Murmurs: County Measures Show Cash Disparities
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Current News
Campaign finance limits could come up short in Oregon Legislature — again
With two months left in the legislative session, the issue of capping political contributions has received little attention and lawmakers are hedging on whether a proposal can pass.
Oregon Democrats weigh competing proposals to cap political donations
New proposals introduced in the state Senate last week would set strict limits to quell the exorbitant spending in Oregon elections — without the same loopholes included in other bills introduced by top Democrats this session.
Volunteers hopeful new amendment will bring open primaries to Oregon
Oregon is one of nine states in the U.S. with completely closed primaries. A proposed measure would open primaries to 1 million non-affiliated voters.
Lawmakers Strike Back Against Voter-Approved Ballot Measures
Are legislatures rejecting the “will of the people” or fixing their unworkable laws?
Supporters for open primaries already campaigning for 2024 election – Oregon Capital Chronicle
The 2024 campaign has begun for a constitutional amendment that would change the state’s primary election of 2026.
Sal Peralta: Kotek initiative fuels hope on homelessness in Oregon
The rise in homelessness in the United States, especially since the housing crisis of 2008, is one of the most frustrating issues I have ever had to work on as a policymaker. In ...
Lobbying email from Oregon secretary of state's office raises eyebrows in Salem – Oregon Capital Chronicle
An email from a state division director asking customers to advocate for the agency’s budget raised eyebrows.
America’s First Dark Money Ballot Line
The latest scheme to launch a centrist, third-party “unity” ticket comes from a dark money front for corporate interests.
Two Great Election Reforms That Go Great Together | Washington Monthly
Ranked-choice voting brings numerous benefits and one downside: It requires voters to spend more time with the ballot. Vote by mail gives them that time.
Five Months Down, 20 to Go: Checking In on Portland’s Charter Reform Makeover
It’s been nearly five months since Portland voters approved substantial changes to the city’s government. With a long list of critical tasks to complete by next fall, it begs the question: Can they get it all accomplished in time? Here's what's happened so far.
Group steers Swiss billionaire's money to liberal causes
The Berger Action Fund is a nondescript name for a group with a rather specific purpose: steering the wealth of a Swiss billionaire, Hansjörg Wyss, into the world of American
No Labels group raises alarms with third-party presidential preparations
It has money, name-brand political backers and declines to describe either President Biden or Donald Trump as acceptable candidates.
The Power Couple of Oregon Cannabis Bankrolled Top Democrats Even as Their Companies’ Taxes and Bills Went Unpaid
Oregon Democrats say they’re serious about capping political donations, but their proposals include loopholes
Top Democrats’ campaign finance proposals could protect the ability of membership organizations such as labor unions and business associations to continue pouring millions of dollars into candidates’ campaigns. They would also allow corporations and unions to continue giving directly to candidates.
Oregon has a new political party: No Labels - oregonlive.com
As of today, Oregon has its first new officially designated political party in 13 years.
FTX Donor to Democratic Party of Oregon Pleads Guilty to Federal Campaign C
Democratic Party of Oregon vows to fight $35,000 fine for late disclosure o
Oregon elections officials on Wednesday fined the Democratic Party of Oregon $35,000 for failing to disclose in a timely manner that a $500,000 donation came from an FTX executive. A lawyer for the party said it would appeal.
Oregon elections officials want to fine Democrats $35,000 for misfiling don
An executive at defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX made a $500,000 contribution to the Democratic Party of Oregon — but not in his own name.
Democratic Party of Oregon Fined $35,000 for Late Filing on FTX Contributio
Can CA’s top-two primary handle the race for Feinstein’s Senate seat? Don’t
Ranked choice voting would liberate voters to select their favorite candidates without fear of spoilers and split votes causing the wrong candidate to win
'Democracy Vouchers' Put Free Campaign Cash in the Hands of Voters | The Pe
After Oakland’s vote in November, proponents want democracy vouchers in other California cities.
Opinion: Oregonians deserve equal voting rights regardless of party - orego
Oregonians deserve to have the same equal rights to vote in Oregon's taxpayer-funded elections, whether or not they are affiliated with a political party, writes former congressional candidate Andrew Kalloch. That's why Oregonians should support Initiative Petition 16, which seeks to ensure that access.
Will Oregon legislators follow-through and enact campaign finance reform? –
Both Gov. Tina Kotek and state lawmakers have pledged to take action this legislative session on campaign finance reform.
Oregon elections director who worked for Democratic Party will not recuse h
Oregon's new elections director worked for the Democratic Party of Oregon but will nonetheless oversee an investigation of the party's large cryptocurrency donation.
Redistricting lawsuits could shape the 2024 battle for House control - Roll
Some 15 states, including New York and Texas that are home to a combined total of 64 seats, face ongoing litigation over congressional lines.
It’s Time To Talk About Electoral Reform - Center for American Progress
To fix the dysfunction in American politics, reformers should consider fundamental changes to the electoral rules.
Partisan Hostility Grows Amid Signs of Frustration With Two-Party System |
Increasingly, Republicans and Democrats view not just the opposing party but also the people in that party in a negative light. Growing shares in each party now describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans. Nearly half of younger adults say they "wish there were more parties to choose from."
Party Images | Gallup Historical Trends
Next, please tell me whether you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of each of the following parties. How about -- [ITEMS ROTATED]? Looking ahead for the next few years, which political party do you think will do a better job of protecting the country from international terrorism and military threats -- [ROTATED: the Republican Party or the Democratic Party]? Looking ahead for the next few years, which political party do you think will do a better job of keeping the country prosperous -- [ROTATED: the Republican Party or the Democratic Party]?
Millennials, Gen X Clinging to Independent Party ID
While the Silent Generation and baby boomers have become less likely to identify as political independents as they have aged, Generation X and millennials are maintaining high levels of independent identification.