ORIG / 10-26-2014 / Meg Roussos / The BulletinLarry Deciero, Bend, Oregon on Sunday, October, 26, 2014.

Oregon voters this election will weigh whether to legalize recreational marijuana, label food containing genetically modified ingredients and keep Gov. John Kitzhaber in office. Ballots have been mailed out and the election is Nov. 4.

What ballot measures and races have piqued the most interest in Central Oregon? We asked voters what they think.

Brittaine Hunter, 27, Bend

Hunter said she’s marked down some candidates she wants to vote for, including her grandmother’s doctor, but hadn’t sent in her ballot yet. She said she thinks more candidates should use social networks to connect to young voters and is turned off by negative campaigning.

“You should just focus on the positives that you want to bring,” she advised candidates.

Eric Shuman, 45, Bend

Having just recycled a stack of political mailings, Shuman said he plans to research the issues and candidates before filling out his ballot.

“I haven’t really started looking into it,” he said.

Scott Weber, 66, Bend

Weber said he is still reading up on Measure 92, which would require labeling on foods containing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, and had yet to decide which way to vote. As for candidates, he’s leaning toward Republicans.

“Quite frankly, I’m fed up with both parties, but I’m fed up with the Democrats more,” he said.

Olivia Wilson, 50, Bend

While Wilson said she wouldn’t smoke recreational marijuana, she has decided to vote for it.

“Alcohol causes a lot more problems,” she said.

Jane Dunham, 54, Bend

Dunham said she’s already sent in her ballot. The issues that stood out were pot legalization and GMO food labeling. When considering the food labeling, she said she weighed knowing more about what is in food with increased food costs.

“I just didn’t vote on that one because I wasn’t sure,” she said.

Tom Tucker, 72, Bend

Tucker said he’d already voted and hadn’t missed a vote since he was 21. He said he saw many familiar topics on the ballot, including the food-labeling issue.

“It’s pretty much the same old things,” he said.

Nicholas Nielsen, 25, Bend

Nielsen said he’s conflicted about the marijuana measure, saying he doesn’t support the recreational use of the drug, but has similar feelings toward alcohol.

“Essentially it’s a lot like prohibition now, which I’m not sure makes sense,” he said.

Megan Marie, 28, Bend

Marie said she’s worried about the cost of living in Bend and the availability of housing.

“It makes me question if I want to make a home here,” she said. “I want to put roots down and have a home, but I don’t know if it’s reasonable to expect I could do that here.”

Larry Deciero, 72, Bend

Deciero said he’s most concerned with Measure 91 this November, which would legalize marijuana use for adults 21 years and older. He said the state will likely not get as much tax revenue from legalization as they’re expecting and he’s worried about the state government being more permissive with drug use.

“Good luck with what happens with that,” he said. “It’s the old adage: Be careful what you wish for.”

Barbara Hill, 84, Madras

Hill said the state’s gubernatorial race is the most important and one she is paying close attention to. Although Gov. John Kitzhaber has had some negative publicity of late, Hill said he’s the right choice for Oregon.

“I think he’s a great statesman, and Oregon has benefited from his great service,” she said.

Pete Martin, 78, Bend

Martin said he’s most concerned with national politics and is interested in the U.S. Senate race. He said he agrees with incumbent Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon.

“It’s really important to see Merkley win,” he said.

Linda Rock, 56, Redmond

Rock said marijuana use seems to be more acceptable now than when she was growing up. She said she hopes marijuana legalization does pass and ends up being a positive, with fewer people being arrested for using the drug and law enforcement having more time to deal with other crimes.

“I think it’s a cultural change and a positive for the better,” Rock said.