November 2, 2010
GENERAL ELECTION

BALLOT MEASURES

There are four citizen initiatives and three legislative referrals on the November 2, 2010 Oregon ballot.

Ballot measures are diverse from expanding the availability of home ownership loans to Oregon veterans, allowing annual sessions for our state legislature, and increasing minimum sentences for certain repeated sex crimes and incarceration for repeated DUI’s. There's also a medical marijuana measure, authorization for a non-Indian casino in Multnomah County, and continued funding for public spaces through lottery dollars.

CANDIDATES

Oregonians will be electing a new governor, likely Republican Chris Dudley or former Democratic Party Governor John Kitzhaber. Political pundits expect this to be the closest gubernatorial race in more than a generation.

Other offices on the ballot are the Oregon Treasurer, all five Oregon members of the U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senator, all 60 state representatives, and 16 of 30 state senators.

NEW TO THE 2010 BALLOT

In 2009, the Oregon legislature enacted what is called "fusion voting." Now, smaller political parties can "cross-nominate" candidates. When you get your voters' guide, look at the section explaining the platforms of the minor parties to get a better understanding of each. All of Oregon's political parties are listed below. Each listing links to the official Website of the political party.

MAY 18, 2010
PRIMARY ELECTION

Measure 68 PASSED — Yes-498,073 (65%); No-267,052 (35%)

Ballot Title:
REVISES CONSTITUTION: ALLOWS STATE TO ISSUE BONDS TO MATCH VOTER APPROVED SCHOOL DISTRICT BONDS FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL COSTS.

Result of "Yes" Vote:
“Yes” vote allows state to issue bonds to match voter approved school district bonds for school capital costs. Dedicates lottery funds for matching funds and repayment.

Result of "No" Vote:
“No” vote retains current law prohibiting state and restricting local districts from issuing bonds to pay for school capital costs, including acquisition, construction, repair and improvement.

Measure 69 PASSED — Yes-546,649 (72%); No-216,157 (28%)

Ballot Title:
AMENDS CONSTITUTION: CONTINUES AND MODERNIZES AUTHORITY FOR LOWEST COST BORROWING FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES.

Result of "Yes" Vote:
“Yes” vote continues and modernizes state authority to issue lowest cost bonds to finance projects for the benefit of community colleges and public universities.

Result of "No" Vote:
“No” vote rejects modernization of authority to issue lowest cost bonds to finance projects for the benefit of community colleges and public universities.

JANUARY 26, 2010
SPECIAL ELECTION

Measure 66 PASSED — Yes-688,049 (54%); No-579,538 (46%)

Ballot Title

RAISES TAX ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME AT AND ABOVE $250,000 (AND $125,000 FOR INDIVIDUAL FILERS). REDUCES INCOME TAXES ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN 2009. PROVIDES FUNDS CURRENTLY BUDGETED FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, PUBLIC SAFETY, OTHER SERVICES

Our Summary

Measure 66 raises the personal income tax rate on household incomes above $250,000 only. Over 97% of Oregon households will pay nothing under Measure 66. The measure cuts taxes for unemployed Oregonians by eliminating income taxes on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits received in 2009. This translates to a tax cut for approximately 270,000 Oregonians.

Measure 67 PASSED — Yes-678,132 (53.4%); No-586,964 (46.4%)

Ballot Title

RAISES $10 CORPORATE MINIMUM TAX, BUSINESS MINIMUM TAX, CORPORATE PROFITS TAX. PROVIDES FUNDS CURRENTLY BUDGETED FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, PUBLIC SAFETY, OTHER SERVICES

Our Summary

Measure 67 changes the current $10 annual corporate minimum tax with a sliding rate equal to one-tenth of one percent of Oregon sales. The corporate minimum will change to $150 per year for all C-corporations with Oregon sales below $500,000. This is the first increase in the minimum since 1931. The new tiered corporate minimum tax applies only to C-corporations. Other types of businesses like S-corporations, partnerships, and LLCs will pay $150 per year. Sole proprietorships will pay no new taxes under Measure 67. Approximately 97% of all Oregon businesses will pay $150 or less.

VIEW 2008 BALLOT INITIATIVES

VIEW 2006 & 2007 BALLOT INITIATIVES