A lot of money is being thrown around for TV ads on some of Oklahoma’s state questions ahead of next month’s election.
As of Monday, groups have spent just less than $3 million to air nearly 3,800 ads. Ben Wieder tracks ballot measure spending for the Center for Public Integrity. He said this sort of outlay isn’t uncommon.
"This year already, spending on ballot measures in California has topped $100 million," Wieder said. "But certainly, Oklahoma is seeing a lot of activity and seeing more activity than some of its neighbors."
Ballot measures on alcohol sales, criminal justice reform and an education sales tax are attracting money from supporters, and an agriculture regulation measure is drawing spending by both sides. The big spender has been Yes on 792, putting down $1.1 million on nearly 1,200 ads as of Monday in support of changing Oklahoma’s liquor laws.
"There are a lot of monied interests who spend very freely on these ballot measures and have a lot at stake, and it's certainly a good thing for any voter to really look into what the implications are of these questions and really who stands to benefit if they pass or if they do not," Wieder said.
Wieder said it’s also important for voters to know who’s spending the money for ads on ballot measures because of their potential impact.
"These are the most direct ways in which laws are created in that it's voters themselves who are making that decision," Wieder said. "And so, you want to be informed, because the decision that you're making is essentially putting a law in place or not."
