ORP positions on 2014 ballot measures

State Central Committee Votes To Oppose Measures 86, 88, 90, 91 and 92

Wilsonville, OR – The Oregon Republican Party State Central Committee voted on Saturday to take the following positions on the measures that will appear on the November 2014 General Election ballot.

Oregon Republicans recommend the following to our fellow Oregonians:

Measure 86 – Referral 402 (SJR1)

Amends Constitution: Requires creation of fund for Oregonians pursuing post-secondary education, authorizes state indebtedness in finance fund.

Vote NO on Measure 86

Measure 87 – Referral 403 (SJR 203)

Amends Constitution: Permits employment of state judges by National Guard (military service) and state public universities (teaching).

No position taken on Measure 87

Measure 88 – Referendum 301

Provide Oregon resident with a “driver card” without requiring proof of legal presence in the United States.

Vote NO on Measure 88

Measure 89 – Initiative 34

Amends Constitution: State/political subdivision shall not deny or abridge equality of rights on account of sex.

Amends the Oregon Constitution to say “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the State of Oregon or by any political subdivision in this state on account of sex.”

No position taken on Measure 89

Measure 90 – Initiative 55

Changes general election nomination process: provides for single primary ballot listing candidates; top two advance.

Takes away major Party Primaries, replaces with ‘Top Two’ vote-getting candidates regardless of party affiliation. All registered voters may cast Primary ballots. Eliminates write-ins and minor party candidates.

Vote NO on Measure 90

The following Argument in Opposition to Measure 90 to be published in the General Election 2014 Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet:

Oregon Republicans say VOTE NO on Ballot Measure 90

The Oregon Republican Party opposes Measure 90 in its entirety!

Oregon already has a competitive elections system that allows for voters to choose the parties and candidates that best speak to their values. The right of voters to have meaningful choices on the ballot, and the right for political parties to nominate candidates, are fundamental to our political freedom.

Measure 90 deprives many voters the opportunity to choose between candidates from different parties to determine who will represent them.

Measure 90 will make candidates’ beliefs less clear to Oregon voters.

Measure 90 has the immediate effect of freezing out minor party candidates from the general election. Two candidates of the same party can even be on the general election ballot.

Contrary to the claims of supporters of Measure 90, this measure will impair thoughtful debate, preventing a clear understanding of where candidates stand on the issues.

· Measure 90 violates your right of free association. “The right to associate for the election of candidates is fundamental to the operation of our political system.” (US Supreme Court). Under Measure 90, smaller political parties will be driven out of existence.

· Measure 90 is confusing, poorly drafted, and will create unintended consequences which will discourage voter participation in elections.

· Measure 90 violates your right to vote for the candidate of your choice in the general election and eliminates write-in votes and minor party candidates in the General Election.

The Oregon Republican Party firmly believes that Oregon voters are best served and more likely to vote when the debate of vital public policy issues includes all points of view and vigorous competition. Organized groups of voters should be allowed to vet and hold candidates accountable for upholding the principles they promised to support.

Oregon Republicans urge you to Vote NO on Measure 90.

Measure 91 – Initiative 53

Allows possession, manufacture, sale of marijuana by/to adults, subject to state licensing, regulation and taxation.

Would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 years or older and gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission responsibility for creating a system of taxation and regulation similar to rules for beer and wine.

Vote NO on Measure 91

Measure 92 – Initiative 44

Requires food manufacturers, retailers to label “genetically engineered” foods as such; state, citizens may enforce.

Foods with genetic engineered ingredients to include words “Genetically Engineered” on the front, back or in store displays.

Vote NO on Measure 92

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