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DATE:  December 2, 2024 TO:  All League Members FROM: Lisa Bentson, President, LWVOR               Jean Pierce, Chair, Action Committee  Norman Turrill, Coordinator, Governance Portfolio Becky Gladstone, Governance Advocate Contact Senator Jeff Merkley   and Senator Ron Wyden   and urge them to OPPOSE HR 9495 which would grant the Treasury Secretary the authority to suspend the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed “terrorist supporting” without providing meaningful due process. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation at all levels. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. We are requesting that local League members throughout Oregon ask our US Senators to oppose this critical legislation which: Threatens the freedom to dissent  without fear of government retribution Would grant the executive branch new powers  to investigate and functionally shut down and silence its critics Would harm all Americans' free speech and due process right s by creating new executive authorities that could be abused by any presidential administration seeking to terminate the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations arbitrarily

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This article was originally published by KGW. Author: Brittany Falkers Published: 6:30 PM PST November 9, 2020 Updated: 6:32 PM PST November 9, 2020 PORTLAND, Ore. — In her vice president-elect acceptance speech, Kamala Harris thanked those who paved the way for women in politics and set the course for the future generation. “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” she said. Those words resonate with women and girls across the country, no matter what party you are a part of. “I think that it’s amazing that we’re going to have a female vice president,” 11-year-old Alma Ben-Zaken said, “And, actually, we should have had one already.” For the next generation of leaders, Harris’ ascent to the White House will have a profound impact. “I think that’s really inspiring and cool,” 12-year-old Mitzi DuPlain said. “It’s really really, really awesome,” 11-year-old Siri Rettmann said. These three middle schoolers are all part of Girls Count , a non-profit group in Portland that provides programs to inspire girls to be the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers, and decision-makers by giving them opportunities to see academics in action. Mary Hlastala is the founder and executive director. “Really our mission is for girls to understand that their voice matters in the world,” Hlastala said. “And it’s important to understand what’s going on in the world so they can make informed decisions and become, hopefully, the next generation of leaders and innovators.” “I actually learned stuff that even my parents didn’t know about,” Ben-Zaken said. Programs focus on showing girls academics in the real world. Their programs focus on everything from business and finance to their most recent lesson: the election. “We learned about the Electoral College, which I found very important to know about,” Ben-Zaken said. In that lesson, they’re learning about the importance of having diverse leadership to represent our diverse country. “You get different ideas and some of those ideas could be better than the ones previously thought of,” Rettmann said.” Women make up 51% of the U.S. population, but only account for a quarter of the U.S. Senate and less than a quarter of the U.S. House of Representatives. When it comes to local government, women make up just 22% of mayors in cities with populations over 30,000, according to Represent Women. Women of color, Republican women, young women, and low-income women are especially underrepresented. “Representation does matter,” President of the League of Women Voters of Oregon Rebeca Gladstone said. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group that encourages informed and active participation in government. They are celebrating their 100th birthday and the anniversary of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. However, Gladstone is quick to point out that while the ratification happened a century ago, it took decades more for Black women and POC women to be able to exercise their vote alongside their white counterparts. While Harris’ new role as vice president-elect is breaking barriers, Gladstone says that we still have a long way to go for an equitable future. “There’s a diversity in our society and our government should reflect that. Our democracy should have people that speak for all of us,” she said. “There are some really great ideas out there, but we just have to give them a chance to come up and speak.” For these young girls and girls around the country, seeing someone who looks like them in the White House matters, right now and for the future ahead. “I’m really, really glad we’re having one, especially a mixed-race vice president,” Ben-Zaken said. “And if we start with the vice president then we’re going to work our way up to president someday.” Girls Count is working to grow its mission of empowering middle school-aged girls. They’re in the middle of a fundraiser to provide a permanent space in Portland for their non-profit work. To learn more and donate visit www.girlscountpdx.org.

