In the Nov. 8 midterm elections, Oregon voters saw four important measures on the ballot, and all four passed. Each discussed important topics and proposed changes to Oregon’s state constitution. Here is a brief overview of each measure.

Measure 111: Right to Healthcare Amendment       

Yes 50.74% 944,215

No   49.26% 916,560

Measure 111 passed with a voting margin of just 1.48 percent. It amends the state constitution to “ensure that every resident of Oregon has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable health care as a fundamental right.” The state is also required to balance the right to healthcare against funding for public education and other services. The measure makes Oregon the first state to guarantee the right to health care in its state constitution. 

Measure 112: Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime from Constitution

Yes 55.64% 1,039,354

No 44.36% 828,633

Measure 112 removes language from the state constitution allowing slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. The measure passed with a margin of 11.28 percent. Measure 112 adds a clause to the state constitution allowing Oregon courts or parole agencies to enact alternatives to incarceration for convicted individuals, such as community service, education, counseling or treatment. Some view its approval as a step towards the demarginalization of BIPOC communities, who are disproportionately represented in prison populations, while others worry that the measure will eliminate Oregon jail reformative programs and increase costs to local jail operators.  

Measure 113: Exclusion from Re-Election for Legislative Absenteeism Initiative 

Yes 68.34% 1,282,066

No 31.66% 593,876

Measure 113 passed with a large margin of 36.68 percent. The measure disqualifies legislators with 10 or more unexcused floor session absences from holding office following the end of their current term. Before the measure was passed, legislators could be punished for ‘disorderly behavior,’ but the constitution did not formerly specify what that entailed. This measure is a response to previous attempts by lawmakers to stall legislation by refusing to show up for controversial votes.

Measure 114: Changes to Firearm Ownership and Purchases Requirements Initiative 

Yes 50.71% 969,258

No 49.29% 942,294

Measure 114, widely considered a controversial measure, passed with a voting margin of only 1.42 percent. It requires local law enforcement to issue permits in order to own a firearm. Applicants for a firearm are required to pay a $65 fee, submit a photo ID and fingerprint, complete a safety training course and pass a criminal background check. Law enforcement can deny a permit application if they deem the applicant a danger to themselves or others. The measure also prohibits the possession, use or sale of ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The initiative comes in response to increasing gun violence in Oregon’s communities and in schools across the nation. Arguments in support say that permits to purchase firearms will reduce firearm homicide and suicide rates. Arguments in opposition say that violent crime and mass-shootings will not be prevented because criminals do not comply with the law, and that only law-abiding gun owners will be restricted.