MEDFORD, Ore. – Supporters of a measure to require mandatory labeling of products containing genetically modified organisms in Oregon are ending current efforts to see that proposal become a reality.
Measure 92 on the November ballot triggered an automatic recount after the difference in votes fell within one-fifth of one percent of the total votes cast. In the case of Measure 92, only 812 votes separated the yays from the nays after 1,506,144 were cast. But, after the recount started on December 2nd, most counties reported a negligable difference from their original count – and not enough to sway the outcome, which was a defeat of the measure.
In addition to the recount, the group Yes on Measure 92 also filed a lawsuit to have more than 4,600 ballots rejected by state election officials be counted in the official tally. But, on Tuesday a judge found that Oregon law didn’t allow him to stop or postpone the recount to give time to determine whether those votes should be allowed, thus denying what Yes on 92 said was its last best chance to change the election’s outcome.
The group said it will continue to inform the public about GMOs.