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2024 Salem, OR - There were 33,654 Oregon students, from 2 elementary, 43 middle and 82 high schools, registered by their teachers to participate in the 2024 Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME) and the results are in! Participating students reside in 21 of the 36 Oregon counties. Students were offered an authentic simulation of the Oregon vote-by-mail experience, including a realistic-looking mock ballot and time to study the candidates and issues in their classrooms before voting in their mock election. Students not only learn about the specific candidates and ballot measures, but they also learn how to be an informed voter. The League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) created a “basic” mock ballot for all Oregon students mirroring the state’s general election with three statewide contests: United States President  (federal office) Oregon Attorney General (state office) Ballot Measure 118 : Corporate tax rebate to Oregon residents (statewide ballot measure)   Teachers were also offered the option of a fourth contest to personalize their students’ mock ballots and to reflect local elections. While most students voted using the basic Oregon mock ballot, some teachers opted for one or more of the following congressional districts and/or state, county, or city contests: Congressional Districts 2, 3, 4, 5 , and  6 Ballot Measure 117  (Statewide ranked-choice voting) Portland Mayor (Ranked-Choice Voting) Clackamas County Commissioner Position 1 City of West Linn Councilor Marion County Ballot Measure 24-507 (Chemeketa Community College bond measure)   Teachers were invited to provide comments and feedback with their results. Below are just a few feedback highlights in their own words. From Lake Oswego School District: “My students really enjoyed running the election. It has been fun to hear them discuss the candidates and the issues. My colleagues have enjoyed the conversations around their classrooms, too. Thank you for all your help!!” From North Clackamas School District: “They LOVED IT! Next election we will probably have ranked choice voting, so it could be fun to have them fill out a ranked choice ballot. I liked that the ballot had several levels of government- voting for a federal official, state, and local.” From Klamath School District: “This was an AMAZING experience! I had students research the positions of each candidate or ballot issue and share the candidates' ideas with the rest of the class and then we voted in a makeshift voting booth at our school. Students took it very seriously and did a great job researching and sharing the positions and were excited to cast their votes. Thank you so much for doing this!!" From Beaverton School District: “Overall this was a great experience! It was awesome to see and hear our students talking about these candidates and ballot measures. We had over 1,000 students vote and participate in this mock election. THANK YOU for organizing all of this and allowing us to participate in this! We are excited to see the Oregon and the National results.” All public, private, charter, and homeschool educators across the state are invited to participate in LWVOR mock elections. To prepare students for an informed voting experience, registered educators receive mock ballots, instructions, lesson plans with many activities and linked resources, and the LWVOR award-winning Civic Education Curriculum , with 5 units on different aspects of voting in Oregon. If educators want to make sure they are on the mailing list for the next mock election (Oregon Primary Election 2026), they can leave their contact information, using the “Register Here” button, year-round on our website: www.lwvor.org/mock-election . With the majority of student voting completed, here are the statewide 2024 OSME results: ●      Kamala Harris  won  US President  with 54% of the student vote. ●      Dan Rayfield  won  Oregon Attorney General  with 64% of the student vote. ●      Oregon Ballot Measure 118  failed  with 52% of the students voting NO. Local mock ballots results: ●      Oregon Ballot Measure 117  passed  with 72% of the students voting YES. ●      Marion County Ballot Measure 24-507  passed  with 78% of the students voting YES. ●      Cliff Bentz  won  US Congressional District 2  with 61% of the vote. ●      Maxine Dexter  won  US Congressional District 3  with 42% of the vote. ●      Val Hoyle  won  US Congressional District 4  with 52% of the vote. ●      Janelle Bynum  won  US Congressional District 5  with 52% of the vote. ●      Andrea Salinas  won  US Congressional District 6  with 57% of the vote. ●      Craig Roberts  won  Clackamas County Commissioner Position 1  with 59% of the vote. ●      Mary Baumgardner  won  City of West Linn Councilor with 49% of the vote. The LWVOR would like to commend the several Portland area schools who held a ranked-choice mock election for Portland Mayor. Not only did students participate in the ranked voting process they also counted the votes at their individual schools. While Mingus Mapps and Keith Wilson  split the wins in most schools, requiring several rounds of counting for each, Durrell Kinsey Bey  won in one round at Alice Ott Middle School, where he is a much-loved teacher. Our congratulations to Mr. Bey!   LWVOR’s free and open civics resources are available year-round on the website: LWVOR.org/mock-election . Contact: media@lwvor.org 503-581-5722 League of Women Voters of Oregon

