Former Governor Leads Urgent Push for Open Primaries in Oregon

UPDATE: A significant campaign is underway to transform Oregon’s electoral landscape, aiming to open the state’s primaries to all voters. Former Democratic governor Ted Kulongoski, now 85, is spearheading this effort through initiatives 55 and 56, which would amend the state constitution to eliminate closed partisan primaries.

Currently, Oregon operates a closed primary system, restricting voting in partisan primaries to registered party members. This leaves a growing number of independent voters—now comprising about 37% of the electorate—without a voice during crucial elections. Kulongoski is advocating for a switch to a “top two” primary system, similar to what is used for nonpartisan positions in Oregon, where all candidates compete in a single primary, and the top two advance to the general election.

In a recent interview with KGW, Kulongoski stated, “All of the non-affiliated voters and the independent voters are paying taxes to the state to run the state election… but we’re not allowing them to vote. And I think that’s wrong and I don’t think it’s fair.” His passionate plea highlights the urgency of the matter as non-affiliated voters now outnumber both Democrats and Republicans in 21 of the 36 counties in Oregon.

Kulongoski’s initiative comes as a response to a demographic shift in the state’s voting population, influenced by the Motor Voter law, which facilitates voter registration during driver’s license applications. This law has contributed to an increase in independent voters who are disillusioned with the two-party system. Kulongoski emphasized that without the inclusion of these voters, Oregon is not fully utilizing its citizenry.

The former governor’s initiative is a coalition effort, working alongside leaders from the Republican and Independent parties to gather the necessary signatures to place the initiatives on the ballot for November 2024. While the last attempt to open Oregon’s primaries in 2014 failed significantly, Kulongoski believes the current political climate has shifted.

“I think the governmental process will be better,” Kulongoski argued. “It will moderate the system instead of extremes.” He urged that the dissatisfaction among voters with their government and parties could lead to a push for change that embraces more voices in the electoral process.

As initiatives 55 and 56 gain traction, the political landscape in Oregon could be on the brink of a major shift. Kulongoski’s call for action resonates with many who feel sidelined in the current system, making this a developing story to watch closely. The next steps will be crucial as supporters aim to mobilize voters and gather signatures in the coming months.

Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent campaign unfolds in Oregon.