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UPDATE: Oregon’s Attempt to Introduce Ranked-Choice Voting With Measure 117 Takes a Dive at the Polls
The pro-RCV coalition (Ranked Choice Voting) will have to win over most of the 20% undecided voters if Measure 117 is to prevail when Oregon goes to the polls on November 5, according to the Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI).
The campaign for Measure 117 will allow Oregonians to vote for who they like best. The NPI supports the proposal but says the success of the legislature-promoted measure is in the balance, according to statistics from a recent poll that the institute undertook.
The proposal will establish RCV for federal and state offices, giving voters the option or rank candidates according to preference. The winner is the candidate who receives the most votes.
Proponents of Measure 117 say having the option to rank candidates in order of preference empowers Oregonians to vote for who they want.
Writing on the Secretary of State’s website, proponents say that elections have become too divisive and that politicians seldom put aside their differences ‘to get things done for Oregonians.’
Measure 117 places power back into the hands of voters. The RVC allows the public to vote for leaders who are accountable to their communities, and not special interests, they say.
Opponents Say Measure Will Allow ‘Fringe’ Candidates to Win
There is an equally long list of Republicans and right-wing groups opposed to Measure 117. According to State Representative Bobby Levy, RCV will disconnect voters from issues and will allow ‘fringe’ candidates to win elections.
Measure 117 is also opposed by the Oregon Association of County Clerks. They believe the RCV has the potential to fuel conspiracy theories and allegations related to a lack of transparency. Another reason for opposing the measure is that county clerks will be removed from tallying final votes.
NPI Supports Measure 117 Because Current Electoral System is Flawed
The NPI supports Measure 117, saying that the current electoral system is flawed and that RVC addresses some of the biggest voter gripes.
The NPI says if Oregon had ranked choice voting, ‘future races for offices like governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and treasurer won’t have spoiler candidates.’ Minor parties would be able to nominate candidates knowing that they will not split the vote with major party candidates with similar values and views on issues.
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