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Salem, OR - The League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) emphasizes that Oregon’s current election processes ensure a safe, transparent, and secure election. Recent incidents in Oregon and across the nation underscore the need to ensure that every voter can cast a ballot free from intimidation and that election outcomes are accepted as the will of the voters. Our state’s robust systems ensure that every eligible voter can confidently cast their ballot, upholding the fundamental principles of a free and fair election.  “Any voter intimidation is suppression,” said Lisa Bentson, LWVOR President. “Casting a vote free of intimidation is vital to our democracy. Every election has winners and losers, and embracing results - whether we favor them or not - upholds our democratic values,” Bentson added. “Certifying results solidifies the democratic process, and preserving this integrity ensures our elections remain trusted and fair.” The League is confident that our election processes ensure safe, transparent, and secure elections. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Election Integrity webpage  describes these processes, including:   Oregon law  requires random sampling hand counts or risk-limiting audits in all counties following primary, general, and special elections. All of Oregon’s 36 county elections officials conduct these reviews, which require hand recounts of ballots. Ballot counting machines are tested and certified three times: well before, just before, and after elections take place.  The voting equipment is never connected to the internet. There are no routers connected to the tabulation system and there never have been. The League wants to remind voters that official election results will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website . Further, election results are unofficial until certified, as counties continue counting and updating totals in the days following the election. Contact: League of Women Voters of Oregon media@lwvor.org

From the League of Women Voters of the United States : “The League of Women Voters of the United States condemns, in the strongest terms, the intentional burning of USPS ballot boxes in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. This egregious attack on our democratic process undermines voters’ ability to cast their ballots safely and securely. “Every eligible voter has the right to participate in free and fair elections and for their vote to be counted. Actions that destroy ballots and disrupt the voting process threaten the foundation of our democracy and seek to silence the voice of the people. “The League calls on local, state, and federal authorities to swiftly investigate these criminal acts, hold the perpetrators accountable, and take all necessary steps to safeguard future ballots. We also urge election officials to communicate clearly with voters whose ballots may have been affected, ensuring they have the opportunity to vote again, their ballots are counted, and their voices are heard. “The League encourages all voters to stay informed about the status of their ballots, use available tracking tools, take advantage of secure voting options, and use VOTE411.org as a resource when adjusting their election plan. “Our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard. We urge elected leaders and candidates across the nation to join us in condemning these criminal acts and reaffirming our collective commitment to uphold and protect the rights of all voters.”

Salem, OR - In light of recent concerns surrounding the Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) reaffirms the integrity of the state's election system. A surge in public inquiries has led to an unfortunate rise in disruptive and threatening phone calls to the Oregon Secretary of State's office, prompting the temporary closure of its phone lines on Thursday, October 17, to discourage the barrage of callers and protect election workers.  LWVOR emphasizes that Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet procedures are being followed rigorously. The state voters’ pamphlet has accurately included purchased filings. The absence of certain candidate statements is solely due to their respective campaign decisions. As strong advocates for voting rights, LWVOR stands in solidarity with election workers, supporting measures to shield them from harassment and intimidation. The League supports the protections now in place, including the exemption of personal information from public records  to shield election workers from harassment and threats. These privacy safeguards for public servants are a crucial step in ensuring a safe and fair election process in Oregon. "Oregon must prioritize both voter and worker protection to ensure that our elections remain secure and free from intimidation," said Lisa Bentson, President of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. "The right to vote is fundamental, and the safety of those facilitating this process is crucial to upholding democracy." For more information, contact the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Contact: League of Women Voters of Oregon media@lwvor.org

