Oregon ballot initiative news

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Oregon autism community moves forward with vaccine initiative

SALEM, Oregon: This week the Oregon autism community announced that they are moving forward with efforts to place an initiative focused on vaccines and neurological disorders on the statewide ballot. The initiative is sponsored by Generation Rescue and supported by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). The proposal is in its early stages and proponents are still deciding what exactly will appear in the ballot proposal. Some of the listed ideas and areas of concern for the sponsors include: increased research of unvaccinated children and aluminum; changes to the current vaccine disclosure and informed consent laws; banning thimerosal for children and pregnant women.[1]


Oregon Supreme Court makes minor changes to tax ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: On Friday, the Oregon Supreme Court slightly modified the ballot title wording of two 2010 tax hike referendum measures - Measure 66 and Measure 67.[2] The main point of argument surrounded a sentence included in both ballot titles: "Maintains funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services." Tax opponents argued that the sentence was pure "speculation" and should be omitteded from the title, however, the court ruled instead to replace the word "maintains" with "provides."[3] Additionally, the court changed the wording of the "no vote" description to read: "Leaves amount currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services underfunded." Previously, it had read, "Reduces funding currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services by estimated $472 million."[4]


Updated ballot titles may be read here.


Oregon campaign launches to overturn same-sex marriage ban

SALEM, Oregon: Last week an Oregon-based group, Basic Rights Oregon, launched a campaign called "Marriage Matters" to spur a conversation about same-sex marriage within the state.[5] The campaign follows the defeat of same-sex marriage in Maine. Oregon does not currently allow same-sex marriage, however, Basic Rights Oregon said they are considering moving forward with a 2012 initiative to overturn the 2004 ban on same-sex marriage and legalize it throughout the state.[6] [7]


Oregon anti-tax group files lawsuit against ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes has filed lawsuits with the Marion County Circuit Court challenging the impartiality of two ballot measure titles - Measure 66 and Measure 67. The proposed measures seek to overturn $733 million in tax increases. Additionally, on October 28 the group filed four appeals with the Oregon Supreme Court. According to the group, on November 17 they plan to request an injunction in order to prevent the Oregon Secretary of State from using the ballot titles in the voter's guide.[8]

The ballot titles were written by a special panel that consisted of four Democratic members and two Republicans. However, some Oregonians said that they are worried about possible ballot title bias. Both measures are expected to appear on the January 26, 2009 statewide ballot.[9]

Ballot titles can be found here:


Automatic recount in Clatsop County recall

CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon: An automatic recount of Tuesday's recall election in Clatsop County will take place after counted votes revealed a four vote difference for County Commissioner Anne Samuelson.[10] On the other hand County Commissioner Jeff Hazen defeated the recall and will remain in office. The recall election for County Commissioner Patricia Roberts will be held in November 2009.[11]

  • Anne Samuelson
    • Yes: 1,013 (50.10%)Approved (recount scheduled)
    • No: 1,009 (49.90%)
  • Jeff Hazen
    • Yes: 978 (43.9%)
    • No: 1,250 (56.1%)Defeated

Clatsop County voters cast ballots today

CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon: Voters in Clatsop County are heading to the polls today to voice their opinion on one ballot measure:

  • The Clatsop County Commissioners recall targets: Ann Samuelson and Jeff Hazen. According to county officials ballots were sent out October 11th. Commissioner Patricia Roberts is also the target of the recall effort, however, supporters have not yet submitted signatures to recall the commissioner.

The recall efforts developed after the three commissioners voted in favor of a liquefied natural gas development.[12] However, because the recall election is not countywide, the county has a total of 5 drop-off sites: Clatsop County Clerk's Office, 24-hour Drive-up Drop Box on Exchange Street, Cannon Beach City Hall, Seaside City Hall and Warrenton City Hall.[13]

Hazen serves as the county chair and represents District 1, Samuelson reprepsents District 5 and Roberts represents District 2.[14]


Oregonians worried about ballot title bias

SALEM, Oregon: Oregonians are worried about possible ballot title bias regarding two tax measures scheduled to appear on the January 26, 2010 ballot.[15] Just last week the Oregon Legislature announced that they are preparing to write ballot titles for Measure 66 and Measure 67, which directly challenge two tax bills - House Bill 2649 and House Bill 3405. Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed the bills on July 20, 2009. The tax bills increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[16] However, Oregonians said that they are concerned about the appointed special panel that will be writing the ballot titles. The panel consists of four Democratic members and two Republicans. Democratic legislators have in the past spoken in favor of the tax increases and argue that they are necessary to balance the state budget. Tax critics worry that this will result in a biased ballot title. If a problem does arise once the ballot titles have been written the language can be appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court.[17] Senate President Peter Courtney said, "The committee will write a ballot title that will make it clear to voters what they are voting on."[15]


