Initiative update

Direct democracy hits on the eve on Independence Day.

The deadline for turning in signatures to place an initiative on the November ballot is July 3, and three big campaigns are gearing up to take their “oughta be a law” ideas directly to the people.

I-1000: The death with dignity or assisted suicide or aid-in-dying or right to die initiative would allow terminally ill patients the option of requesting life-ending medication. The initiative is based on a law that has been in place in Oregon for over 10 years.

Supporters, including former governor Booth Gardner, are meeting on the steps the state Capitol in Olympia on July 2, at 1:00 pm, to turn in signatures.

I-985: Tim Eyman’s latest effort is based on a state audit of the Department of Transportation and includes everything from timing traffic lights to opening HOV lanes to directing funds.

Eyman & Co. will be meeting on the steps of the Insurance Building in Olympia on July 1, at 2:00 pm, to turn in signatures.

I-1029: SEIU’s initiative to improve training for long-term care workers.

Supporters, in purple t-shirts, will be meeting at the Secretary of State’s 520 Union building in Olympia on July 3, at 2:00 pm, to turn in signatures.

Each initiative needs about 225,000 valid signatures to get on the November ballot, each claims to have over 300,000. As soon as ballot qualification is sorted out, the full campaigns begin.