Election reform, as well as reform to the political process in general, is a particular passion of mine. It framed the way that I ran for office and it also frames the way that I do my job as a state legislator. I continue to work toward passing legislation that will increase voter participation and ensure transparency and integrity in the political process.

Since 2007, I have introduced a constitutional referral to pave the way toward same-day registration in Oregon. Since 1986, Oregon’s Constitution has stipulated a 20-day voter registration cutoff – meaning that someone who gets around to registering only a week or two before the election will find that he or she is too late. Oregon’s early registration cutoff has serious consequences for the openness, fairness, and accessibility of our elections system. Young people are particularly affected, since they are more likely to be first-time registrants, they move more frequently, and they are perhaps less likely to be paying attention months before Election Day. Same-day registration would help our heritage of expanding citizen participation in governance. It is the missing link in making Oregon’s system the most accessible, fair, and safe in the country.

Legislative Accomplishments

Economic Development Transparency – 2011

Oregon spends tens of millions of dollars each biennium to support economic development, but it’s often nearly impossible for citizens to find out where the money goes whether it is serving its intended purpose.  HB 2825 updates Oregon’s Transparency Act to include how businesses are using the funds, tax credits, and property tax abatements they receive. 

National Voter Registration Act Compliance – 2011

HB 2880, championed by Rep. Jefferson Smith, creates a National Voter Registration Act (NRVA) State Compliance Council to assess federal guidelines, identify barriers, and ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This will ensure an increase in voter registration, a protection of the integrity of the political process and accurate and current voter registration numbers.

Government Efficiency Task Force – 2011

It’s seldom flashy, but making government efficient benefits public programs and earn public confidence. Rep. Nancy Nathanson passed HB 2855, renewing a State and Local Government Efficiency Task Force that has already proposed 23 ways to decrease costs and duplication in government.

Government Efficiency and Audits – 2011

Rep. Chris Harker led the passage of HB 3291, requiring that agencies follow-up with the Legislature after they have been audited. This ensures that whatever actions are recommended by auditors, or whichever inefficiencies are uncovered, are dealt with appropriately rather than just filed away.

Voters’ Pamphlet Signatures – 2011

HB 3148 changes the signature requirement to have information published in the voters’ election pamphlet, fixing an unintended result of a previous bill. It reduces the number of signatures required (in lieu of paying a publishing fee) to 200 signatures but requires that those signatures be gathered in the district in which the candidate is running for office.

Online Voter Registration – 2009
In 2007, Reed College student Joey Mornin emailed me with a great question. Why doesn’t Oregon follow Washington and Arizona in establishing an online voter registration system? Well, starting just in time for the 2010 primary election, online voter registration will be an option for Oregonians with a valid Oregon driver license, permit or ID thanks to the passage of HB 2386.
 
Citizen Initiative Review – 2009
HB 2895 provides for the publication of up to three Citizens’ Initiative Review reports in the 2010 voter’s pamphlet. It is hard to find reliable, unbiased information on ballot measures and I am hopeful that Citizens’ Initiative Review will fill that gap.
 
Government Transperancy – 2009
HB 2500 creates a website that will allow Oregonians to access information about state government online, including revenue, expenditure, audit and agency program information from each state agency.

 
Legislative Ethics Reform – 2007 Session
SB 10 limits gifts from lobbyists and stiffens penalties for ethical violations. It closes the “revolving door” by prohibiting lawmakers from becoming lobbyists in the first year after leaving public service, increases fines for ethics violations from $1000 to $5000, reduces the lobbyist-paid food and drink limit to $50 annually, and requires quarterly financial disclosure reports for legislators and lobbyists. It also requires the reports to be posted online for the public. Further, it provides an independent funding source for the Government Standards and Practices Commission, Oregon’s independent ethics commission. SB 10 is among the toughest ethics laws for public officials in the country.

Separately, the Legislature also doubled the budget for the Government Ethics Commission.
 

Advance Voter Registration for 17-Year-Olds – 2007
HB 2910 allows all 17-year-olds to register to vote in preparation to vote at age 18. It updates the existent law that only allows voter registration by 17-year-olds within 60 days of an election for which they will be age 18 or above.