Oregon legislature prepares to write tax measure ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: Next week the Oregon Legislature will be writing the ballot titles for ballot measures scheduled to appear on the January 26, 2010 ballot. The Oregon Tax Hike Referendum (2010) directly challenges House Bill 2649 and House Bill 3405. The referendum is scheduled to appear as two separate measures - Measure 66 and Measure 67 - on the January ballot.[18]

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed both HB 2649 and 3405 into law on July 20, 2009. The tax bills increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[19] In reaction to the news, tax activists in the state geared up to use the veto referendum process in the state to try to stop the hikes.[20]


Clatsop County recall ballots go out this week

CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon: On Friday, Clatsop County officials sent out ballots for the October 27, 2009 recall election. The recall specifically targets County Commissioners Ann Samuelson, Patricia Roberts and Jeff Hazen. The recall efforts developed after the three commissioners voted in favor of a liquefied natural gas development.[21] However, because the recall election is not countywide, the county has a total of 5 drop-off sites: Clatsop County Clerk's Office, 24-hour Drive-up Drop Box on Exchange Street, Cannon Beach City Hall, Seaside City Hall and Warrenton City Hall.[22][23]

Hazen serves as the county chair and represents District 1, Samuelson reprepsents District 5 and Roberts represents District 2.[24]


Healthy Democracy Oregon Honored with October Lilburne Award

LAKE RIDGE, Virginia: Today, Citizens in Charge Foundation, a transpartisan national voter rights group focused on the ballot initiative and referendum process, presented Healthy Democracy Oregon with the October 2009 John Lilburne Award. The group is being recognized for promoting a more open and accessible initiative and referendum process in Oregon by championing legislation to establish the Citizens’ Initiative Review.

The Citizens’ Initiative Review brings together randomly selected voters – a citizen jury – to hear arguments from both opponents and proponents of a given ballot initiative as well as gathering information from policy experts and concerned citizens. The citizen panel will then draft a “Citizen Statement” to be placed alongside the official explanatory statement for each ballot measure in the state’s voter pamphlet, which is sent to each registered voter.

“Bringing more voices into the ballot initiative process is always a good thing,” said Paul Jacob, president of Citizens in Charge Foundation. “The Citizens’ Initiative Review is also cutting edge in seeking greater involvement of the average citizen through randomly selecting participants, similar to the way juries are chosen.”

Healthy Democracy Oregon was founded in 2007 by Tyron Reitman and Elliot Shuford who knew each other from the Public Policy Master’s Program at the University of Oregon. They formed the group to improve the initiative process in Oregon by providing more information to voters. Their idea for the Citizen’s Initiative Review came as part of their graduate studies on contemporary democratic processes.

“Most states do not send voters information on ballot measures in an official state pamphlet,” added Jacob. “Whether through legislation or just through concerned citizens putting such information online, we hope voters will have more information about the issues on their ballots.”

Each month, Citizens in Charge Foundation presents the John Lilburne Award to a citizen, or citizens, working to protect and defend the First Amendment petition rights of Americans. John Lilburne was a 17th Century English pamphleteer, political activist, and champion of individual rights who advocated constitutional government and pioneered the use of petitioning and referenda for redress against government power and abuse.


Signatures filed for Oregon tax hike referendum

SALEM, Oregon: On Friday, Oregon Tax Hike Referendum supporters filed approximately 130,000 signatures for both the personal income tax measure and corporate tax measure, according to referendum supporters. In order to place the measures on the 2010 statewide ballot a minimum of 55,179 valid signatures are required for each proposal.[25] The proposed measure aims at stopping two tax bills signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski in June 2009. The bills increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[26] State elections officials have exactly 30 days to verify the signatures.[27]


Oregon 2010 minimum wage to remain unchanged

SALEM, Oregon: For the first time since the 2002 adoption of Oregon Ballot Measure 25 the minimum wage rate in Oregon will remain unchanged for 2010. In light of a 1.48% decline in the Consumer Price Index from August 2008 to August 2009 the minimum wage will remain at $8.40. Measure 25 requires that minimum wage be adjusted annually based on inflation. However, the minimum wage law does not have an option if the Consumer Price Index declines. Oregon is one of 10 states in the nation that adjusts minimum wage based on inflation rates.[28]


Oregon business groups support 2010 tax hike referendum

SALEM, Oregon: Oregonian business groups have announced their support for the OregonTax Hike Referendum that may be on the January 26, 2010 ballot. The signature deadline is quickly approaching, on Friday, September 25. Businesses argue that the hike will slow the state's economic recovery and cause more job losses. In support of the measure Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes have raised a total of $1 million from a variety of sources, including: business organizations and timber companies. "We recognized early on that we needed to focus our time and resources on the two taxes that we think will harm our economy the most," said local anti-tax activist Russ Walker.[29]

Gov. Ted Kulongski signed two tax bills on July 20, 2009 that will increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[30] Tax details can be found here.


