What does a non-partisan election mean?

A non-partisan primary election is a type of primary election where political parties are not officially involved in the selection process of candidates. In contrast to partisan primaries, where voters affiliated with a specific political party choose candidates to represent that party in the general election, non-partisan primaries are open to all voters, regardless of their party affiliation or lack thereof. The primary goal of a non-partisan primary is to identify the top candidates, who then advance to the general election, regardless of their political party.

In a non-partisan primary, candidates are listed on the ballot without any party affiliation indicators. Voters are free to choose candidates based on their individual qualifications, stances on issues, and other relevant factors rather than being influenced by party labels. This type of primary aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse political landscape by allowing candidates with a broad range of perspectives to participate without being constrained by party ideologies.

The non-partisan primary system is designed to encourage greater civic engagement and provide voters with a more extensive pool of candidates to consider. By focusing on the candidates' qualifications and positions rather than party affiliations, non-partisan primaries seek to foster a political environment where individuals are elected based on their merit and alignment with the electorate's values, rather than adherence to party lines.

What is special about a non-partisan election?

One noteworthy feature of the non-partisan election system implemented in Deschutes County is that if a candidate secures more than 51% of the votes in the primary, they bypass the need for a run-off election in the general. This majority threshold ensures that candidates who achieve a clear majority in the primary move directly to the general election. This streamlined process not only enhances efficiency but also underscores the significance of a candidate's ability to garner widespread support.

In Oregon, the number of non-affiliated voters surpasses both Democrats and Republicans. As of November 2023, there are 996,276 registered Democrats, 719,820 registered Republicans, and a significant 1,080,057 non-affiliated voters, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Despite this majority, non-affiliated candidates typically don't secure major offices, as Oregon's closed primary system requires party membership to participate. The Democratic and Republican parties have set up a system where only members can vote in the primaries, determining the final candidates. While Oregon may adopt ranked-choice voting in November 2024, the closed primary system would persist, effectively disenfranchising many non-affiliated voters.

When did County Commissioner elections become non-partisan in Deschutes County?

In 2022, Commissioner Phil Chang played a pivotal role in spearheading the campaign to transition County Commission elections in Deschutes County to a non-partisan format. Recognizing the potential benefits of a non-partisan system, Commissioner Chang championed the effort to depoliticize the electoral process within the county. The move aimed to create a more inclusive and open electoral environment, where candidates could be evaluated based on their qualifications, values, and positions rather than being confined to partisan affiliations.

Commissioner Chang's leadership in introducing this non-partisan approach, coupled with the elimination of run-off elections in cases of a decisive primary victory, exemplifies a commitment to democratic principles and a desire to facilitate a more direct and conclusive path to selecting candidates for the general election. This initiative reflects a dedication to a fair and transparent electoral process that prioritizes the voices and choices of the community.

What does this mean for me? What can I consider when casting my vote?

For Deschutes County Commissioner elections, you may want to look into candidate profiles, their policy positions, and their track records to make an informed decision. Local news sources, candidate forums, and the official election website for Deschutes County are good places to find such information.

If you have any specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask!