Former Governor Ted Kulongoski Leads Push to Open Oregon Primaries Amid Rising Non-Affiliated Voters

Former Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski, a long-standing figure in Oregon politics, is spearheading a new effort to fundamentally alter the state's election process by opening up primary elections to all voters. This initiative aims to replace Oregon's current closed primary system, which restricts Democratic voters to Democratic candidates and Republican voters to Republican candidates, effectively excluding independent and minor party voters from participating in partisan primary races.

Kulongoski, 85, is the chief petitioner behind Initiatives 55 and 56. These initiatives propose amending the state constitution to establish a "top two" primary system, mirroring Oregon's existing process for nonpartisan positions like labor commissioner. Under this model, all candidates would compete in a single primary election, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to a runoff in the general election.

The former governor emphasized the unfairness of the current system, noting that non-affiliated and independent voters contribute taxes to fund state elections but are denied the right to vote in partisan primaries. He believes the public will increasingly agree that it is time to open the primary system.

This push comes at a time when non-affiliated voters constitute the largest single voting bloc in Oregon, making up approximately 37% of the electorate. An additional 7% of Oregonians are registered with minor political parties, further highlighting the significant portion of the population excluded from major primary contests. Kulongoski pointed out that non-affiliated voters outnumber both Democrats and Republicans in 21 of Oregon's 36 counties and in five of its six congressional districts.

Kulongoski's involvement is particularly notable given his long history as a prominent Democrat, having held various key positions including state legislator, Supreme Court justice, insurance commissioner, and attorney general. He acknowledged that opening primaries is not typically favored by major party loyalists but asserted that times have changed. He opted for the initiative petition process, believing that state lawmakers would likely not support such a bill.

A similar ballot measure to open Oregon's primaries failed in 2014, but at that time, non-affiliated voters only accounted for 24% of the electorate. Kulongoski attributes the recent surge in non-affiliated voters partly to Oregon's Motor Voter law, which facilitates voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles, prompting many to opt out of major party affiliation.

Now, working alongside Republican and Independent party leaders, Kulongoski is focused on gathering the necessary signatures to place Initiatives 55 and 56 on the ballot next November. He is confident that despite potential opposition from major parties, Oregon voters are ready for this change. Kulongoski believes that increased voter participation will lead to a more moderate governmental process, moving away from extremes and fostering a search for the political middle.