There is an election happening, and it's almost here!
We are here to help guide you through some of the local issues on Oregonians’ ballots. The presidential election is incredibly important, but so too are statewide and local elections in Oregon. A strong democracy is necessary to our efforts to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.
Most importantly, make sure you have a plan to vote! Talk to your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family about voting. Ballots are due in Oregon by no later than 8:00pm Tuesday, November 5th and postage on ballots is pre-paid, so you don’t even need a stamp. Just fill out your ballot and drop it in the mail or at an official drop box location (most libraries have one).
Statewide - Ranked Choice Voting, Measure 117
Measure 117 would bring a voting process known as ranked choice voting to Oregon ballots statewide in 2028. We urge you to vote YES.
On a ranked choice voting ballot, you have the option to rank candidates in order of preference: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on. You can choose to rank your favorite candidates, or choose just one – like you do now.
If your first-choice receives more than half of the vote, they win! If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is defeated, and ballots are instantly counted for your next choice. This continues until someone wins over 50% of the vote, ensuring that the winning candidate is the one who earns support from the most Oregonians.
Ranked choice voting is used in over 50 places across the United States – including Oregon’s own Benton County.
>>YES on Measure 117 <<
Portland - Energy Efficiency and Weatherization in Buildings
Measure 26-253 amends the City of Portland charter to make it easier for City Council to require energy efficiency in building standards. We urge you to vote YES.
As it currently stands, Portland’s city charter says that any policy requiring energy efficiency standards for homes built prior to 1979 must be approved by a vote of Portlanders. Measure 26-253 will remove this unnecessary provision. Buildings built before 1979 are in need of weatherization in order to maximize energy efficiency, which is the fastest way to reduce the carbon pollution associated with energy generation.
Our current city charter in Portland makes it too difficult to do something to fix this problem. By clearing this hurdle, we can begin collaborative, community-led work with the City of Portland to establish energy efficiency requirements that are reasonable, equitable, and necessary for achieving our pollution reduction targets. Portlanders will benefit from cleaner indoor air and lower energy bills.
>> YES on Building Weatherization <<
Also, Portland! Starting this year you're going to use ranked choice voting for Mayor, Auditor, and three members per district to the City Council.
Ranked choice voting is easy! Simply rank your favorite candidates in order of preference (up to 6, but ranking less is ok). Ranking three or more candidates will give you the greatest influence in determining the winners. Remember to not rank those you don’t support. That's it!
Ranked choice voting brings more power to your vote and creates a path for better representation to Portland. You can learn more about ranked-choice voting, including how to fill out your ballot here.
Lane County - Protect Fair Elections, Stop Gerrymandering
Measure 20-362 amends the Lane County charter to allow politically motivated redistricting. We urge you to vote NO.
Lane County Commissioners are trying to change district voting maps ahead of their next election by putting Measure 26-362 to voters this November 5th. Just three years ago, Lane County updated its voting boundaries democratically, with an independent citizen commission and a transparent process. The next update is due in 2031. Measure 20-362 would undo the independent citizen commission recommendations.
The Sierra Club Oregon and Many Rivers Group in Lane County encourage a “NO” vote on Measure 20-362. By voting no, you can reject anti-democratic gerrymandering. Communities deserve fair elections so that we have fair representation in important land use decisions about environmental issues.
>> No on Gerrymandering <<
Coos and Curry County - Public Input on Offshore Wind
Measures 6-219 in Coos and 8-116 in Curry respectively ask voters to advise officials on supporting or opposing offshore wind off the southern coast.
Voters in Coos and Curry Counties will have a chance to weigh in on ballot measures regarding their opinion on offshore wind energy development along Oregon’s southern coast. County commissioners are seeking public input on whether they should actively oppose or support floating offshore wind projects in the region.
To help you better understand the details, we’ve put together a blog post that explores key points surrounding offshore wind and its potential role in Oregon’s energy future. We encourage you to read more and stay informed ahead of the vote.
>> Keep Reading <<