A simple decision

Oregon voters think crime victims deserve an extra share of respect from the justice system.

The voters believed they granted victims that respect almost a decade ago.

And they did.

Sort of.

What happened is that in 1999 voters decided to change Oregon's Constitution to ensure crime victims, among other privileges: are allowed to argue in court against a defendant's being released on bail; to learn in advance when prosecutors plan plea deals with defendants; and to seek restitution from criminals.

What didn't happen is the Legislature passing a law that requires the state to enforce the constitutional changes the voters approved.

Voters can rectify that oversight by approving ballot measures 51 and 52 in the primary election May 20.

Rarely do voters have such an easy decision to make.

The two measures have more to do with fulfilling the will of the voters than anything else.

Even the American Civil Liberties Union, which opposed the 1999 changes because the group claimed it eroded defendants' rights, is neutral on Measures 51 and 52.

It's time to make sure the voters' decision nine years ago truly counts. Vote yes on Measures 51 and 52.