Oregon's Efforts to Open Primary Elections Face Legal Challenges and Delays
Efforts are underway in Oregon to open primary elections to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. This initiative involves proposed constitutional and statutory changes that would allow all candidates to be listed on a single ballot, enabling all eligible voters to participate. Currently, Oregon's primary elections are restricted to voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties, excluding a significant portion of the electorate. Two main actions are being pursued: a legal challenge in Marion County court and two proposed ballot initiatives. The legal challenge, led by the group Our Primary Voice, was recently rejected by Judge Natasha Zimmerman, though an appeal is expected. The ballot initiatives, driven by a bipartisan group including former Governor Ted Kulongoski, aim to achieve similar goals through a vote at the next general election. However, the language of these initiatives, as certified by the attorney general's office, is being contested for not clearly describing the intend... 
