Oregon Measure 4, Eliminate Parole for Certain Felons Initiative (1988)
| Oregon Measure 4 | |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Election date |
|
| Topic Criminal sentencing and Parole policy |
|
| Status |
|
| Type Initiated state statute |
Origin |
Oregon Measure 4 was on the ballot as an initiated state statute in Oregon on November 8, 1988. It was approved.
A "yes" vote supported eliminating probation, parole, or “indeterminate sentences” for persons convicted of murder, first degree manslaughter, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual penetration with foreign object, burglary, arson, or robbery. |
A "no" vote opposed eliminating probation, parole, or “indeterminate sentences” for persons convicted of murder, first degree manslaughter, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual penetration with foreign object, burglary, arson, or robbery. |
Election results
|
Oregon Measure 4 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
|
|
947,805 | 78.93% | ||
| No | 252,985 | 21.07% | ||
-
- Results are officially certified.
- Source
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Measure 4 was as follows:
| “ | REQUIRES FULL SENTENCES WITHOUT PAROLE, PROBATION FOR CERTAIN REPEAT FELONIES QUESTION - Shall law be amended to require certain repeat felony offenders to serve full sentences without parole, probation or other reduction? EXPLANATION - Amends criminal sentencing laws. Eliminates "indeterminate sentences," probation and parole for persons convicted of any of the following class of crimes after previous conviction of any crime in the class: murder; and first degree manslaughter, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual penetration with foreign object, burglary, arson and robbery. Such offenders must serve their entire sentences without temporary leave, reduction for "good behavior" or prison employment. Affects crimes committed on or after January 1, 1990. ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL EFFECT - Assuming continuation of current judicial sentencing practices, this measure would require construction of additional correction facilities at an estimated cost of between $176 and $184 million, depending on costs of land acquisition and utilities. The annual operating cost for needed facilities is estimated to be approximately $35 million. | ” |
Full Text
The full text of this measure is available here.
Path to the ballot
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Oregon, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 6% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.
See also
External links
Footnotes
 |
State of Oregon Salem (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2026 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
