However, we have generally refused to declare a ballot initiative invalid in advance of a vote of the people except where there is a "clear or manifest" showing of unconstitutionality. In re Initiative Petition No. 358, 1994 OK 27, ¶ 7, 870 P.2d 782, 785 (emphasis added). The power of the people "to institute change through the initiative process is a fundamental characteristic of Oklahoma government."

See In re Initiative Pet. No. 358, 1994 OK 27, ¶ 7, 870 P.2d 782, 785. Respondents may proceed in the gathering of signatures on the initiative petition.

This Court has traditionally refused to declare a ballot initiative invalid in advance of a vote of the people except where there is a "clear or manifest" showing of unconstitutionality. In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658, 870 P.2d 782 (Okla. 1994). The right to pass legislation and change the Constitution through the initiative process is a fundamental right of the people and must be jealously guarded.

An integral part of a proposition is a part "which could not be severed without defeating the whole." In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658, 1994 OK 27, ¶ 11, 870 P.2d 782, 787. Because the proposition would not be defeated without Section 5, Section 5 is severable under Section 9.

¶12 Pre-election review of an initiative petition under 34 O.S. Supp. 2015 § 8 is confined to determining whether there are "clear or manifest facial constitutional infirmities" in the proposed measure. In re: Initiative Petition No. 420 , 2020 OK 9 at ¶13, 458 P.3d 1088 (quoting In re: Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658 , 1994 OK 27, ¶7, 870 P.2d 782 ). Further, because the right of the initiative is so precious, the Court has held that "all doubt as to the construction of pertinent provisions is resolved in favor of the initiative.

This Court has previously declined to engage in speculation in our consideration of the validity of a gist. In re Initiative Petition No. 409, State Question No. 785, 2016 OK 51, ¶6 n.15, 376 P.3d 250 ; In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658, 1994 OK 27, ¶12, 870 P.2d 782. IP 426's gist statement clearly states this Court will select a plan if the Commission cannot reach the "required level of consensus" within a set timeframe. This statement is not misleading and informs the potential signatory in a simple statement that a certain "level of consensus" will be required by the Commission to vote on a redistricting plan, i.e., a vote that might not be composed of a mere majority of the commissioners.

¶6 As to challenged initiative provisions, this Court has consistently confined our pre-election review under Section 8 of Title 34 of the Oklahoma Statutes to "clear or manifest facial constitutional infirmities." In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658, 1994 OK 27, ¶7, 870 P.2d 782. Accordingly, the Petitioners in this matter bear the burden of demonstrating the proposed initiative petition contains clear or manifest facial constitutional infirmities.

¶14 As to challenged initiative provisions, this Court has consistently confined our pre-election review under Section 8 of Title 34 of the Oklahoma Statutes to "clear or manifest facial constitutional infirmities." In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658, 1994 OK 27, ¶7, 870 P.2d 782. Challenges to the interpretation, implementation or application of an initiative proposal present nothing more than abstract questions and will not be reviewed through this Court's inherent power to grant relief from costly expenditure of public revenues on needless elections. Id.

¶ 6 This Court has generally refused to declare a ballot initiative invalid in advance of a vote of the people except where there is a clear or manifest showing of unconstitutionality. In re Initiative Petition No. 403 , 2016 OK 1 at ¶ 3, 367 P.3d 472 ; In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658 , 1994 OK 27, ¶ 7, 870 P.2d 782. We have repeatedly emphasized both how vital the right of initiative is to the people of Oklahoma, as well as the degree to which we must protect it:

¶6 This Court has generally refused to declare a ballot initiative invalid in advance of a vote of the people except where there is a clear or manifest showing of unconstitutionality. In re Initiative Petition No. 403 , 2016 OK 1 at ¶ 3, 367 P.3d 472 ; In re Initiative Petition No. 358, State Question No. 658 , 1994 OK 27, ¶ 7, 870 P.2d 782. We have repeatedly emphasized both how vital the right of initiative is to the people of Oklahoma, as well as the degree to which we must protect it: