Executive Summary

As voters in a number of Western states prepare to vote on "takings" measures on the November ballot, we conducted a statewide survey in Oregon to determine how voters in that state currently feel about a similar measure (Measure 37) that they passed in 2004. The survey found that Oregon voters now have serious regrets and concerns about the effects the measure has had on their communities. In fact, voters in Oregon now overwhelmingly oppose Measure 37 and believe it has resulted in many negative and unforeseen consequences. This stands in stark contrast to just two years ago when voters passed the initiative by a wide margin.

Methodology:

This report is based on a survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner of 405 registered voters in Oregon who voted in the 2004 November general election that included Measure 37 on the ballot. The survey was conducted between October 12th and October 16th, 2006 and was commissioned by the Defenders of Wildlife. It has a margin of error of +/-4.9 percent.

Key Findings

• An overwhelming majority of voters in Oregon (83 percent) has heard about Measure 37.
• In 2004, Measure 37 passed with 61 percent of the vote in Oregon. Yet, support for the measure has dropped precipitously. In fact, Oregon voters now oppose Measure 37 and if the election were held today, Measure 37 would lose by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.