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.
This platform is designed to help voters navigate civic and election processes to become better informed on issues affecting you, your family, friends, and neighbors.
Are you Registered to Vote?
What are ballot initiatives?
Simply put, they mean that 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 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 clipboard, it matters — a lot.
Think about how your signature affects your community.
FAQs
What’s the initiative that Think Before You Sign is trying to accomplish?
Think Before You Sign wants to increase civic engagement by giving residents a better idea of what their vote and signature means for them and their community.
How was this initiative started?
Over recent years, the folks involved in this effort became frustrated at the amount of quick decisions made by voters when approached by those ever-present “sign here” clipboard petitions. These decisions have huge impacts for residents and businesses across Oregon. Civic engagement is a pillar of our democracy; we need to take the time to educate ourselves on each of the issues for which we are voting.
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.
I want to help. How can I get involved?
You can get involved by attending our events, following our social media and, most importantly, voting!
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:
Who is funding your efforts to gather signatures?
What is the purpose of gathering signatures?
What impact 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?
Questions?
Contact: info@ofsonline.org