Oregon's initiative system: Too much direct democracy?

Oregon voters are being asked to make choices on four citizen initiatives this fall. Topics include criminal sentencing, medical marijuana, a private casino, and dictating how lottery revenues are spent on state parks and natural resources.

Although this is a rather modest initiative crop compared with previous years, these proposals can have major implications for the state's already troubled budget. As people contemplate how to vote, this is also a good time to consider how laws are made. The initiative has done much to help Oregon, but it is time to ask if this tool of direct democracy has become too much of a good thing.