Greetings!
Included in this issue of Peace & Justice is our discussion and summaries of Oregon Ballot Measures 111, 112, 113 and 114. We hope you find these summaries and our Ballot Measure Guide helpful.
Thank you for helping to make Oregon a better, more caring, and more welcoming place.
With gratitude,
Britt, Cherice, Lorena, Olivé, Kim, and Julia
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EMO recommends "Vote YES" on the following four state-wide measures on the Oregon ballot:
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November Ballot Measure Summaries |
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This measure would amend the Oregon State Constitution to affirm "access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate, and affordable health care as a fundamental human right." Those opposed to this measure state that this could create a prohibitive fiscal responsibility for the government and the ambiguous language of the measure could create a loophole for Oregon to not spend more on healthcare. But, supporters state that this measure could be a step towards reducing health disparities across Oregon and will help to reduce healthcare costs related to chronic and severe health conditions.
EMO recommends a "YES" vote on Measure 111 to convey broad, state-wide approval of healthcare as a basic human right.
Right to Healthcare Oregon is the campaign that is championing this measure. If you would like to volunteer with the campaign, please fill out this form.
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Measure 112 would remove the language from the Oregon Constitution permitting the use of slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This would also also add an article that explicitly states that a court, probation, or parole agency can order a person convicted of a crime to engage in education, counseling, treatment, community service, or other alternatives to incarceration as part of sentencing for a crime. While the Department of Corrections has remained neutral on this measure, they expressed concerns over potentially having to pay adults in custody for their participation in work programs. Supporters say that this measure will help return human dignity to adults in custody and will be another step towards racial justice and equity in Oregon due to the ties to slavery in the current language.
EMO recommends a "YES" vote on Measure 112 as the Constitution's current use of language regarding slavery and involuntary servitude is incompatible with the fight for racial justice and fair treatment of Oregonians in custody.
Oregonians United to End Slavery is the campaign that is championing this measure. If you would like to volunteer with the campaign, please fill out this form.
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This measure would prevent legislators from running for re-election at the conclusion of their term of service if they miss 10 or more legislative sessions without a valid excuse. The supporters of this measure say that this will increase accountability for politicians and hold them to their oath of office as well as disincentivizing walkouts. Supporters also say measure will save taxpayer money, since lawmakers currently do not face any financial penalties for missing a legislative session, and will allow for more legislative efficiency due to more legislators being present at sessions. There is no formal opposition to this measure, but harsher penalties may need to be put into place in the future, as this 10day cap may not be enough to invoke attendance.
EMO recommends a "YES" vote on Measure 113 to send a strong message to Oregon's politicians that their role in the democratic process should not be taken lightly.
Vote Yes on 113 is the campaign that is championing this measure. If you would like to volunteer with the campaign, please fill out this form.
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Measure 114 would make several changes to Oregon law. This measure would require a gun owner to purchase a gun permit from local law enforcement. The gun owner would need to pay a fee, submit a photo ID and fingerprints, pass a fully-completed criminal background check, and complete approved safety training. This measure would also limit the sale of magazines over 10 rounds or magazines readily modifiable to exceed 10 rounds. The National Rifle Association has expressed opposition to this measure, as they argue that data shows the rise in crime rates in Portland stems from illegal gun purchases, not legal avenues that this measure would impact. They are also concerned about forcing citizens to pay for gun permits and the wait time between applying for and issuing a permit. However, supporters say that closing dangerous loopholes and reducing magazine capacity are common sense steps that will reduce gun violence. They also argue that this measure will help to make Oregon safer by ensuring responsible gun ownership.
EMO recommends a "YES" vote on Measure 114 as every act of gun violence tears at the fabric of social order and corrodes human dignity.
Lift Every Voice Oregon is the campaign that is championing this measure. If you would like volunteer with the campaign, please fill out this form.
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For More Information, Read EMO's Voters' Guide for the 2022 Oregon Ballot Measures |
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For nearly 50 years, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has used our voice to advocate for policies and legislation that help create an Oregon that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Releasing our biannual “Voters’ Guide to 2022 Oregon Ballot Measures” is an important part of this work. We are privileged to provide thoughtful guidance to people of faith and goodwill and help connect current ballot initiatives to deeper values.
Voters' Guide Resources
We invite Oregon faith communities to download and share the Voters' Guide with your members and constituents. A pdf is available on our website, as well as condensed one-page flyers and half-sheet bulletin inserts (full color and printer-friendly versions available). Visit EMO's Advocacy & Action page at emoregon.org.
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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