Portland voters, you have a big decision coming up.
Are you ready to pull the trigger on the biggest revamp of Portland’s city government in over a hundred years?
If you’re still undecided, I’ve got some advice for you.
It’s getting real, folks.
Yesterday, ballots began to arrive for Multnomah County residents.
One of the most consequential questions on that ballot is going to be:
“Should Administrator manage city government, 12-member Council (three from each district) make laws, voters elect officials using ranked choice process?”
Do you already know how you’re going to answer? Or are you one of the near third of Portland voters who according to a recent poll are still undecided on Measure 26-228?
Then I have some advice for you.
Freak out, geek out – vote. Preferably in that order.
Yes, it’s OK to freak out! Really!
Measure 26-228 would give Portland the municipal equivalent of an extreme makeover. That’s a big deal. A reaction is perfectly in order.
Many organizational psychology books have been written about our response to change, ranging from initial anger and denial to the eventual commitment to new structures and ideas.
Have you ever sat through a controversial zoning hearing? Then you know that even small tweaks to the place people call home can bring an entire spectrum of feelings, from fear to rage and disbelief.
This change is not small. And if change affects you, it’s personal.
So yes, it’s OK to freak out. Just don’t make decisions while you’re doing it.
Don’t react, analyze.
If the sheer magnitude of the Charter Commission’s ballot measure makes you feel queasy, here’s a trick to kick your brain into critical thinking mode:
Imagine a world where the measure has already passed. A 12-member council, four districts with three representatives each, voting by ranked ballot – pick an aspect of the proposal and try to think of it as the new normal.
When you visualize it, what appeals to you? What concerns you? What makes you curious to learn more?
I used this trick when I served as a planning commissioner, sometimes having to make decisions that split the community into opposing camps.
It’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. The point is that you have stopped reacting – and started analyzing.
Geek out - my personal favorite.
I’m not going to lie: To understand Measure 26-228, you might have to do some homework.
This proposal is – as the Charter Commission frequently points out – designed to be comprehensive. We’re not looking at tweaks to an existing system. This is actual systems change.
Measure 26-228 will alter the power structure of our government, change how we elect our representatives, and affect the way that those elected officials represent us.
So let’s dig in!
Depending on how much time you have, here’s a curated list of resources.
Choose your own research adventure.
IF YOU HAVE 30 MINUTES: Read the full ballot title of 26-228 in your voters’ pamphlet, including the arguments in favor and opposition.
IF YOU HAVE ONE HOUR: Take a look at the City’s educational website, which includes frequently asked questions about charter reform. This neutral content has been approved by the Secretary of State.
If you’re looking for arguments in favor and opposition, visit the list of websites below. Just remember that campaigns tend to highlight facts and opinions that support their case, while ignoring information that doesn’t. Always read their content with a critical lens.
Portland United for Change (the official YES campaign for Measure 26-228)
PDX Charter Facts (information compiled by North Star Civic Foundation, which supports Measure 26-228)
Partnership for Responsible Government (the official NO campaign against Measure 26-228)
Ulysses (Mingus Mapps’ political action committee that has proposed an alternative plan for charter reform)
IF YOU HAVE UP TO TWO HOURS: Listen to a debate. Nothing helps you synthesize information like hearing multiple perspectives. A good debate will identify the main points of contention, but also highlight areas of agreement.
I’m partial to this City Club debate on Measure 26-228 that I co-produced. There are several other informative options, such as this KGW Straight Talk episode or this debate organized by Portland Forward.
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN TWO HOURS: Do all of the above, and read my Charter School series on single transferable vote.
Finally, check out the endorsement sections of some local news outlets. You might start here:
Willamette Week (recommends a NO vote on Measure 26-228)
The Oregonian (recommends a NO vote on Measure 26-228)
Portland Tribune (recommends a YES vote on Measure 26-228)
Portland Mercury (recommends a YES vote on Measure 26-228)
Use your super power: Vote.
This year, your ballot will be counted even if it’s mailed on Election Day. Just make sure you meet the postmark deadline.
If you’re instead planning to drop your ballot at an official ballot drop site, make sure to do it by 8pm on Election Day.
Want to track your ballot? Sign up for Ballottrax.
Importantly, if you haven’t received your ballot by October 27, call 503-988-8683 or email elections@multco.us.
One more thing: Have a conversation.
Can I give you one final recommendation?
As November 8 approaches, grab a conversation partner and chat about Measure 26-228. Ask them how they believe the proposal will affect their neighborhood, their small business, or a cause they believe in.
Whether you’re looking for input or simply want to spread the gospel about your own convictions, talking to someone else about an important decision can bring clarity.
One of the most rewarding things about writing this blog has been the wildly different conversations I’ve had with civic-minded people across Portland who all care deeply about our collective future.
I’ve learned something from all of you.
What a true privilege that is.
Good post! Thanks for all your reporting on this, Maja.