Grants Pass votes to remove 5 council members from office

GRANTS PASS, Oregon: Yesterday, Grants Pass voters voted to recall all 5 of the targeted city council members: Council President Bill Kangas and councilors Mark Townes, Rob Pell, Ward Warren, and Lisa Berger. Targeted officials had the option to either resign or face the recall election in September.[31][32] The recall campaign began in June and July 2009 after months of turmoil between former City Manager David Frasher and the city Council. The council made several attempts to fire Frasher but in the last attempt Mayor Mike Murphy vetoed the motion. Shortly thereafter, on July 8, 2009, Frasher resigned from his position as City Manager.[33] Mayor Michael Murphy was also under scrutiny but efforts to recall the mayor were suspended in early September.[34]

Click here for individual council member election results.

Also, on Tuesday, voters in Lane County voted against the City of Lowell Urban Renewal Plan. According to county election results 52% voted "no", while 48% voted "yes."


Josephine and Lane County voters casts ballots today

JOSEPHINE and LANE COUNTY, Oregon: Voters in Josephine County and Lane County are heading to the polls today to voice their opinion on two ballot measures:

  • The Grants Pass City Council recall targets: Council President Bill Kangas and councilors Mark Townes, Rob Pell, Ward Warren, and Lisa Berger. According to Josephine County officials, ballots were sent out in late August 2009. The recall effort was initiated and organized in a group called "Grants Pass City Council Recall". The group is led by local residents Dan Runyon, Jay Jones and Mike Slagle.
  • The City of Lowell Urban Renewal Plan asks voters to approve or reject an urban renewal plan that proposes to improve specific areas of the city that are poorly developed or underdeveloped.

Oregon state fair removes canvassing restrictions at the last minute

SALEM, Oregon: Last week Oregon State Fair officials decided to remove canvassing restrictions, imposed only days earlier, after being told that the restrictions could lead to "protests" and "legal actions." Previously imposed restrictions allowed canvassers to solicit signatures in a 20-foot-by-eight-foot area located near one of the main gates. Canvassers were not allowed to solicit signatures anywhere except the assigned area. Fair officials changed their minds on the issue after an altercation occurred on Tuesday evening that involved petitioners. According to reports, a lawyer representing the Oregon chapter of Americans for Prosperity told state fair officials that petitioners were prepared to ignore restrictions and would proceed to fight any arrests in court. Officials opted to revise the restrictions and allow canvassers to solicit signatures 20 feet away from state fair gates and ticket booths.[35]


Oregon tax hike referendum likely to be on January 2010 ballot

SALEM, Oregon: The signature deadline is less than a month away, but Oregon Tax Hike Referendum supporters said that they are well on their way to meeting the 55,000 signature requirement. If enough signatures are collected a special election will be held on January 26, 2010.[36] Most recently the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation joined Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes. According to agricultural businesses the tax hikes, if approved by voters in January, is essentially double taxation. According to business owners after paying a corporate tax earnings would be taxed again as personal income.[37] Pat McCormick, a spokesman for the group Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes, said the group has raised about $750,000 from business organizations, timber companies to help pay for the signature-gathering effort.[36]


Deadline set for Oregon gas tax opponents

PORTLAND, Oregon:A September 25, 2009 deadline has been set for opponents of a law that would increase gasoline and vehicle tax. Opponents such as Don McIntire, a veteran tax critic, have until that date to submit 55,179 signatures to the secretary of state at 5 p.m. The signatures must be verified within 30 days of the deadline. If the signatures are verified, an election will coincide with the May 18, 2009 primary election.

