Imagine waking up every day knowing that someone you care about deeply is serving time in prison for a crime they did not commit. This is the heartbreaking reality for me because my loved one is wrongly convicted on multiple Measure 11 charges. Measure 11, enacted in 1994, imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes in Oregon, stripping judges of their discretion to consider the specifics of each case. This law doesn't account for individual circumstances, which often leads to unjust and overly harsh punishments.

My loved one's story is just one of many. Since Measure 11's inception, it has affected countless families across Oregon. The measure's one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the nuances of each case, hindering the possibility of redemption and second chances. In 2019 alone, over 1,500 people were serving Measure 11 sentences, with many facing similar situations of misjudgment.

Apart from its flawed premise, Measure 11 disproportionately impacts minority communities. A report by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission indicates that Black and Latino individuals are sentenced to mandatory minimums more often than their white counterparts. This systemic bias only perpetuates a cycle of inequality, further eroding trust in our judicial system.

We must advocate for a system that balances justice with rehabilitation. Taxpayers spend over $30,000 a year per inmate in Oregon's prison system. By abolishing Measure 11, we could redirect these funds toward rehabilitation programs, victim restitution, and community services that prevent crime rather than punish it harshly.

Join me in calling for the abolition of Measure 11. Let us give judges the ability to exercise discretion, considering the individual circumstances of each case. By signing this petition, you stand with those who seek justice reform and demand a fairer judicial system in Oregon. Help us transform our justice system into one driven by compassion and equity. Sign the petition today and support the movement for change.