November’s ballot is likely to contain seven statewide ballot measures. It’s not too early to start focusing on the issues so you can make an informed decision.

Here’s a rundown of those already approved and those likely to be so by the secretary of state’s Aug. 2 deadline for verifying signatures.

Good to go:

• Drivers cards — Opponents gathered enough signatures to refer to voters a new state law that allows those who cannot prove they’re here legally to obtain four-year driver cards.

• ERA — Also already qualified is a measure that would amend the state constitution to provide equal rights for women.

• Students and judges — Lawmakers referred a measure that would allow the state to sell bonds to create a permanent fund for Oregonians seeking post-high school education and one that would give state judges the right to be employed by the National Guard or state public universities while serving on the bench. They currently cannot do so because the state bars its citizens from working for more than one branch of government at a time.

Likely to be on the ballot:

To earn a spot, measure supporters had to turn in at least 87,213 valid signatures from registered Oregon voters; in each case, supporters have submitted more than 140,000 signatures for verification.

• Open primaries — A top-two primary system would open the state’s primary elections to all voters. The top two recipients of votes, regardless of party affiliation, would face off in the general election.

• Marijuana — A second measure would make marijuana legal for Oregonians ages 21 and older. The state would control and tax sales.

• GMO labeling — Oregonians would vote on whether to require raw and packaged food to be identified as containing — or not containing — genetically engineered ingredients.

Several of the measures would make major changes to Oregon law, and voters should understand what’s at stake. Their votes should be based on information, not on which side shouts the loudest. As is the case with all the ballot measures, voters would be wise to do their homework, study the issues and draw their own conclusions.

We have only four months to become wise voters. And while it seems early, this is the right time to study what we’ll see on November’s ballot, before the contests and rhetoric heat up.