Measure 87 may be the least controversial item on the November ballot, and it deserves your vote in support.

The measure amends the Oregon Constitution in two ways. It allows state court judges to serve as teachers at public universities and get paid for it. It also clarifies that state court judges can serve in the Oregon National Guard.

Law students and others should be able to get instruction from experienced judges. Some judges already teach in the schools. The problem is that under the Oregon Constitution, the judges can get paid for it at private colleges but not at public colleges.

The Oregon Constitution has a “separation of powers” clause that prohibits a person from simultaneously serving in more than one branch of Oregon government. The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that means that a judge can’t teach at institutions of public education.

That prohibition curtails a great opportunity for students at public colleges to learn. So the Legislature voted to put this measure on the ballot to allow judges to be paid to teach at public colleges.

The change to allow judges to serve in the Guard is similar. Some judges already serve in the Guard. Article II, section 10, of the Oregon Constitution could be interpreted to mean they cannot be compensated for their service. The ballot measure says a judge “may be employed by the Oregon National Guard for the purpose of performing military service.”

There is no organized opposition to this measure. These are simple, straightforward changes. But the Legislature can’t just tweak them itself, because they change the Oregon Constitution. The changes require your vote. We urge you to support Measure 87.