Oregon’s election laws are really more suggestions

As the 2022 general election cycle comes to an end, we’re seeing a variety of complaints, lawsuits, and judgments concerning violations of Oregon election laws. These cases are often included in campaign coverage as just a normal part of the business of elections. But these violations and their outcomes can have an outsized impact on… Continue reading Oregon’s election laws are really more suggestions

Early summer election nuts and bolts

Early summer can seem like a quiet time for political campaigns. The primary season is over and campaigns for the general election are only just getting started. But while there may be fewer visible campaign activities going on right now, there’s a lot happening on the procedural level — steps that must be completed as… Continue reading Early summer election nuts and bolts

March State of the Ballot, Part One

We passed two major deadlines for the May primary last week: March 8 was the last day candidates could file to run in the primary. March 11 was the last day candidates could withdraw from the primary. With those two dates behind us, we now know who is actually on the ballot and which races… Continue reading March State of the Ballot, Part One

February State of the Ballot

There’s just over a month left until the March 8th deadline for candidates to declare for or withdraw from the May primary. This feels like a good time to take a preliminary look at what’s likely to be on the May ballot. Remember, though, that there will be plenty of changes in the next four… Continue reading February State of the Ballot

Public election finance, political contributions, and other money mechanics in the state of Oregon

Money matters in elections. Even if a candidate has significant community support, they need a serious amount of money to run a successful campaign. But the amount of money necessary to participate in Oregon’s political processes is unusually high — and rising. The 2018 gubernatorial race between Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Knute Buehler set… Continue reading Public election finance, political contributions, and other money mechanics in the state of Oregon

Digest: Monday, January 24, 2022

Small Donor Elections deadline approaching Portland’s Small Donor Elections (formerly Open and Accountable Elections) program provides candidates with public funds — provided they qualify. The deadline for qualification is at the end of the week, on Friday, January 28th. In order to receive funds, candidates must collect at least 250 small donations from Portland residents.… Continue reading Digest: Monday, January 24, 2022

Digest: Friday, January 14, 2022

Updates on Portland’s city-wide races Exactly who is running for city offices in Portland has changed a lot in the last few weeks. Here’s a quick update: City Commissioner Position 2 AJ McCreary, the executive director of Equitable Giving, entered the race for the city commissioner seat currently occupied by Dan Ryan. McCreary filed a… Continue reading Digest: Friday, January 14, 2022