Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon’s Ballot Measure 65 appears to have failed. It would have replaced the current party-based primaries with a top-two system.

Measure 65 faced stiff opposition from the major political parties. Marc Siegel, is spokesman for the Democratic Party of Oregon. Marc Siegel: "It limits participation for people. It limits how much people vote. And it would lead to further erosion in voter participation in Oregon democracy."

Supporters included former Secretaries of State Phil Keisling and Norma Paulus. They argue Measure 65 would have given minor-party and unaffiliated voters a stronger voice in state politics.

The measure would have given all Oregon voters a primary ballot with the names of every candidate for a given position regardless of self-identified party affiliation. The top two vote-getters would have advanced to the general election.