In today’s polarized political climate, being nonpartisan can feel like an impossible task. The League of Women Voters, however, remains steadfast in its mission to advance democracy by focusing on the issues, not the parties, ensuring voters have the facts they need to make informed decisions. Read on for a closer look at our nonpartisanship policy. The League of Women Voters of the United States is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.  So many issues today are framed in partisan terms that it can feel impossible to communicate at all without being accused of taking a side. “If you believe this, then you must be a progressive.” “If you oppose that, then you align with conservatives.” Being painted into ideological corners because of a stance our organization takes is not a new phenomenon, but it continues to be one that undermines a vibrant democracy: discussion, discourse, and listening to other points of view are what makes democracy work.   More than 100 years ago, the League of Women Voters of the US was founded to be a nonpartisan voice for American women who wanted free, fair, and open elections, above all else. Our founders believed that voters must always have the facts, no matter how difficult those facts could be to accept, especially when it challenges one’s deeply held beliefs about a candidate or political party. Our founders were attacked for taking positions rooted in fact back then, and today, not much has changed. League leaders continue to face this challenge and often stand accused of being partisan for our efforts to advance democracy.  ISSUES ARE NOT PARTISAN   The League’s advocacy work is issued based, and we arrive at our positions based on careful study and input from our members in communities across the country. We never derive our positions from politicians, and even when candidates or parties support the same issue, we never endorse them. Issues may evolve over the years, but our allegiance will always be first and foremost to the voters. If a party changes its position on an issue, that doesn’t mean the League has to change our position to remain neutral. And one politician taking a similar position to the League on any one issue does not make the issue or the League partisan .  However, in this hyper-partisan environment, political connections and assumptions are made that simply aren’t accurate. Supporting the democratic processes of registering eligible voters and casting and counting ballots is seen by some as subverting one political party, even though these are sacred tools of our democracy. Likewise, empowering voters who previously have been left out of the process and supporting the anti-racism movement does not mean we are in alliance with one ideological segment of American government; rather, it means we are doing what we were founded to do: stand up for what is right.  Wanting every eligible voter to have equal access to the ballot box is not partisan. Wanting a robust democracy in which everyone has an equal voice and equal representation is not partisan. Wanting to see more elected officials that reflect the diverse makeup of our country is not partisan – it is American.   No party has a claim on any particular issue. Sometimes a candidate or political party agrees with our position—they may even champion them—but that doesn’t make the issue or the League partisan. We have seen an evolution of popular support and public opinion shift on issues over time, and the League has reevaluated and shifted priorities—but we have never compromised our values.     NONPARTISAN DOES NOT MEAN APOLITICAL  In the hundred years of the League’s existence, we have endured challenges to our democratic principles, policies, and practices. We witnessed in live video the violation and prevention of rights of American citizens due to racial and structural inequities, and the growing anti-racism movement responding to it. We’ve observed the pandemic obstacles faced and overcome by our election processes, resulting in secure, effective elections across the country.  There shall be no barriers to full participation in [the League of Women Voters of the United States] on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.  —Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, passed by LWVUS members in 2020  League members are not a monolith. We represent opinions and positions that can be found across the American political spectrum. What brings us together is our commitment to voter empowerment—especially empowering women voters—and defending democracy. Standing up for these values is not a partisan narrative but a way to advance inclusion.   As we do this, we must ask ourselves and others within our election and democratic systems if we are walking the talk and prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our own organizations. Are we living our values, and are those values aligned with the ideals that we have as a country?  This self-reflection may be painful. It’s difficult to acknowledge that actions taken in the past with the best of intentions may have been hurtful or undermined the values we claim to honor. It will require us to be open, transparent, and willing to admit when we are wrong.   DEMOCRACY IS A CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE  Webster’s definition of democracy:   a:  government by the people  especially: rule of the majority  b:  a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.   Our mission to ‘empower voters and defend democracy’ has not changed in our 100 years. What has changed is the need to defend democracy, especially in of the face of voter suppression. There is a wealth of misinformation out there that is aimed to divide us as a nation and undermine our democracy. We have to stand up to this attack on our democratic ideals, regardless of what some may say.  While it may be a challenge, especially at the state and local level, to avoid the appearance of partisanship when publicly addressing racial injustice in this heightened climate, we must. We may be accused of being partisan in those moments, but we must stand on the side of justice. It is our moral obligation to demand a more just and equitable world for people of color in our communities.   We will continue to uphold our nonpartisan values for fairness, justice, and equity because they form the foundation of a representative democracy. If we don’t strive to dismantle and improve the systems and structures that exclude individuals from their democratic rights to vote and participate, we will never be able to achieve a “democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.”  Whether you identify politically as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, conservative, liberal, moderate, progressive or another political perspective, you have a place in this democracy and a place within the League, as long as you are committed to our belief in an inclusive democracy. While we may disagree on how we accomplish it, if you value democracy, then you must also value human rights, social justice, and equity.   WE CAN BRIDGE THE PARTISAN DIVIDE   In 2020, we marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which afforded women in the United States the right to vote. However, even then, women of color were largely excluded from the movement that brought about the amendment. It wasn’t until the passage of the 1965  Voting Rights Act  that people of color could fully exercise their right to vote and our country began to reflect the values of all its people. We’ve made strides in the past 100 years, but we have so much more work to do, especially when it comes to fairness, justice, and equity for all.  The League will continue to fight for the nonpartisan, anti-racism issues and policies we have worked to advance for a century. We will work to elevate more diverse voices from within our membership and our communities. With our partners, the League will strive to create a stronger, more inclusive, just, and equitable democracy for American voters—a place where everyone has a voice.  As we move forward, we remain open to conversations about our history and the ways we can improve our democracy. Let’s do this work together and make the next 100 years a century of real diversity, inclusion, and equity in American elections and democracy.

