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Determinants of voting behavior on healthcare policy: Analysis of Oregon Measure 111

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  • Hoda Nouri

    (West Virginia University)

Abstract

In 2022, Oregon became the first state to make affordable and clinically appropriate healthcare a constitutional right by passing Measure 111. The amendment also requires the state to balance this right with funding for education and other public services. This paper examines what factors influenced county-level support for the measure, using an empirical median voter framework. The results show that the share of Democratic voters was the strongest and most consistent predictor of support, explaining most of the differences across counties. Counties with larger populations under age 18 were significantly less supportive, likely due to concerns about education funding. These findings suggest that political views and concerns about trade-offs with other public priorities play a central role in shaping support for healthcare reforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoda Nouri, 2025. "Determinants of voting behavior on healthcare policy: Analysis of Oregon Measure 111," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(3), pages 1134-1141.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00507
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H7 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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