The Oregon System Initiatives, Referendums, Recalls

History Oregonians wanted to change / make laws in the Oregon Constitution that representatives wouldn’t make Adopted in Oregon in 1902 Oregonians have voted on 300+ since 1902 –Most of any state

Initiatives Initiate (make) Legislation (Laws) Statute vs. Constitutional Amendment Statute – must gather 6% of signatures of those who voted in last governor election (73,261) Constitutional Amendment – 8% (97,681) Both must cover a single subject Signatures get the issue on the ballot for Oregonians to vote on

Initiatives Requirements: –Caption of no more than 10 words –Summary no more than 85 words –Statements up to 15 words discussing results if approved or denied

Initiatives If the initiative meets all requirements the the Sec. of State / Attorney General must put it on the ballot Gather signatures and send to state State sends to counties to verify signatures Paying for signatures??? Supreme Court said OK in 1988 Successful petitioners pay $0.75

Referendum Voters can file a petition to have a law passed by the Oregon Congress be submitted to the public to vote Must gather 4% of signatures of those in last governor election (48,841) Legislators will sometimes submit bills to public to vote –Why: Controversial Issues

Recall Definition: Removing a public official from office before their term ends Process: –File Petition: 200 words or less on why recall Gather 15% of signatures Response: 200 words or less from the official being recalled