PORTLAND, Ore. — Today, Nov. 5 is election day in Oregon and Washington.
Didn't get your ballot mailed in yet? Here's where to drop them off in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark counties.
In Washington, you can still mail your ballot and have your vote counted. It must be postmarked by today.
What measures will be decided by voters in Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Washington County during the upcoming special election on November 5?
Wading through the voters pamphlet is a necessity for informed voters, but the length of the guides can be intimidating. Multnomah County’s is 36 pages long; Clackamas County’s checks in at 32 pages; and Washington County’s is 24 pages.
Here's some basic information about the ballot measures that impact the entire Portland metro area, as well as some measures specific to each county.
Four measures show up on all three ballots. They are focused on protecting the metro area's clean water supply, preparing for significant natural disasters, and providing funding for education. Here’s a brief look at each:
Metro Measure 26-203: If this measure passes, it would authorize $475 million in general obligation bonds, estimated at $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed value annually, to continue regional programs that protect clean water, natural areas, access to parks and nature in Portland metro area. Because previous bonds are ending, the program isn’t expected to increase tax rates. Learn more
City of Portland Measure 26-204: If this measure passes, the city charter would be changed to increase protections of the Bull Run Watershed Closure Area, the location of the city of Portland’s primary drinking water source and hydroelectric facilities. The amendments to the charter would restrict access to the area, regulate allowed activities and limit land uses. Learn more
City of Portland Measure 26-205: If this measure passes, the city charter would be amended to allow the city of Portland to enter into and fund mutual aid agreements with other government entities, tribes or utilities in the case of a significant natural disaster or other major disruption to water-related services. Learn more
Portland Public School District Measure 26-207: If this measure passes, a local option levy of $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed value would be extended another five years. The funds would be used to maintain teaching positions, class sizes, and classroom supports, such as reading specialists for struggling students. Learn more
Here’s a look at the other measures for each of the three counties:
Multnomah County
City of Troutdale Measure 26-202: If this measure passes, it would allow the city to issue up to $7,300,000 of general obligation bonds at a cost of $0.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value to reconstruct the Old City Hall building. Learn more
Sauvie Island Fire District 30J Measure 26-206: If this measure passes, a local option levy of $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed value would be renewed for another five years to provide funding for general operating purposes for the Sauvie Island Rural Fire Protection District 30J. Learn more
Clackamas County
City of Happy Valley Measure 3-551: If this measure passes, Happy Valley would renew a local option levy of $1.38 per $1,000 of assessed value for another five years to provide funding for police services. Learn more
City of West Linn Measure 3-552: If this measure passes, West Linn would amend its charter to provide the city council authority to appoint all legal advisors to the city. Learn more
Clackamas County Vector Control Measure 3-553: If this measure passes, a local option levy of $0.025 per $1,000 of assessed value would be renewed for another five years to provide funding for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito and fly control, general operations and capital projects. Learn more
West Linn-Wilsonville School Measure 3-554: If this measure passes, a $206.8 million general obligation bond would be issued. It's projected to have an average tax rate of $1.19 per $1,000 of assessed value. It would provide funds to make safety and security upgrades; build a new primary school; rebuild a new middle school; relocate and enlarge third high school; add a new high school performing arts center; expand high school stadium and parking; and upgrade technology and facilities district-wide. Because of the retirement of existing bonds, the measure is not expected to increase the current tax rate. Learn more
West Linn-Wilsonville School Measure 3-555: If this measure passes, a local option levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value would be renewed that would provide funding for approximately 80 teaching positions. This levy has been approved by voters in 2000, 2004, 2008 and again in 2014. Learn more
Washington County
City of Sherwood Measure 34-291: If this measure passes, the city would amend the charter to give the city more flexibility in when it can hold elections for certain issues. Learn more
City of Sherwood Measure 34-292: If this measure passes, the city would amend the charter to change requirements related to city council votes and to fill city council vacancies. Learn more
City of Sherwood Measure 34-293: If this measure passes, the city would amend the charter for purposes of general clarification, consolidation and updating. Learn more
City of King City Measure 34-294: If this measure passes, King City would extend a local option levy of $0.63 per $1,000 of assessed value to provide funding to maintain police services at their current level, increase supervision, retain experienced officers, provide officer training, and continue participation in the Washington County-wide PPDS Records System. The measure might cause property taxes to increase by more than 3 percent. Learn more
West Linn-Wilsonville School Measure 3-554: If this measure passes, a $206.8 million general obligation bond would be issued. It's projected to have an average tax rate of $1.19 per $1,000 of assessed value. It would provide funds to make safety and security upgrades; build a new primary school; rebuild a new middle school; relocate and enlarge third high school; add a new high school performing arts center; expand high school stadium and parking; and upgrade technology and facilities district-wide. Because of the retirement of existing bonds, the measure is not expected to increase the current tax rate. Learn more
West Linn-Wilsonville School Measure 3-555: If this measure passes, a local option levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value would be renewed that would provide funding for approximately 80 teaching positions. This levy has been approved by voters in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2014. Learn more