07/30/2002

Associated Press

A measure that would give Oregon voters a choice of "none of the above" when they elect judges has qualified for a spot on the November ballot, state elections officials said Tuesday.

The measure is sponsored by political activist Don McIntire, who said he thinks people are fed up with courts overturning voter-passed measures such as a property rights measure passed in 2000.

The secretary of state's office said a sampling showed the measure's backers turned in 92,783 valid petition signatures. The proposed constitutional amendment required 89,048 signatures to qualify.

Under McIntire's measure, if "none of the above" got more votes than any other candidate, another election would be held.

The original candidates could run again, but McIntire said he thinks the no-confidence vote would spur competition and make judges "think twice" about issuing rulings that go against public sentiment.

It's the third measure to qualify for Oregon's fall ballot so far. The others would require the labeling of genetically engineered foods and provide health insurance to all Oregonians, regardless of their ability to pay.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)