LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Bill that would count ballots after Election Day passes Oregon House
A stack of counted and signed ballot envelopes at the Marion County Elections Office. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
The Oregon House passed a bill intended to fix what some say is a flaw in the state’s vote-by-mail system that disenfranchises voters.
THE ISSUE: Thousands of Oregon voters have their ballots discarded because they were delivered after Election Day.
THE BILL: House Bill 3291
WHAT IT DOES: Allows ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within seven days after.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents of the bill say the current deadline disenfranchises rural, low-income and minority communities. There are over 20 states, including Washington and California, that accept ballots postmarked after Election Day.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes
State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: No
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: No
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: No
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: No
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill heads to the Oregon Senate for consideration.
-Jake Thomas
