Oklahoma voters will decide six state issues Tuesday, including one that would wipe out affirmative action programs in state government that the measure's supporters say are no longer needed.

Under the measure, Oklahoma would not be able to grant preferential treatment in contracts or education programs based on race, gender, ethnicity or national origin.

The law change wouldn't apply to programs in place because of court orders or ones needed to keep or obtain federal funding.

Opponents of the measure say racism and sexism remain and so should state programs that provide equal opportunities.

Also on the ballot are proposals to: limit the governor's role in the parole process, restructure the Department of Human Services, limit property tax increases to 3 percent, exempt intangible personal property from the property tax and allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to issue bonds.

The Republican-led Legislature put the affirmative action measure on the ballot and rejected criticism the proposal was intended to drive more conservative voters to the poll.

"The only way we're going to get past racism and get people not to see the color difference is to get our government to lead by example," state Sen. Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher, who sponsored the proposal in the Legislature, said last month.

State officials believe the change would have a minimal impact, mainly on some scholarships that target women or minorities.

Another proposal on the ballot calls for removing the governor from the pardon and parole process for nonviolent offenders.

Supporters say it would make the probation and parole system more efficient.

A plan to restructure the state's troubled human services department also is before voters.

The department has struggled with a string of child neglect cases and a class-action lawsuit in recent years.

A constitutional amendment that would limit the yearly increase in some property taxes to 3 percent also is being decided.

So is a measure that would exempt intangible personal property from the property tax.

Copyright The Associated Press