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League of Women Voters of Oregon Recommendations on Statewide Ballot Measures

General Election 2008

After much consideration the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) has decided to support or oppose a number of 2008 General Election ballot measures.The League of Women Voters never supports candidates or political parties.  However, we do take stands on issues when League positions support such a stand.  League positions are based on in-depth study and member agreement. 

The League of Women Voters of Oregon urges all voters to make their own decisions on the ballot. We also recognize that the long-standing experience and expertise of the League gives us a unique perspective on how this election's ballot measures affect our state and its residents. Many voters appreciate our recommendations as a valuable source of information.

QUICK SUMMARY

Yes on Ballot Measures 54, 55, 56, and 57

No on Ballot Measures 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, and 64

We make no recommendations on Ballot Measures 60 and 65

For more information on primary election reform (Measure 65), read our Election Methods report, starting on page 17. A good information source for all statewide measures is VoteSource.org, which makes no recommendations and provides balanced, nonpartisan explanations of all the measures.

IN DETAIL

• Measure 54: YES Allows 18-year-olds to vote in school board elections, consistent with their eligibility to vote in state and federal elections. Based on League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) position stating that voting is a fundamental citizen right.
• Measure 55: YES Allows legislators to complete their elected terms in their original districts even if they are placed elsewhere through redistricting plans. Based on LWVUS principle supporting a representative democracy. Legislators should represent those who elect them.
• Measure 56: YES May and November property tax elections are to be decided by simple majority of voters voting in the relevant election. Based on LWVOR support of voting fairness and an equitable, stable tax system.
• Measure 57: YES Increases prison sentences for drug trafficking, theft against older persons, and repeat property and identity-theft offenders; requires addiction treatment for some offenders. Based on LWVOR support of substance abuse treatment centers and community-based programs. Although this measure would add $140 million per biennium to the Department of Correction budget, it would provide needed funds for county treatment programs and jail beds. It would provide appropriate treatment to drug addicted persons at risk of committing another crime and allow for some judicial discretion.
• Measure 58: NO Bars bilingual education of public-school students after two years of enrollment. Based on a LWVUS position that supports equality of opportunity for education regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability.  Further, a LWVOR position (Fiscal Policy, School District Financing) states that "Apart from state mandates, local control of the educational programs should be maintained."  Lastly, the cost estimate to implement this measure is $203 to $253 million (for more staff and resources), which would have a very significant negative impact on the educational budget. 
• Measure 59: NO Allows full deduction of federal income taxes on state income-tax returns. Based on LWVOR position that supports an adequate tax system. If passed, the General Fund impact of this measure would be devastating to education, human services and public safety.
• Measure 61: NO Sets mandatory minimum prison sentences for property, identity theft and drug offenders. This measure would add $256 to $400 million per biennium to the Department of Corrections Budget, not including prison construction or treatment programs. It contains no substance abuse treatment or community-based programs. The cost of incarceration of additional prisoners is prohibitive and would take funds from other state programs.
• Measure 62: NO AMENDS CONSTITUTION: Reallocates 15 percent of state lottery proceeds to public safety fund for crime prevention, investigation and prosecution. Based on LWVOR position on fiscal responsibility. The Oregon Constitution currently states that lottery proceeds can only be used to create jobs and further economic development, finance public education, and fund parks and salmon restoration projects. It is not good fiscal policy to use lottery funds as a source of revenue for additional state needs, since this would take money away from current programs and usurp the legislature’s role in balancing competing needs.
• Measure 63: NO Exempts improvement projects under $35,000 from building permit requirements. Based on LWVOR support of building codes, which protect neighborhoods and ensure safety standards. Would also result in a loss of tax revenue to cities and counties that are already seeing large deficits.
• Measure 64: NO Bars use of "public resources" for payroll deductions intended for political purposes. Based on LWVUS position to protect the individual liberties guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution.

We have not taken a position on the following measures. "No position" on a ballot measure does not indicate neutrality; it means that the League of Women Voters of Oregon Board of Directors does not feel that we have the research and member agreement to either support or oppose these issues.

• Measure 60: NO POSITION Bars use of seniority to determine teacher pay in favor of "classroom performance."
• Measure 65: NO POSITION Changes the primary election to advance the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, to the general election.

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