Concerns Mount Over Measure 117: Oregon County Clerks Speak Out

Measure 117, a proposed ballot initiative in Oregon, aims to introduce ranked-choice voting for state and federal elections. This system would allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting a single candidate. While proponents argue that ranked-choice voting promotes fairness and more representative outcomes, a significant number of Oregon's county clerks are raising alarms about the measure's practical implications.

Nearly half of Oregon's county clerks have expressed serious concerns about Measure 117. These officials, responsible for administering elections, argue that the measure, as currently drafted, poses substantial challenges that could undermine the integrity and efficiency of the voting process. Their objections are grounded in the practical difficulties associated with implementing a new voting system on such a broad scale.

Rochelle Long, Klamath County Clerk and director of the newly-formed political action committee “Concerned Election Officials,” has been vocal about these issues. The committee, which now boasts the support of sixteen county clerks, has formally opposed Measure 117. Long emphasizes that while election reform is crucial, it must be implemented in a way that considers the operational realities faced by election officials.

According to Long and other committee members, the primary concerns with Measure 117 include:

Administrative Complexity: Ranked-choice voting introduces a more complex counting process compared to the traditional single-vote system. This complexity could strain resources and lead to longer processing times, potentially delaying election results and increasing the risk of errors.

Cost Implications: Implementing ranked-choice voting would require significant investment in new technology and training. County clerks worry about the financial burden this could impose on their offices, especially in a time of budgetary constraints.

Potential for Voter Confusion: Transitioning to a ranked-choice system could confuse voters who are accustomed to the traditional voting method. This confusion might lead to an increase in invalid ballots and disenfranchisement of voters who struggle with the new system.

Despite the concerns raised by county clerks, supporters of Measure 117 argue that ranked-choice voting offers several benefits:

Greater Voter Representation: Ranked-choice voting allows voters to express their preferences more fully, potentially leading to more representative outcomes and reducing the likelihood of a candidate winning without a majority of support.

Reduction in Negative Campaigning: By encouraging voters to rank multiple candidates, ranked-choice voting can reduce the incentive for negative campaigning, as candidates must appeal to a broader base of support to secure second or third-choice votes.

As Measure 117 continues to garner attention, the debate over its implementation remains heated. The concerns raised by county clerks underscore the need for a careful examination of the measure’s practical implications. If passed, it will be crucial

Original article:

These professionals know exactly how devastating Measure 117 would be to those trying to administer it. "“We feel like election reform is really impactful,” Long said. “And the facts need to be out there and not just from advocates. It needs to come from people who actually do the job, too.” Nearly half of county clerks in Oregon are raising concerns over a ballot measure that would establish ranked-choice voting for state and federal elections, saying their offices cannot support the measure as it’s currently drafted. Sixteen county clerks have endorsed a newly-formed political action committee called “Concerned Election Officials,” according to Klamath County Clerk Rochelle Long, the committee’s director. The committee’s filing with the Oregon Secretary of State says it formally opposes Measure 117, which would give Oregonians the option to rank in primary and general elections their preferred candidate running for statewide and federal offices. #norankedchoicevoting #norankedchoice #RankedChoiceVoting #disenfranchisement #BlackVoters #NOonrankedchoicevoting #NOon117 #Oregon #OregonVotes

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