Here in my state of Oregon most municipal and local elections are already non partisan. Oregon’s ballot measure 90 will carry that to a new level if passed in November. As an unaffiliated voter (Independent) I have not been able to participate in the primary elections. I am part of at least a third of Oregon voters. I have no illusions that this will make third party candidates more viable but it will make it possible for those of us who have been excluded to have a vote.[icopyright one button toolbar]
With Ballot Measure 90, Oregonians can challenge the exclusion of over one third of the state’s voters while, at the same time, fight rising partisanship in the Congress, and increasingly in our country. E pluribus unum, the concept of “Out of many, one,” is being made meaningless by the partisan divide.
The current closed system in Oregon confers a second-class status on more than 650,000 independent voters who are barred from first round voting. Measure 90 opens the election system, giving an equal shake for all voters. What’s more, it goes beyond the borders of Oregon.
A national nonpartisan movement is underway, and Oregon can make that movement both more visible and more sustainable. Measure 90 is a local initiative with national implications.
Both the Democratic party and the Republican party resisted Oregon’s vote by mail and they like open primaries even less – it’s never easy to give up power. If for no other reason if you live in Oregon mail in or drop off your ballot with a yes vote on ballot number 90 to at least begin the end of the tyranny of political parties,