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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.

Read the latest All-Members newsletter here .

September 30, 2024 The League of Women Voters of Oregon represents members in communities throughout our state. For over 100 years, we in the League have volunteered to empower voters, protect the ballot and defend democracy. We are a fiercely-nonpartisan organization in that we never support or oppose candidates or parties. Yet, we may advocate for topics we judge will serve all voters. We believe that Measure 117, incorporating Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) into our elections, is one of those issues. Our decision to support any matter is taken only after studying the subject from all perspectives and in-depth (often 2 years). In this case, following our state studies on electoral systems, we concluded that Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) results in the best indication of voters’ preferences. Back-up choices employed by RCV eliminate the pressure to vote for a less-favored candidate. Of all the possible improvements to our current election system, Ranked Choice Voting is the preferred method. Measure 117 offers the same benefits to local Oregon cities and counties, as it includes a local election reform option. We join Leagues in other states and communities around the nation who support, or are already experiencing Ranked Choice Voting advantages. Advantages such as more voter choice, majority winners, eliminating the spoiler effect within our current election method, and encouraging more civility with less mud-slinging. In support of robust voter education, we encourage a deeper understanding of Measure 117, and the improvements it offers. We stand ready to participate in public education and teaching voters about the power of a back-up vote with Ranked Choice Voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon joins leaders from our local leagues in supporting this measure: Deschutes County Lincoln County Linn County Unit Marion & Polk Counties Portland Rogue Valley Join us in Voting YES on Measure 117.

September 30, 2024 There are strong reasons to support Ranked Choice Voting through Measure 117. Chief among them is its effect on lessening polarization. Extreme polarization is concerning in America, even in Oregon. With the current election system, too often candidates are rewarded for bad behavior, amplifying divisiveness, partisan rancor, and rigid ideologies. This short-circuits productive discussion and promotes “us versus them” attitudes. The goal becomes winning at all costs – not compromising for the good of the people. With Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), campaigns tend to be more civil, since it benefits candidates to seek support beyond their base. A candidate must not only win a voter’s first choice, but also appeal to those who would rank them 2nd or 3rd. With RCV, candidates must court all voters. They must broaden their positions, speak about policy, and curb highly partisan rhetoric. There’s more . Advantages of Ranked Choice Voting clearly benefit all voters. ●     Majority rule is a fundamental principle of a democratic republic. Measure 117 ensures that winning candidates capture broad, majority support. ●     Tested and proven, RCV respects one person, one vote. It simply uses one ballot choice as the active vote at any one time. ●     The League believes in ‘sincere’ voting without needing to be ‘strategic.’ Voters can express true preferences, knowing further choices never hurt their favorite candidate. They need not strategize as to how their ballot could protect or hurt their favorite choices. ●     With RCV, voters have more voice and more expressive choices, with fewer unused votes in final round. ●     RCV can buffer the influence of special interests by giving voters equal voice in governance (through the ballot box versus checkbook.) ●     RCV Ensures a more meaningful ballot despite the leanings of where you live. An urban Republican or a Democrat farming in rural Oregon – both benefit. ●     Measure 117 allows us to vote for WHO we want, HOW we want. The League of Women Voters of Oregon strongly encourages a YES vote on Measure 117.

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.

