'Right To Farm' Initiative To Remain On Oklahoma Ballots

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that the so-called "Right to Farm" ballot initiative can remain on the general election ballot in November. In a ruling handed down Monday, Justices Douglas Combs and Yvonne Kauger also said the time to challenge a ballot issue should be tighter.

A coalition known as Save the Illinois River, Inc., filed a lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the proposal, which calls for a statewide vote on whether the right to farm and ranch in Oklahoma shall be "forever guaranteed." 

Opponents allege the measure could allow large farming corporations to set state agricultural policy instead of voters and their elected representatives.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court let stand a decision by Oklahoma County District Judge Patricia Parrish in May to dismiss the lawsuit.