Citizens in Charge

According to Oregonians in Action, a group that supports the referendum process, the Oregon Legislature is attempting to ram a bill through at the last minute that would change the meanings of the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’.

Currently Oregonians have the right to bring laws passed by the legislature to a vote if enough people sign a referendum petition. House Bill 2414, which was passed by a legislative committee with no debate and under the cover of night, changes the meaning of the words used in the voting booth. Currently, when voters vote on a referendum, ‘no’ means the voter does not support the law, ‘yes’ means they do. Under HB 2246, ‘yes’ would mean a voter does not support a law, ‘no’ would mean they do. Effectively ‘yes’ would become ‘no’ and ‘no’ would become ‘yes’. Voters are sure to be confused.

Citizens in Charge, a 501c4 Citizen-Powered Advocacy Organization, has come out against the bill and is asking voters to take charge by telling state representatives their opinion on the issue.