Ballot measure asks: How many votes do we need to pass a tax in Oregon?

(OCTOBER 9, 2018) Every November, there is an election. Sometimes citizens elect people to government offices, such as mayor of the city, governor of the state, or president of the country. "To elect" means to choose. Other times, citizens vote yes or no on a new law or tax. That kind of question is called a ballot measure.

This year, one of the five ballot measures in Oregon is about state taxes. Supporters want to change the way the state makes laws about taxes. They want more types of revenue measures to require a 3/5 vote for approval in state government. "Revenue" means income (when the state gets money from our taxes). A "revenue measure" is a law or policy about how the state gets money from our taxes.

But are all revenue measures the same? The state Supreme Court has said no. For example, a bill (proposed law) for a new tax currently requires a higher 3/5 vote. But a bill that changes tax deductions or credits, however, does not. A tax deduction or credit is an exception to your taxes. Its purpose is not to raise money. In fact, it might mean less money for the state because it might lower taxes for some citizens.

In the mid-1990s, Oregon citizens changed the state constitution to require 3/5 vote for a tax increase. Supporters of the new 2018 measure say this policy should include all types of revenue measures. It does not matter if it raises or lowers income. However, Governor Kate Brown and others say this new policy would make government more difficult. She worries that the state officials might not be able to reach the necessary 3/5 agreement on money matters. A 3/5 vote means three out of every five elected officials need to vote yes. This is more than a simple majority, and it can be difficult to achieve.

The election is Tuesday, November 6, 2018.