For each of the nine measures in this voters' pamphlet, you will find the following information:
(1) the ballot title;
(2) estimate of financial impact;
(3) complete text of the proposed measure;
(4) explanatory statement; and
(5) arguments filed by proponents and opponents of the measure.
The ballot title for a legislative referral may be drafted by the Legislature. If the ballot title is not drafted by the Legislature it is drafted by the Attorney General's office. It is then distributed to a list of interested parties for public comment. After review of any comments submitted, the ballot title is certified by the Attorney General's office. The certified ballot title can usually be appealed and may be changed by the Oregon Supreme Court.
The estimate of financial impact for each measure is prepared by a committee of state officials including the Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Director of the Department of Revenue. The committee estimates only the direct impact on state and local governments.
The explanatory statement is an impartial statement explaining the measure. Each measure's explanatory statement is written by a committee of five members, including two proponents of the measure, two opponents of the measure and a fifth member appointed by the first four committee members, or, if they fail to agree on a fifth member, appointed by the Secretary of State. Explanatory statements can be appealed and may be changed by the Oregon Supreme Court.
Citizens or organizations may file arguments in favor of, or in opposition to, measures by purchasing space for $300 or by submitting a petition signed by 1,000 voters. Arguments in favor of a measure appear first, followed by arguments in opposition to the measure, and are printed in the order in which they are filed with the Secretary of State's office.
The Voters' Pamphlet has been compiled by the Secretary of State since 1903, when Oregon became one of the first states to provide for the printing and distribution of such a publication. One copy of the Voters' Pamphlet is mailed to every household in the state. Additional copies are available at the State Capitol, local post offices, courthouses and all county election offices.
How To Register To Vote
To register to vote in the November 2, 1999, election, your completed
voter registration card must be either:
If Your Name, Mailing Address or Political Party Affiliation Has
Changed
If you are currently registered to vote in Oregon but your name, mailing
address or party affiliation has changed since you last completed a voter
registration card, complete a new voter registration card and mail it to
your county elections office.
If Your Residence Address Has Changed
If you are currently registered to vote in Oregon but your residence
address has changed since you last completed a voter registration card,
complete a new voter registration card and mail it to your county elections
office.
If you notify your county elections office of your change of residence
address after October 12, 1999, you must request that a ballot be mailed
to you or go to your county elections office to vote.
Where to Obtain a Voter Registration Card
Voter registration cards can be obtained from any county elections
office, most banks and post offices, many state agencies, and are also
found in some telephone books.
When are the ballots mailed to the voters?
In Oregon, ballots can legally be mailed any time between the 18th
and 14th days before the election.
Who will get ballots?
Each active registered Oregon voter will receive a November election
ballot containing the nine statewide measures and any local measures which
have been placed on the ballot.
As a voter, what do I have to do?
Your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you. Inside the
packet you will find the ballot, a secrecy envelope and a return envelope.
Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it
in the pre-addressed return envelope. Be sure you sign the return envelope
on the appropriate line. After that just return the ballot either by mail
or at a designated drop site.
What if I make a mistake or need a new ballot?
If your ballot is lost, destroyed, damaged or you make a mistake in
marking your ballot, you may call your county elections office and request
a replacement ballot. One will be mailed to you as long as you request
it by October 28. After that, you may pick it up at the elections office.
If you have already mailed your original ballot before you realize you
made a mistake, you have cast your vote and will not be eligible for a
replacement ballot.
What if my ballot doesn't come?
If you are registered to vote and do not receive a ballot, call your
county elections office. They will check that your voter registration is
current. If it is, they will mail you a replacement ballot.
What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?
If you were registered to vote by October 12 but now have a different
address, call your county elections office for instructions on how to vote.
Do I have to mail my ballot back?
You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any designated
drop site in the state. The times and locations of drop sites are available
at your county elections office.
How much postage is required to mail the ballot back?
Your voted ballot can be returned using a single 33¢ stamp, unless
otherwise noted by your county elections office.
When must the voted ballot be returned?
The voted ballot must be received in any county elections office or
designated drop site by 8:00 p.m. on election night. Postmarks do not
count!
What if I forget to sign the return envelope?
Generally, your elections office will either return it to you for signing
or they will contact you, if possible, to come to the elections office
to sign it. If the return envelope does not get signed before 8:00 p.m.
on November 2, the ballot will not be counted.
Can the public watch the election process?
All steps of the process are open to observation by the public. Contact
your county elections official to make arrangements.
When will election results be known?
Ballot counting will not begin until election day. The results that
are released at 8:00 p.m. election night will include the majority of all
the ballots cast. Results will continue to be updated through election
night until all ballots have been counted.