It’s a tactic as old as the hills. Put controversial measures on the ballot in predicted low-turnout elections, hoping to gain from voter apathy.

Oregon Democrats, ever anxious to ignore the public will, pushed the vote on Measure 20, the much-reviled $4.3 billion transportation funding referendum, to the upcoming May 19 primary ballot, rather than the November ballot, in hopes that would give it a better chance of passing. 

Maybe they were right. With only about a week to go to cast ballots, about 87 percent of eligible Oregon voters have not done so. 

Critics of the measure came up with about 250,000 signatures to get the measure oin he ballot in the first place, more than three times what was required. Where are all those people now?

If approved, 

• At a time of escalating gas prices due to the Iran war, and President Trump  discussing lowering the federal gas tax, gas prices in Oregon would increase six cents per gallon to 46 cents.
• Vehicle registration fees would increase from $43 to $85 for passenger vehicles; $63 to $105 for utility trailers; $44 to $86 for mopeds and motorcycles; and increase passenger vehicle title fees from $77 to $216.
• Payroll taxes would double to 0.2%.

The deadline to have a ballot postmarked or in a drop box is 8:00 p.m. May 19. DO IT!