Oregonians will vote on four state ballot measures in November 8 election

(OCTOBER 28, 2022) November 8 is Election Day. People vote in order to choose government leaders. They also vote on new laws.

This year, people in Oregon will vote on four "ballot measures". A ballot measure is an idea for a new law or policy. Here are the four ballot measures in Oregon in 2022:

Ballot Measure 111 is about healthcare. It changes our state Constitution. It wants to add new words. It says that healthcare is a right, and every resident of Oregon should have it.

Supporters say the state government needs to take care of people because the federal government is unpredictable.

Opponents say they don't know where the money will come from to pay for this program.

Ballot Measure 112 is also about the state Constitution. It wants to change old language about slavery and "involuntary servitude." That means making someone work even if that person doesn't want to.

Supporters want to remove the racist language about slavery.

Opponents say this might cause problems for prisons that make prisoners work.

Ballot Measure 113 is about the people who make state laws. They are called legislators. Sometimes one group of legislators doesn't want to work with another group. Then they leave the capitol, and nothing gets done. This new law says a legislator cannot continue to another term if they have more than 10 unexcused absences.

Supporters say this will prevent one group of legislators from stopping the work of everyone.

Opponents say the rule is too strong. They say that voters should decide who stays in office or not.

Ballot Measure 114 is about guns. This new law creates a stronger application process. It stops sales of some kinds of guns.

Supporters say this will make the state safer by controlling who can have guns and what type of guns.

Opponents say that the law is not effective and that it interferes with a citizen's right to have guns.

Voters will also choose:

• U.S. Senator

• U.S. Representative

• Governor

• State Senator

• State Representative

• County Commissioner

• Judges, clerks, and other positions

The Oregon Voter's Pamphlet is available free in 15 languages from https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/Voters-Pamphlet.aspx