The deadline for appeals on Oregon’s redistricting plan passed last week. As a result, we officially know what congressional and legislature districts look like for 2022. I’m planning a more in-depth piece around the redistricting process and its results, but in the meanwhile, here are a couple of key things to know:
- The maps were drawn primarily by Democrats, so Republicans aren’t happy.
- Indigenous voting-rights advocates are concerned that the new political maps dilutes the power of Native American voters.
- A bunch of elected officials are either running in new districts in 2022 or are announcing they won’t run.
- Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan will probably open registration for candidates for US House and state legislature races soon.
Akasha Lawerence Spence will serve as senator for Oregon Senate District 18 through the end of 2022. County commissioners selected Lawerence Spence to take over the district after Ginny Burdick resigned in order to take a position on a state energy council. Two reasons to take note of the appointment: First, Lawerence Spence previously served out the remainder of Jennifer Williamson’s term as representative for Oregon House District 36 in 2020. Second, Lawerence Spence is currently running for Portland city commissioner against incumbent Dan Ryan.
In election law violation news, a Portland Police Bureau commander faces a fine of $225 for breaking state election laws in two separate incidents. Commander Erica Hurley promoted the recall or electoral defeat of Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt while in uniform and during working hours. As one local Twitter user, @tristan__isaac, noted, “The fine for a loose gutter is more severe than the one for violating elections law.”
