Oregon Voters Like Merkley, Marijuana and GMO Labeling

Six months from elections, KATU/SurveyUSA Poll asks voters to weigh in on how they plan to vote on key issues

By KATE WILLSON

Labeling for GMOs, Jeff Merkley and marijuana are all looking strong for the November ballot.

A poll released today by KATU and SurveyUSA found a narrow majority of likely voters—51 percent— would back the legalization of recreational marijuana use. The poll found 41 percent were opposed. The support was especially strong among younger voters and Democrats. Seniors and Republicans oppose legalization. 

There are three initiative petitions that would legalize that could make the November ballot.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) leads Republican Senate nominee Monica Wehby by a 50- percent to 32 percent. The poll shows women voters support Merkley by a 21-percent margin. That runs counter to a poll released this week by Wehby's campaign, The Hill reports, that closes Merkley's overall margin to 2 percent over Wehby.

Voters are also likelt to decide on a measure that would require labeling some GMO foods. The poll found 51 percent of voters would support the idea to 15 percent who are opposed. Another 35 percent aren't sure how they would vote.

The poll of 560 likely voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percent.


WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.