their family," Quyen Tran said.

At the Skydance Taproom, Oklahomans like Tran signed a petition to gradually increase the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2029.

"With my family being immigrants, and I think in general everybody can resonate with it, financial security and economic stability are the number one things that will affect people's day-to-day lives."

Petitioners have to collect more than 90,000 signatures from registered voters by Sunday, July 14 if they want to see State Question 832 on the November ballot. Though campaign spokesperson Amber England says she's confident her team will turn in nearly double the amount of signatures to qualify.

"We have been working day and night to get these signatures," England said. "It is not an easy process. We have 90 days to get just over 92,000 signatures. So, you can do the math. That's like 1,000 signatures per day."

State Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City) is advocating for a minimum wage increase. But, he has concerns about how the recent passing of House Bill 1105, which extends the challenge period for a state question proposal from 10 days to 90 days, could delay when SQ 832 is up for a vote.

"Out of the 26 states that have ballot initiatives, Oklahoma's is by far the most difficult process," State Rep. Dollens said. "You only have a 90-day limited window to collect over 92,000 signatures. Once they do that, the governor has complete discretion to decide when Oklahomans will have the opportunity to vote on that."

Next Monday, July 15, the Yes on SQ 832 campaign will have a celebration after turning in their signatures at the Secretary of State's office.