The ballot title includes a caption, question and summary. Wording requirements are as follows:
CAPTION: No more than 10 words.
Suggested wording: (Name) District General Bond Authorization for (key purpose) so that the first words voters see are the district name and the measure's primary purpose(s).
QUESTION: No more than 20 words plus required second sentence (ORS 250.035-.037).
Suggested wording: Is the (name) district authorized to (key purposes) by issuing general obligation bonds in an amount not exceeding (dollar amount)?
Required second sentence: If the bonds are approved they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
SUMMARY: No more than 175 words (ORS 250.035) plus required first sentence for March and September elections only (ORS 250.036).
Required first sentence for March and September elections only: This measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.
The 175-word summary must be "a reasonably detailed, simple and understandable description of the use of the proceeds." Districts may list items using bullets and bold type and use survey data to present issues in terms that reflect community priorities and concerns. The summary should be easy for the voter to read and understand.
This information is taken from OSBA’s Oregon School Bond Manual which is designed as a guide to help school district, education service district and community college officials understand their long- and short-term borrowing options.
