Just one week after the Oregon Open Primary measure was certified for the state ballot, the campaign to support a “Top Two” primary election system saw another national voice lend his support to the movement. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (NY-D) in an New York Times op-ed called for an end to partisan primaries in favor of a top two primary system like the one being proposed in Oregon this year. It would be similar to those adopted in California and Washington.
“We join Sen. Schumer today in calling for an end to the partisan gridlock that is plaguing our state and our nation,” said Jim Kelly, the chief petitioner for the Oregon open primary ballot measure. “He and other national leaders, including the members of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on Political Reforms, are urging Americans to let their voices be heard to ensure that there are more choices in electing officials that are willing to solve our most challenging problems”
“It is incredible to see the growing number of local and national leaders that have joined the movement to adopt a top two system. We’re proud to associate ourselves with Governor Kitzhaber, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, former Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle and Trent Lott as well as the late Governor Vic Atiyeh who all made it clear that reforming our political process is key to leaders being able to work together on behalf of our citizens. That is true nationally and here in Oregon where nearly 1 million voters are effectively locked out of the electoral process today,” Kelly added.
Schumer’s piece also pointed out the California open primary system has been “a moderating influence on both parties and a salutary effect on the political system and its ability to govern.” Read Senator Schumer’s New York Times piece here: http://nyti.ms/1r2O4cJ
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on Political Reform report outlines a number of important findings, key amongst them was the adoption of a open primary concept. Read The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on Political Reform Report Here.
The proposed ballot measure here in Oregon would replace Democratic and Republican party primaries with a single primary election open to all voters, regardless of party affiliation, including independents. All candidates for a particular office would be listed on a single ballot and every voter would be able to choose one candidate. The top two voter getters would advance to the general election. The current primary structure in Oregon is only open to registered party members, which excludes voters who are not registered Democrats or Republicans. This change would give every Oregon voter an equal voice, in every election.
The proposed reform in the electoral process would apply to all currently partisan local and state races. This includes all 90 Oregon legislative races; 4 statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer and Secretary of State;) U.S. Senate and Congressional elections; and some county elections still held on a partisan basis. Due to federal law, this does not apply to the Presidential primary.
Washington state voters approved the use of a similar open primary system beginning in 2008, and California voters adopted the open primary system beginning in 2012.