September 25, 2024 The League of Women Voters (LWVOR) is committed to ensuring that every Oregonian can vote with confidence, knowing that the system is secure and reliable. Recently, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) discovered a rare administrative error in which 1,259 non-citizens were mistakenly flagged for voter registration due to incorrect data entry. It’s important to stress that Oregon’s voting system is built with safeguards to identify and correct such errors. The Secretary of State’s office has already taken swift action by notifying affected individuals and ensuring that only those who can provide proof of citizenship will receive ballots. Further, the DMV has implemented additional measures to prevent future occurrences. To put this into perspective, these 1,259 cases represent just 0.04% of Oregon’s 3 million registered voters. While human error can happen, the systems in place are designed to detect and address issues, ensuring the integrity of our elections remains intact. Oregonians can rest assured that our voting process is safe, secure, and continually improving to protect every eligible voter’s right to participate. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration and election rules at VOTE411.org .

DATE:  September 20, 2024 TO: All League Members FROM: Lisa Bentson, President, LWVOR               Jean Pierce, Chair, Action Committee  Claudia Keith, Coordinator, Climate Emergency Portfolio  Time is running out to restore Oregon's Climate Protection Program (CPP)! You can help hold polluters accountable and tackle climate change.  Take action with us. Submit public comments to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by 4PM, next Friday, 9/27 .  DEQ has also invited the public to deliver testimony on the CPP on Thursday, 9/26 from 3:20-5:20 PM. Zoom link. The Climate Protection Program will cut fossil fuel emissions by 90% by 2050, and invest upwards of $150 million annually in clean energy projects in Oregon communities. Use our coalition letter to tell DEQ to restore the CPP without delay! The CPP was derailed last year after the oil and gas industry sued to overturn the program. With just a few days left to comment, it's essential to ACT NOW! Tell DEQ to restore an ambitious Climate Protection Program that:  Delivers climate justice by maintaining a strong Community Climate Investment program Follows the science by upholding a science-based emissions cap and requiring immediate compliance Holds industrial polluters accountable to mandatory declining emissions reductions LWVOR is deeply committed to addressing climate issues in Oregon. Whether it's the need for cleaner air, the protection of our natural resources, advancing environmental justice for Oregonians hardest hit by climate related disasters, or the creation of sustainable jobs, your voice matters. You can read the latest LWVOR testimony on the CPP here . Please note that League members are invited to submit testimony as individuals, not as representatives of the League. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is a member of the Coalition for Climate & Economic Justice.