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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Lisa Bentson was elected to the office of LWVOR President by delegates from around the state on May 19, 2024, at the biennial LWVOR Council. Below are Lisa's first remarks as President. May 19, 2024 By LWVOR President Lisa Bentson As President, my main goal is to support the amazing work you all do and further our purpose of “Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy.”  “Communications” is the theme of my term. It is at the core of our purpose, and I look forward to enhancing what we are already doing. I’m happy to report that in the past few years as we’ve emerged from Covid, LWVOR has initiated, on Becky’s encouragement, a number of Lateral groups statewide. We recently started a Communications lateral group that has met monthly with good attendance. Our office staff are the lead for these meetings, planning and agendas. One of the first things we’d like to have is a “Communications Chair.” With Sarah and Abby handling logistics, this position is not onerous. We’re looking for an enthusiastic person to work with our staff and complimentary lateral groups for the good of all. If I was not President this term, I would happily take that Chair as it is critical for the success of our organization. Please let me know  of your interest.  In addition, we have created a League Leader Google group that is active as well as our online Forums. Not surprisingly, the   Communication Forum  is one of our most popular according to Sarah.  As I hope you agree, our focus between now and November must be communicating our core values anywhere and everywhere we can. Just this past week, our staff person Sarah and I met and have initiated a Marketing Plan. This will guide us in our outreach to reach as many Oregonians as possible for the General election. We have added some new tools to our toolkit, so please be on the lookout for more on this soon.  “As I hope you agree, our focus between now and November must be communicating our core values anywhere and everywhere we can.” I joke that everyday I am working on League tasks I learn something new. It is my intention to continue doing so. One way will be to communicate with our Local Leagues in a variety of ways. This helped me so much when I started as Membership Chair with LWVOR when I had recently become an Oregonian. My goal was to visit every League and I got close. It was during Covid, so some of those meetings were virtual, but some were in-person. Thank goodness we’re back to face-to-face meetings that include our virtual participants.  I grew up in a very politically active family in the 60’s. The family mantra was: “If you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain.” My father ran for State Assembly one year and for Halloween I wore his sandwich board signs saying “Elect Jim Bentson for State Assembly” as my costume. My mother attended the National Presidential Conventions every 4 years including Chicago in 1968. I rarely saw my father worried, but he was during that Convention. She made it home just fine.  Thank you for allowing me to serve our League as President. A big thank you to Becky Gladstone, your outgoing President and Co-President, for her hours of mentoring. We have met weekly since last fall and I truly and greatly appreciate her support.  Thank you to each of you for your dedication to our purpose and all of the hard work you do. --

May 17, 2024 League of Women Voters of Oregon Contact: mockelection@lwvor.org OSME RESULTS are IN! Students across Oregon voted in the LWVOR 2024 Primary Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME), for a realistic voting experience endorsed by Oregon’s Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and Department of Education. The League of Women Voters of Oregon created 12 different mock ballots for each local jurisdiction with student registrations. Student ballots mirrored Oregon statewide Primary election ballots, with the same three voting options. Students first decided to vote as a Republican, Democratic, or non affiliated voter. Then they could vote for US President (partisan), Oregon Attorney General (partisan), and Oregon Supreme Court Position 1 (nonpartisan) on their chosen ballot. Each of the 12 ballots included a fourth nonpartisan local ballot measure or candidate race. LWVOR invited every Oregon public school district and private/charter/homeschool educator to OSME! Registered educators received ballots, instructions, and lesson plans with linked resources to prepare their students for an informed voting experience.  OSME registered over 4600 students from an impressive 26 schools and 14 counties all around Oregon:  Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Klamath, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, and Yamhill. “The election went well and sparked some interesting discussions. Kids are excited to see how our results compare to other high schoolers and the statewide primary races.” Roseburg educator “We did a ranked choice voting activity today and then had them do their LWV ballots. This worked great for our elections unit.” Deschutes County educator Here are the 2024 Oregon Student Mock Election (OSME) RESULTS: Republican: Donald Trump won US President (uncontested). Michael Cross won Oregon Attorney General with 59% of the student vote. Democratic: Marianne Williamson won US President with 51% of the student vote. Joe Biden, running for US President, received 49% of the student vote. Dan Rayfield won Oregon Attorney General with 51% of the student vote. Nonpartisan: Stephen K Bushong won Oregon Supreme Court Position 1 with 90% of the student vote. Here are some examples of student local ballot race RESULTS: 75% of Eugene students voted YES on Ballot Measure 20-349 to amend Eugene’s city charter to use the STAR Voting Method. 50% of Douglas County students voted for John W Hanlin for County Sheriff in a 3-way race. 85% of Tri-County area students (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington) voted yes on Ballot Measure 26-244, to support issuing Zoo bonds. Free and open LWVOR.org mock election resources are available to educators YEAR-ROUND, including our award-winning Civics Education curriculum.

See the May All-Members newsletter here .