PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s largest county has posted the results of its Measure 92 recount, adding a few votes to require the labeling of genetically engineered food.
The Oregonian reported that Multnomah County tallied 25 more “yes” votes than it did the first time around, and had no change in “no” votes. But that makes only a small dent in the 812-vote deficit found in the first statewide count.
Overall, 22 of Oregon’s 36 counties have finished their recounts, with an overall net shift of just two votes. Recounts have turned up 48 more votes in favor of the measure and 50 more against.
No other county favored GMO labeling more than Multnomah, so it seems unlikely that the recount will change the outcome of last month’s election.
The campaigns for and against the measure were part of the most expensive ballot measure (about $30 million) in state history. Supporters said consumers have a right to know what’s in their food, while opponents argue the labels would confuse people and raise prices.
If the defeat holds, Oregon will be the fourth state in the West that has failed to pass a GMO labeling measure. A similar proposal was defeated this year in Colorado, which joined Washington state and California in opposing labeling initiatives.
Counties that still need to post results are: Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Lake, Lane, Linn, Polk, Sherman, Umatilla, Washington and Wheeler. Only four of them — Curry, Hood River, Jackson and Lane — supported Measure 92.
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