If signatures are not submitted or there are not enough, the tax increases will be implemented on or before January 11, 2011.[38]


Oregon activists refile cannabis legalization act

Oregon: The Campaign for the Restoration and Regulation of Hemp (CRRH), a group geared towards teaching others about medicinal and industrial uses for cannabis, is sponsoring the Oregon Marijuana Tax Act (2010). The organization has revised the Act from a previous failed initiative, refiled it with the legislature, and is now in the process of collecting 1,000 sponsorship signatures. When they have been authorized to actually circulate the petition, they will need to gather 82,769 valid signatures by July 2, 2010 to qualify for the November 2010 ballot.[39]

The current proposal states that a myriad of benefits will come out of legalizing cannabis for constructive uses, including[40]:

  • Protecting children by taking the marijuana market out of the black market, and placing it in stores where an age limit would be enforced.
  • Helping to license farmers to cultivate cannabis
  • Allowing doctors to prescribe untaxed cannabis through pharmacies.
  • Raising millions in public revenue, lowering the need for other taxes and taking the profit out of criminals' hands.
  • Restoring industrial hemp as a productive agricultural source, which it had been for years before it was criminalized.
  • Stopping the trend of arresting and prosecuting harmless adult cannabis users.

Politicians blame budget woes on ballot measures

The United States is in a recession. Since the beginning of 2009, states have struggled to pay their bills as tax revenues have declined, leading to frequent state budget deficits.

Some state politicians say they believe that voters should be blamed for their budget problems, asserting that voters have approved expensive ballot measures.[41] A total of 24 states currently have the initiative & referendum process. Some states, like Oregon, are imposing new restrictions on the process. Citizens in Charge Foundation calls the restrictions a "blatant attempt to hamper and obstruct the petition process and citizen initiatives."[42]

In Florida, lawmakers delayed enacting the Florida Monorail Initiative (2000) after it was approved by a 52.7% vote in favor of the project. Construction was scheduled to begin in 2003 but state analysts estimated the state would save up to $25 billion over 30 years if the project were delayed. In 2004, voters voted in favor of Florida High Speed Rail Initiative (2004) which repealed the state constitutional statute that required the state proceed with the project.[43]

In California, the Center for Governmental Studies, agrees with concerned lawmakers and advocates the reform of California’s initiative system. Robert Stern, president of the group, said that citizens are voting on "too many things," some of which "cost the state a lot of money."[43]

A total of 19 states are currently considering initiative process changes.


Oregon governor signs tax bills, opponents push for ballot

SALEM, Oregon: Yesterday, Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed three new tax bills that will raise the state’s corporate minimum tax, raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest individuals and raise income taxes on businesses. Gov. Kulongoski said, "Because of the national recession, Oregon is facing an economic crisis that is threatening education, public safety and health care, all critical services that Oregonians rely upon every day. These modest and targeted tax increases are a major step toward a more fair tax system for middle-class and working families in Oregon and will help meet the needs of families in crisis, stabilize local communities and preserve jobs."[44] In reaction to the Monday news, opponents and supporters of the Oregon Tax Hike Referendum (2010) have scheduled for 40 to 50 paid signature gatherers, as well as volunteers, to start collecting signatures this week to place the ballot measure on the January 2010 ballot. Jon Chandler, a lobbyist for Oregon homebuilders and an opponent of the tax bills said, "Our message will be that you don't raise taxes in a bad economy, when people already are nervous about their jobs."[45]

The three new tax bills include:[44]

  • The minimum business tax is scheduled to increase from $10 to $150.
  • The wealthiest individual tax will raise the current 9% tax to 10.8% for individuals earning more than $125,000 and for joint filers earning anywhere between $250,000 and $500,000.
  • The business tax is scheduled to last two years then the tax will drop to 7.6%, then return to the current 6.6% for most businesses.

Oregon businesses fight permanent tax hikes

SALEM, Oregon: Businesses in Oregon have banded together to form a broad based coalition to fight two permanent tax increases approved by the Legislature this year. Tax activists have talked about moving the approximately $733 million in tax increases to the ballot but now the newly formed business coalition said that it is very likely to use the veto referendum process to take the measure to the ballot for citizens to voice their opinion.

In particular, most businesses said that they are disgruntled that the increases are permanent instead of a temporary fix during the state's current budget crisis. "If it had been temporary, we would have complained, but we wouldn't have fought it," said Jon Chandler of the Oregon Home Builders Association. "This just really clobbers us."[46]

The tax increases include raising corporate income taxes and repeals the $10 minimum tax so that corporations that do business in Oregon will have to pay at least $150 starting in 2009. For example, corporations that make $500,000 will pay a $500 minimum and sales of $100 million will pay a minimum of $100,000.[47] The other increase raises personal income taxes for individuals with taxable incomes above $125,000 a year or joint filers at more than $250,000. Supporters of the tax increases include public employee unions, AARP, school activists and social service advocates.[48]

However, businesses and organizations like the Alliance of Oregon’s Business Associations worry that H.B. 2414, a bill that calls for changing the language of the referendum process and would set a Jan. 26 election for any referendums. The main concern is that the bill would flip the usual meaning of a "yes" or "no" vote on a referendum so that it would take a "yes" vote to reject the tax increases. They argue that the change in language will only confuse voters.[49]


