Former Governor Kulongoski Pushes Urgent Change to Oregon Primaries

URGENT UPDATE: Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has launched a groundbreaking campaign to transform the state’s electoral system by opening its primaries to all voters. This significant push aims to amend the current closed primary system, which restricts voting based on party affiliation.

In Oregon, Democrats can only vote in Democratic primaries, and Republicans are limited to Republican contests, leaving a staggering 37% of voters—non-affiliated or independent—without a voice in key elections. Kulongoski, at 85 years old, is the chief petitioner behind Initiatives 55 and 56, which seek to implement a “top two” primary system, similar to that used for nonpartisan positions like labor commissioner.

Kulongoski emphasizes that many non-affiliated voters are contributing taxpayers who deserve representation. “Their taxes are funding these elections, but we’re not allowing them to vote,” he stated in an interview with KGW. “I think that’s wrong and I don’t think it’s fair.”

The shift in voter demographics is notable; non-affiliated voters now represent the largest segment of the electorate in 21 of Oregon’s 36 counties and outnumber both major parties in five of the six congressional districts. Kulongoski argues that excluding these voters from the primary process diminishes democratic engagement and representation.

This effort to reform the primary system is not a new concept for Oregon. The last attempt, a ballot measure in 2014, failed significantly when non-affiliated voters were only 24% of the electorate. However, Kulongoski believes the landscape has changed drastically, driven partly by the state’s Motor Voter law, which allows for easier voter registration.

The former governor is now collaborating with leaders from both the Republican and Independent parties to gather enough signatures to place Initiatives 55 and 56 on the ballot for next November. Kulongoski acknowledges the resistance from major party loyalists but insists that the time for change is now.

“They’re unhappy with their government. They’re unhappy with their party,” he said, advocating for a more inclusive political process. By engaging the 1.3 million non-affiliated voters, Kulongoski believes the political system can shift towards moderation rather than extremes.

As this campaign gains momentum, Oregonians are urged to consider the implications of a more inclusive primary system. The initiative has the potential to reshape the political landscape in Oregon, ensuring that every voter, regardless of party affiliation, has a say in the democratic process.

Stay tuned for further developments as Kulongoski and his coalition work to gather support and signatures for this crucial initiative.