National Voter Registration Day , celebrated this year on September 17, is a vital nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to promoting voter participation in our democracy. Here in Oregon, we are proud of our strong commitment to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register, vote, and make their voice heard. This year, we took a significant step by submitting a proclamation letter to Governor Tina Kotek, who has officially approved and signed it, along with Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, affirming the importance of this day. The League of Women Voters of Oregon urges all Oregonians to visit oregonvotes.gov to ensure their voter registration is accurate and to assist others in doing the same. Together, we can continue to safeguard and strengthen this essential constitutional right. View our proclamation letter below!

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Submit public comments in support of the Oregon Climate Protection Program.  August 16, 2024 This year the League of Women Voters of Oregon has joined in coalition with a diverse alliance of environmental, economic, and climate justice advocates, businesses, and Indigenous communities working to restore Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP). The CPP sets clear, enforceable targets for oil and gas companies to reduce their climate pollution 90% by 2050. It will also enable upwards of $150 million annually in statewide Community Climate Investments directly to low-income and communities of color who are most impacted by climate change. LWVOR is deeply committed to addressing climate issues in Oregon. Whether it's the need for cleaner air, the protection of our natural resources, advancing environmental justice for Oregonians hardest hit by climate related disasters, or the creation of sustainable jobs, your voice matters. You can read LWVOR testimony on the CPP  here . The public comment period for the Climate Protection Program (CPP) is now open and will last through August 30! This is your opportunity to influence policies that will shape Oregon's climate future. You will have the opportunity to submit public comments to DEQ and also testify live at a public hearing on August 21 . Save the date and make sure your voice is heard!  HOW TO ENGAGE: Submit public comments to DEQ  DEADLINE: August 30 at 4:00 pm. Submit public comment via our coalition website , or by emailing CPP.2024@DEQ.Oregon.Gov Testify at the public hearing  SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m.  Via Zoom  Call-in number: 833-928-4609 US Toll freeMeeting ID: 843 9807 4366 The deadline is approaching fast, so make sure your voice is heard. Click here to submit public comment now ! Our partners at the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice are hosting a CPP hearing prep forum on Monday, August 19th from 5:30-6:30 p.m, where you can learn more about the CPP, what to expect at the public hearing, and pointers for crafting your testimony. Register here  to join us for the CPP hearing prep session. Please note that League members are invited to submit testimony as individuals, not as representatives of the League. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is a member of the Coalition for Climate & Economic Justice.

League promotional items are now for sale on our new CafePress shop . We currently offer yard signs, t-shirts, ball caps, buttons, and other select items. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions. Contact: s.andrews@lwvor.org .

In light of President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) is providing this update based on information from trusted sources. This decision is in line with existing rules, ensuring a fair election process. The Democratic Party will follow its procedures to select a new nominee, with delegates voting at or before the Democratic National Convention this August. State ballot access laws permit the new nominee to appear on the November ballots, regardless of the results from the primaries. Here is the  official statement from the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS ) , which clarifies:  "While a major party’s presumptive nominee withdrawing his presidential candidacy is an extraordinary occurrence, rules and procedures are in place to respond to this development. Americans can be confident that this situation falls well within existing rules and that their election system continues to allow for a free and fair election." Here is a brief FAQ issued by the Oregon Secretary of State's office:   What happens now that President Biden has stepped aside? How will the November general election be affected? The Democratic Party (DNC) may choose another nominee according to its own rules. No Oregon law would require Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention to vote for President Biden; ending his candidacy releases his delegates pursuant to ORS 248.315(3)(c). Every political party has a process in their bylaws for how to fill a vacancy. The party oversees that process – so we would refer anyone to the Democratic Party of Oregon for more details on their process at the national level. From our perspective, the National Democratic Party must finalize its nominee by August 27th in order for that person to appear on the ballot in Oregon. The DNC will be held from August 19-22. For any upcoming press releases or other news, you can visit the Oregon SoS newsroom here .  Please feel free to reach out to LWVOR if you have any questions. Contact media@lwvor.org .

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