Oregon legislature places new restrictions on initiative process

SALEM, Oregon: The Oregon Senate has recently passed legislation, entitled the Oregon House Bill 2005 (2009), that provides for tougher restrictions and harsher penalties regarding initiative and petition fraud. Supporters of the bill, which passed 18-12 despite near unanimous Republican opposition and is awaiting Governor Ted Kulongoski's signature, said that it was "necessary to attack signature fraud restore the credibility of the state's heavily used initiative system". New Secretary of State Kate Brown made it one of her top priorities, and said that the bill "gives me more tools in the toolbox to crack down on petition fraud".[50] The new requirements and provisions instituted by the bill include:

  • Prohibits of those convicted of fraud, forgery or identity theft from registering as paid signature gatherers.
  • Allows the Oregon secretary of state to conduct criminal background checks on prospective signature gatherers.
  • Requires petitioners to submit initiative signature sheets once a month to allow more time to process the names and fix any errors.
  • Chief petitioners can be held legally liable if they knew or should have known a circulator had violated the law.
  • An increase in the maximum fine for violating laws that govern the initiative process from $250 to $10,000.

Those opposed have charged Brown and the legislature as simply trying to discourage and restrict the use of initiatives, a process increasingly used by conservatives to circumvent the legislative and executive branches which are largely controlled by Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli said that the matter is simply "about not liking the outcome of the citizens initiative process".[51] Opponents say it does nothing more than make it more difficult for citizen groups to take ideas directly to the ballot. Citing in particular the increase in maximum monetary penalties, Senator Vicki Walker, the lone Democrat to oppose the bill, said that the risk of such fines will drive away all except well-financed individuals who can stand to lose so much money. Additionally, she argues that by instituting a monthly turn-in requirement, the names of petition signers will be released prematurely, allowing opponents of the petition to harass them and others from any future initiative action.[52]


Oregon legislature tightens signature requirements

SALEM, Oregon: The Oregon Senate today passed Oregon House Bill 2005 (2009), sending to the governor a new set of restrictions on signature gathering in the state.[53] Democratic Secretary of State Kate Brown pushed for the legislation.

According to The Oregonian, "the law would allow the secretary of state's office to do criminal background checks, helping officials enforce the existing prohibition against paid petitioners convicted of fraud or similar crimes. In addition, the bill would void signatures if they were collected by a petitioner prohibited from working in the state.

Perhaps most notably, HB 2005 raises the fines for violations from $250 per incident to as much as $10,000. And it makes chief petitioners liable for the fines if they fail to stop fraud they should have known about."[54]

18 senators voted for HB 2005 and 12 senators voted against it on a largely party-line vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed.

The only Republican who voted for HB 2005 was Chris Telfer. Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli criticized the bill, stating, "Let's not kid ourselves. This is about not liking the outcome of the citizens initiative process."[54]

One Democratic senator, Vicki Walker, voted against HB 2005, saying it would discourage Oregonians from pursuing ballot measures.


Activists in Oregon gear up to fight tax hike through veto referendum

SALEM, Oregon. If the Oregon Legislature passes a state income tax hike, and if Gov. Ted Kulongoski signs it, tax activists in the state are gearing up to use the veto referendum process in the state to try to stop the hike.[55]

Some state lawmakers are pushing tax bills that might boost personal and corporate income taxes in the state by as much as $800 million over two years. A transportation funding and taxation bill that already passed the Oregon Legislature may also be opposed by activists through the veto referendum process.

Groups opposed to the two tax hike bills are:

  • Americans for Prosperity, whose Oregon communications director Matt Evans said that his group has been contacting its 13,000 members in the state to ask them to each commit eight hours to circulating petitions to place the tax hike measures on the ballot where voters can make the final decision on them.[55]
  • FreedomWorks, whose director Russ Walker said his Oregon group is "prepared to spend $500,000 or more to gather signatures".[55]

The veto referendum process laid out in the Oregon Constitution sets out these rules:

  • Groups who oppose a bill passed by the state legislature have a 90-day window from the time that the legislature adjourns to collect 55,179 signatures to force a statewide vote of the people on the bill they oppose.
  • The Oregon legislature is currently set to adjourn in "late June".[56]
  • That means tax-hike opponents would have until late September to collect signatures.
  • Election officials in the state then would have 30 days to verify the signatures and schedule a vote. The earliest that vote could be held is in January 2010.
  • The tax hikes would not go into effect while the vote is pending.


Older articles

See: Oregon ballot initiative news archives

References

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Ballot news from around the country and The Ballot Initiative Gazette
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