Guide to Oregon ballot measures

By KATU Staff Published: Oct 23, 2008 at 7:49 AM PST Last Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:23 AM PST

The ballots are out and voters in Oregon are wading through 12 ballot measures, making decisions on such important issues as whether to increase penalties for non-violent drug property crime offenders or whether to compensate teachers based on performance.

Many of the measures are complicated in their verbiage and potential impact on Oregonians. To help you understand them, we are offering you this voters' guide. Click on the links to read our coverage - or to read more from the state online voters' guide.

	MEASURE 54 The Oregon Constitution requires voters in school district elections to be 21 years of age and residents in the school district for six months prior to the election. It also requires voters to pass a literacy test to vote in school district elections. This measure would eliminate these unenforceable requirements.
	MEASURE 55 This measure would allow Oregon representatives and senators to continue to represent the districts from which they were elected for their full terms even after new redistricting goes into effect.
	MEASURE 56 Oregon is the only state in the nation where local tax increases and other funding measures on the ballot require not only the support of a majority of voters but the participation of at least half the people registered to vote. This measure would change that.
	MEASURE 57 It is a referral from the Legislature that would increase prison terms for repeat offenders convicted of nonviolent property or drug crimes while expanding treatment and prevention programs. It serves as an alternative to Measure 61.
	MEASURE 58 Limits "English immersion classes" to no more than two years for students whose primary language is not English and who are not capable of being taught in English; after that, students shall be taught exclusively in English. Does not impact teaching foreign language to English-speakers.
	MEASURE 59 It would allow federal income taxes to be fully deducted on state income tax returns. The measure would lower state revenues by billions of dollars but prevent what supporters call "double taxation." Critics say lower income people would suffer the most through a loss of services or higher taxes.
	MEASURE 60 It aims to tie teachers' pay to their "classroom performance." Supporters say basing educators' salaries on merit rather than seniority would improve the quality of the state's schools. Critics say it would cost more and lead to more standardized testing.
	MEASURE 61 An initiative sponsored by former state lawmaker Kevin Mannix, the measure would send first-time offenders to prison for up to a mandatory three years but it carries a price tag of more than $1 billion. It is competing with Measure 57.
	MEASURE 62 Supporters call it "CSI Oregon," a way to increase spending on the Oregon State Police crime lab as well as criminal investigations by carving out a chunk of lottery proceeds. Opponents say the measure could drain money away from schools.
	MEASURE 63 You could complete up to $35,000 worth of repairs or improvements to your home in a year and be exempt from state and local building permit requirements under this measure. Critics say any work not inspected is just an opening for disaster.
	MEASURE 64 Seeks to block public employee unions from using the money they collect through payroll deductions for political purposes or face fines. Critics argue that it unfairly targets public employees and could hurt Oregon charities.
	MEASURE 65 Opens primary voting to all regardless of self-identified party affiliation. The two candidates who wrangle the most votes would face off in November but not as nominees of their particular party. Critics worry it could hurt the state's minor parties.