Current Events: Open Primaries in Oregon

Open Primaries in Oregon

Studies across the United States have shown an increase in political polarization. As political parties work to differentiate themselves from each other, the polarization grows, which makes bipartisan compromise more difficult and creates a swinging pendulum of power and policy development.

However, some states have moved to an open primary model to try to address this issue. Broadly, in an open primary, all candidates’ names are listed on a single primary ballot, regardless of party, and anyone can vote in the primary. The two candidates for each office receiving the most votes are nominated to the general election. Across the country, states that have adopted open primary models generally follow these main ideas, though each state has some subtle differences.

Oregon currently has a “partially closed” primary system, which means that political parties can choose whether to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in their primary; however, voters registered as members of a political party can only vote in their party’s primary. Recently, the Oregon State Legislature drafted HJR 201, meant to amend the Oregon Constitution to create an open primary system, and SB 1592, which does away with the primary system as it exists right now. Use the resources in this Current Events post to track the resolution and the bill. Read about arguments in favor and in opposition and examine the testimony those in support and in opposition have submitted to legislators.

Essential Questions:

How has having an open or unified primary system affected other states that have adopted them?
Would an open primary increase or decrease Oregon voter access to the democratic process?
In what ways would an open primary affect different districts around the state given varying geographical needs and demographic characteristics?
What are the various ways an idea becomes a law? How did HJR come to be presented to legislators? If HJR 201 doesn’t pass, what options do supporters have to present the idea to voters?
What are the main arguments in favor of and in opposition to SB 1592 and HJR 201?

Vocabulary:

Primary Election: elections held to determine which candidates will run in an upcoming general election
Non-affiliated or Unaffiliated Voter: A voter who is not registered with any political party
Bipartisan: agreement and/or cooperation between two main political parties that usually disagree
Disenfranchised: referring to people who have been barred or otherwise kept from their rights to vote or partake in other political activities
Constituency: a body of voters who who elect a representative to a legislative body