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

Portland’s failure to learn from the 2021 heat dome

Portland set a new record for the city’s longest heat wave last week: we experienced seven consecutive days with recorded temperatures at or above 95° Fahrenheit from Monday, July 25 to Sunday, July 31. The State of Oregon is currently reporting at least 15 related deaths, with at least seven deaths in Multnomah County alone. That number is… Continue reading Portland’s failure to learn from the 2021 heat dome

July State of the Ballot

This month has been busy, politically speaking. Lift Every Voice Oregon collected enough signatures to put gun control on the November ballot, the Oregon Secretary of State ordered an extensive audit of Clackamas County’s primary votes, and the U.S. Supreme Court handed down enough decisions to fill a book. It’s a good time to check in on what… Continue reading July State of the Ballot

Voters’ Guide — May 2022 Election

If you’re a voter in or around Portland, you may have already received your ballot for the May election. If you’re ready to sit down and vote, here are some recommendations on candidates and ballot measures. This guide is intentionally surface-level: over the election period, I’ll be publishing articles on specific races and issues that… Continue reading Voters’ Guide — May 2022 Election

Calendar: April 20 to April 27

In last week’s calendar, I noted that the mask mandate for TriMet (along with all other public transportation) was expected to end on April 18, but had been extended until May. However, a federal district judge ruled that the mandate was not necessary on Tuesday, effectively ending it immediately. TriMet has dropped its requirement that riders wear… Continue reading Calendar: April 20 to April 27

March State of the Ballot, Part Two

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 Two

Get ready for the 2022 legislative session

The Oregon State Legislature will start this year’s legislative session tomorrow (Tuesday, February 1). The session will last 35 days: In even years (which happen to coincide with elections at most levels of federal, state, and local government in Oregon), the state legislature has a ‘short session.’ In odd years, Oregon’s legislative sessions last 160… Continue reading Get ready for the 2022 legislative session

Calendar: January 25 to January 31

Tuesday, January 25 DEADLINE — “Let’s Talk” Listening Sessions Sign Up A partnership of multiple news organizations and non-profits are organizing virtual listening sessions with Oregon voters to learn about voters’ impressions of the gubernatorial election, as well as what topics voters would like to hear about from candidates. To join a listening session, voters… Continue reading Calendar: January 25 to January 31

Digest: Friday, January 7, 2022

Kristof deemed ineligible to run for Oregon governor Nicholas Kristof’s gubernatorial run hit a major snag yesterday. The Elections Division of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office informed Kristof that he does not meet the constitutional requirements to serve as governor — specifically that he has not been a resident of Oregon for the past… Continue reading Digest: Friday, January 7, 2022