Portland Mayor Sam Adams ordered the Occupy Portland encampment to evacuate a downtown Portland park by Saturday at midnight. Hundreds of protesters defied the mayor’s order and stayed in the park overnight. Adams cited unhealthy conditions and attraction of thieves and drug users as the reason for shutting down the camp. Officers warned protesters that anyone who resisted risked arrest and the possible use of impact weapons and chemical agents.
The Eugene City Council voted to allow the Occupy Eugene camp to stay in Washington-Jefferson Park for five more weeks. This vote exempted the camp from the city’s ban on overnight camping in municipal parks. The group can stay in the park until Dec. 15 as long as no major problems arise. City Manager Jon Ruiz can revoke the exemption at any point if he decides that the encampment is a risk to public safety and health.
Oregon is pioneering a new voting system for people with disabilities. Many may now vote  by using an iPad. The new system was first used  in the special primary election to replace former U.S. Rep. David Wu. People who have trouble filling out traditional ballots can use the iPad instead. State officials plan to use the same system in the special general election in January, and plan to implement the service statewide if the pilot project is successful.
Basic Rights Oregon, an organization dedicated to achieving equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Oregonians, decided against putting the issue of same-sex marriage up for vote in 2012. The organization vows to continue educating the public on the issue and plans to put the issue on the ballot in the future. Look for the full story in Tuesday’s issue of the Emerald.