If you have a vote, you have a voice.
Think Before You Sign is a local advocacy initiative with the purpose of increasing civic engagement in Oregon. From the local school board to state ballot measures to the U.S. presidential election, it’s so easy to get lost in what issues mean to you and how to participate in the electorate.
Are you Registered to Vote?
What are ballot initiatives?
In Oregon, any citizen or organization may gather a predetermined number of signatures to qualify a measure to be placed on a ballot, which can be voted on in a future election.
Ballot initiatives can impact everyone, on issues from new taxes to new policies, often without voters really knowing what they’re signing for.
To qualify an initiative for the ballot in Oregon, the number of required signatures depends on the type of initiative:
Constitutional initiative: Needs valid signatures equal to at least 8% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election.
Statutory initiative: Needs valid signatures equal to at least 6% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election.
This is really important to know for Oregonians, since it means that whenever you sign a petition on a clipboard, it matters — a lot.
Find out more information about what you’re signing, and learn about the impacts of any proposed measure.
How do I register to vote?
To register online, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of your state, and at least 16 years old. You can register here.
While you can register to vote at 16, you can't actually participate in an election until you're 18.
What Questions Should I Ask a Signature Gatherer?
Asking respectful questions is the best way to understand the intentions of a signature gatherer and what they’re asking you to sign. It is important to get the facts about anything to which you sign your name and how it impacts you. Below are some questions to consider if you are approached by a signature gatherer:
Can I read the measure’s full text before signing?
Who is funding your efforts to gather signatures?
What is the purpose of gathering signatures?
What impacts will this measure have on my community and, more specifically, on my household?
Why does this require a ballot measure rather than being debated by our elected officials?
How do I find more information online about a specific petition or ballot measure?
First, check your county elections website. Each county has a website or email you can contact regarding county specific petitions. It is often helpful to email the county clerk and confirm the information is current.
Check the State of Oregon County Elections page for a quick link to your county.
If your county doesn’t have the information you are looking for, you can check the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division page for all current Initiatives, as well as the text information, and current status.
Questions?
Contact: info@ofsonline.org