Oregonians have the privilege of enacting new laws through the initiative and referenda system, but complicated provisions and potentially misleading language in ballot measures can lead voters astray. Here’s a breakdown of five of the seven measures on the ballot this election season, with recommendations from the Emerald Editorial Board.
Yes on Measure 70
Measure 70 expands eligibility for Oregon’s veterans home loan program. National Guard veterans, non-combat veterans, veterans who served after 9/11 and others who have honorably served overseas would be eligible for lifetime low-interest home loans.
The measure will increase home ownership and boost the construction industry without increasing taxes or changing state revenue. With the current housing slump and as a way of thanking Oregon’s 341,000 veterans for their service, voting yes on Measure 70 is a good move.
Yes on Measure 71
Measure 71 requires the Legislative Assembly to meet annually instead of biennially, limits regular legislative sessions and allows sessions to be extended five days by a two-thirds vote.
The state’s $60 million budget is too large and complex to have legislators meeting biennially, and it’s more cost-effective to meet annually than to call a costly special session when issues arise, which has been done eight times since 1999. The measure will allow legislators to address new issues with greater transparency and efficiency. Vote yes on Measure 71 and help Oregon speed up lawmaking.
Yes on Measure 72
Measure 72 allows the state to issue general obligation bonds to fund state construction projects.
The bonds are estimated to save $5 million in interest for every $100 million issued. The only thing that changes is the way the money is borrowed. Vote yes on Measure 72 to save taxpayers money and give the state a better interest rate on construction projects with no direct financial impact.
No on Measure 73
Measure 73 increases mandatory minimum sentences for certain repeated sex crimes and certain repeated driving under the influence citations.
Measure 73 will cost Oregon an estimated $238 million over the next 10 years, which is too high when the state is already struggling to fund education, health care and social services. Vague language could end up punishing first-time offenders and sentencing teenagers to 25 years for “sexting.” The measure doesn’t address the root problems behind DUIs or sex crimes, and studies have shown mandatory minimum sentences don’t deter either crime. At a price tag of $238 million and no proven results, Oregon can’t afford to approve Measure 73.
No on Measure 74
Measure 74 establishes a regulated medical marijuana supply system and allows cardholders to obtain medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Measure 74 is missing too much information to be passed in this election. It doesn’t limit the amount a cardholder can purchase in a given time period, the number of grow sites or the number of dispensaries that can be located in a community, and it doesn’t address any drug problems. What’s more, the lack of regulation could invite drug abuse. Oregon’s marijuana measure needs more work, so vote no on Measure 74.
For a state that has the highest voter turnout in the nation, a measly 41 percent of Oregon voters participated in the May 2010 primary election. With the general election only two weeks away, it’s important to understand the issues and show legislators that college students care who represents them and which programs their money supports.
The Emerald Editorial Board encourages all University students to exercise their right to vote and return their ballots by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
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