Measure 86 Oregon Fund for Post Secondary Education
If it passes: An amendment to the state constitution would be created to institute a state fund to provide financial aid for students at universities and trade schools. The amendment would allow the state legislature to issue bonds, use general fund dollars and collect private donations for the fund. Oregon will become the first state to have a continual fund provided for students in higher education. Critics say that the bill could lead to high taxpayer bills and does not address the real problem with higher education affordability.
Why you should care: This measure was first proposed by State Treasurer Tom Wheeler as a solution to combat the rising cost of college tuition, and its passage could lead to more financial aid for students.
Measure 87 Oregon Hiring of State Judges by National Guard and State University
If it passes: An amendment would be made to the state constitution allowing judges in the state of Oregon to receive employment in the National Guard in military positions and state universities in teaching positions. School employees would also be allowed to serve in State Legislature.
Why you should care: If passed, judges would be granted the opportunity to teach in a public university setting.
Measure 88 Oregon Alternative Driver Licenses Referendum
If it passes: Driver cards would become available to Oregon residents who do not have proof of citizenship within the United States. In order to get driver cards, individuals have to be a resident of Oregon for over a year, have valid identification and proof of date of birth. The card cannot be used for air travel, federal building entry, registration to vote or access to government benefits. Supporters say the bill will lead to safer roads by reducing the number of unlicensed drivers, while opponents say that illegal immigrants should not be given licenses.
Why you should care: It alters the state of drivers and roads in your home state.
Measure 89 Oregon Equal Rights for Women Initiative
If it passes: An amendment would be made to the state constitution which would prevent any state or political subdivision based on sex. It would also grant the legislative assembly power to enforce the amendment. Supporters say that equal rights for women should be written into Oregon’s constitution, while critics say that the measure is unnecessary because of an Oregon Supreme Court Ruling that already provides strong protection against gender discrimination.
Why you should care: Equal rights is an important issue.
Measure 90 Oregon Open Primary Initiative
If it passes: Individuals in Oregon registered to vote as independents would be granted the right to vote in primary elections. Instead, there will be an open primary with members from all parties, and the top two candidates will be put on the ballot. Supporters say that the measure will give minor party members more of a voice in elections. Opponents say that the measure will actually shut out minor parties because parties not represented by the top two candidates will not be runners in the general election.
Why you should care: 40 percent of independent voters are under the age of 40 in Oregon.
Measure 91 Oregon Legalized Marijuana Initiative
If it passes: Recreational marijuana use will become legal for individuals over the age of 21. Possession of eight ounces of dried marijuana as well as 4 plants will become legal as well. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission would regulate drug sales. Licensing, regulation and taxation by state will come into play as well. The current medical marijuana laws will remain intact. Supporters say that Oregon needs more regulation of its marijuana industry, and its current system leads to profit for the black market, and marijuana arrests take police attention that could be otherwise focused on more serious crimes. Opponents say the measure does not have enough restrictions on intoxicated driving, THC levels and advertising that could be targeted to children.
Why you should care: If the measure passes, the state of Oregon will be the third state to legalize the possession of marijuana.
Measure 92 Oregon Mandatory Labeling of GMO Initiative
If it passes: The labeling of certain foodstuffs that are produced with or have genetically modified organisms will become mandatory as of January 2016. It will apply to retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Supporters say that the measure would inform consumers what is in their food, and they have the right to know for environmental, cultural and health reasons. Opponents say that the labels will be misleading because 70 percent of foods are genetically engineered and there is no proven nutritional difference. They also say that requiring labels will increase the cost of food.
Why you should care: It directly effects the food you consume within the state.