August 28, 2020 3:40 a.m.

Douglas County voters will be asked an advisory question in the November General Election regarding their views on working towards moving the Idaho state border to include the county.

Commissioner Tim Freeman told News Radio 1240 KQEN the measure is a way to “gain the widest reach on the issue” and gather data regarding whether or not local residents might be interested in the move. Freeman said Commissioner Chris Boice signed the order to put the proposal on the ballot, using his delegated authority as the chairman of the Board. Freeman said no board vote was taken on matter.

The resolution that will be considered by voters, asks if they want their elected commissioners, state representatives and senators to work towards the idea.

The local question is separate from an initiative by the Move Oregon’s Border organization. President of the group, Mike McCarter, said they had been only 30 signatures short of the required 2,955 signatures needed to get their proposal on the ballot in the county. McCarter said they plan to continue to collect signatures, with the May 2021 ballot as their goal. Douglas County Clerk Daniel Loomis said the organization had not turned in any signatures to his office.

Loomis said the advisory question was presented on August 14th.

Two other questions will be coming to voters in parts of the county in November.

Loomis said Winston voters will decide whether to permit marijuana retailers inside their city limits, and if that passes, whether to place a local tax on recreational marijuana sales. Reedsport voters will also vote on taxing the sale of recreational marijuana.