Would Partially Remove 'Double Majority' Requirement for Property Tax Elections
Ballot Measure 56, a legislative referral, would amend the Oregon Constitution to relax the “double majority” requirement for local property tax measures. Currently, such measures require both a majority of “yes” votes and more than 50 percent voter turnout among registered voters (“double majority”) in all elections except November elections in even-numbered years. Measure 56 would eliminate the double-majority requirement in all May and all November elections. Other elections, including special elections, still would require the double majority.
Under double majority, first proposed by Bill Sizemore, a tax measure fails even if it receives a large majority of “yes” votes if fewer than 50 percent of registered voters participate in the election. That means the “votes” of those who don’t cast ballots have greater weight than the votes of people who return their ballots which runs counter to the principle of one-person/one-vote.
Non-voters should not have equal or more say in election results than voters who choose to participate. While Measure 56 would not repeal the “double-majority” requirement altogether, it is an improvement.
Recommendation: The ACLU of Oregon Supports Ballot Measure 56.
