2020 ACLU of Oregon Voter Guide

The War on Drugs destroys lives and disproportionately destroys the lives of Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color. Measure 110 will shift Oregon from punishing drug addiction to using a health-based, treatment-first approach.

Oregon continues to arrest people for possession of controlled substances for personal use (PCS). The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission research shows Measure 110 would reduce the racial disparities in drug arrests by 95 percent. Measure 110 will achieve this by decriminalizing PCS.

Oregon ranks nearly last in access to drug addiction treatment for those who need it and, according to government sources, nearly two people die every day from drug overdoses. Measure 110 will direct millions of marijuana tax dollars into expanded access to low-barrier, culturally-responsive treatment and recovery services across Oregon.

Learn more and get involved at voteyeson110.org.

One of the many detrimental consequences of the War on Drugs has been government interference with the exploration of alternative drug therapies that could help people with many debilitating conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. If approved, Measure 109 will create safety standards for trained facilitators to oversee psilocybin therapy in licensed facilities and approve licenses for facilitators, service center operators, and producers of psilocybin mushrooms and products. The measure does not allow retail sales, does not allow home use of psilocybin, and does not allow marketing of any psilocybin products.

Learn more and get involved at voteyeson109.org.

Oregon is one of the few states with no limits on campaign contributions. This is because our state courts consistently interpreted the Oregon Constitution's free speech clause (Article I, section 8) to prohibit limits on contributions. In 2019, the ACLU of Oregon changed our long-standing policy of opposing limits on campaign contributions. We changed our policy, in part, to acknowledge the undue influence, and access to political power that financial wealth gives some people and disproportionately excludes people of color and people living in poverty. Based on our changed policy, we filed an amicus brief with the Oregon Supreme Court in Mehrwein v Multnomah County, a challenge to the Multnomah County's Honest Elections law, in which we urged the Court to interpret existing constitutional language to allow for campaign contribution limits. In April of this year, the Court overturned its long-standing precedent and made limits on campaign contributions legal in Oregon. The Oregon Legislature referred Measure 107 to the ballot prior to the Oregon Supreme Court's ruling.

The ACLU of Oregon believes we should not amend our state constitution without a significant need to do so. As a result of the Court’s recent decision, campaign contribution limits can be implemented at the local and state level. Therefore, Measure 107 is not needed and we oppose the measure.

The ACLU of Oregon believes every child has the right to a free public education. This right is inextricably linked to participation in our democracy. No child should be denied access to education for any reason, including financial means.

Studies show a major, positive impact on educational and life outcomes for the students who were exposed to quality preschool. The goal of Preschool for All is to make tuition-free preschool available for all three- and four-year-olds in Multnomah County by expanding programs at schools, homes, and through other avenues like Head Start. By 2026, county leaders estimate the program will add 7,000 new preschool slots, starting with children in "priority populations." That includes children of color, children with developmental delays or disabilities, and children living in foster care.

Learn more and get involved at preschoolforall.org.

Portland's current police oversight system fails to deliver accountability in many ways, chiefly because the current Independent Police Review authority to fully and independently investigate and enforce officer accountability is severely limited. Measure 26-217 aligns with longstanding ACLU policy that calls for effective oversight of police to be carried out by independent civilian review boards that are representative of the communities being policed and that are empowered to investigate, subpoena testimony, conduct hearings, and report findings, as well as recommend policy changes. Measure 26-217 amends the City Charter to establish the framework for a truly independent police oversight board with authority and dedicated funding.

We acknowledge that the framework created by the measure leaves many open questions, among them how to balance police accountability with officers' due process rights. Building a new system of police oversight will benefit from transparency and ample public scrutiny. Overall, the passage of this measure is an opportunity to create a more equitable, just, and effective police oversight process.

For the 2020 general election, the state starts mailing ballots to registered voters on October 14.

Voters may return their ballot by mail, but the last day to safely mail your ballot is October 27.

Voters may also drop off their ballot at an official ballot drop box until 8 p.m on Election Day, November 3. Find an official drop site near you at oregonvotes.gov/dropbox.