The statewide referendum in Oregon over labeling foods containing genetically modified organisms is now the most expensive ballot question in state history, says the Salem Statesman Journal. The campaigns for and against Measure 92 raised $17.6 million, according to reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The figure tops $15.8 million in combined spending on a 2007 initiative on cigarette taxes. It’s less than the $30.4 million raised last year for Washington state’s GMO labeling referendum or $54.3 million spent on the same question in California in 2012. Both of those proposals failed.
“In its most basic terms, the ballot measures pit coalitions of foodies, organic farmers and nutrition activists against many of the nation’s leading manufacturers including the biotechnology company Monsanto, Kraft Foods and Coca-Cola,” says a Los Angeles Times story about the referendums in Colorado and Oregon. “The states could become the first to pass such a referendum; Washington and California rejected similar measures after expensive campaigns in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Vermont approved such labeling through the legislative process, but the issue is still being fought in the courts.”
Oregon is a vote-by-mail state. “Registered voters receive a ballot two to three weeks before an election, giving them ample time to research issues or candidates,” says the Secretary of State’s office. “Voters also receive a security envelope in which to return their completed ballot. The envelope can be stamped and mailed or simply dropped off at any official drop box across the state.”