Staff Editorial: Oregon needs your vote

 

The time has come again to cast your ballots and “Rock the Vote.”

Unfortunately, many young adults don’t care. With midterms, jobs and college life, the idea of voting may be just too much. After all, nothing on the ballots affects us anyway, right?

The truth is that several important issues are on this year’s ballot, from term limits to parental notification about abortions to the Mt, Hood Community College bond measure.

Measure 45 proposes that members of the Oregon Legislature be limited to a total of 14 years in office; six years as a representative and eight years as a senator.

The U.S. Congress does not have term limits.

Should this law pass, one’s right to chose who will serve them best will be compromised. Valued members of the Legislature will be prevented from continuing their work and inexperienced members will be thrust in their place.

Measure 43 is surely a point of controversy. This would require 48-hour notice to an un-emancipated minor’s parent before providing an abortion, authorizing lawsuits and physician discipline should this not occur. Regardless of one’s feeling on abortion, this issue is one that will require careful consideration. If one cares about the right to choose, voting in this election is critical.

Also on the November ballot is Measure 48. A plan shown to be flawed by Colorado, if approved it would decrease state funding hurting essential state programs and education. Already under-funded by the state, MHCC cannot afford this passing.

As many are aware, the race for governor is drawing to a close and it neck and neck. Neither side has a clear lead and this may be a call for Republicans and Democrats alike to raise their voices and vote. Ted Kulongoski, the current governor, lists education, healthcare and job creation as his priorities. Ron Saxton has listed education, fiscal leadership and the economy as his priorities. Also running are Mary Starrett, from the Constitution Party; Richard Morley, from the Libertarian party; and Joe Keating from the Pacific Green party.

Lastly, the MHCC bond measure will be found on many ballots this November. The bond, not to exceed $58.8 million, would cost 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Should the bond pass, the funding would go toward fixing roofs, improving lighting and removing overgrown trees and plants on campus for safety, earthquake safety work, a new childhood education center facility and $13.6 million to match state-funded construction. Should the state funds not be approved, the bond would be reduced by $13.6 million.

For the reasons listed above, voting in this election is essential. As Americans, we are given a rare opportunity to make our voices heard and see changes made. As such, one should take advantage and vote this November.