With the Jan. 26 special election quickly approaching, campaign propaganda methods
are escalating.
On Jan. 5, the League of Women Voters of Oregon filed a complaint with the Oregon Secretary of State and Oregon Department of Justice, requesting an investigation on a slew of imitation ballots recently sent out to voters. The ballots, sent out by Mark Nelson, a lobbyist opposing Measures 66 and 67, closely resembled actual ballots, aside from the faint words “This is not an official ballot” printed at the top of the page.
With the actual election day just weeks away, voters are currently expecting an official
ballot to arrive in the mail.
“We felt like this imitation ballot crossed the line,” said Marge Easley, president of the League. “The required imitation ballot language was missing from the ballot, and the envelope appeared to be officially stamped. It could easily be mistaken for a real ballot.”
Easley added that the ballots, titled “The Nelson Report,” were mainly mailed to senior citizen voters, adding to her group’s suspicions.
Nelson, who previously helped defeat last year’s ballot that would have raised the tobacco tax, said his ballots could not be confused with a real ballot.
After receiving the complaint from the League, state elections compliance officer Carla Corbin sent a concerned reply back to the group.
“After reviewing ‘The Nelson Report’ imitation ballot mailing package, we find that it is substantially similar to previous imitation ballots permitted by our office,” Corbin wrote.
“Although, we have previously found that similar language on imitation ballots by Mr.
Nelson … the timing of this mailing, and the potential for voter confusion, make this a more serious case.”
Corbin also issued a warning letter to Nelson.
“Sending out an imitation ballot so close to an election, and during the same time window that official ballots are being mailed, significantly increases the risk of voter confusion. We strongly encourage you to complete any future mailings with an imitation ballot no later than 45 days before an election,” Corbin said.
Although Nelson did not receive any direct punishment, Easley said the League still felt it had accomplished something by drawing attention to his actions.
“We drew attention to the ballot and informed voters, which is what we are all about,” Easley said. “Hopefully this will be a deterrent for similar future campaign decisions.”
Official ballots for the special election were mailed out between Jan. 8 and Jan. 12 and are due back by Jan. 26.
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League of Women Voters file election complaint over look-alike ballot
Daily Emerald
January 13, 2010
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