Proposal to End Vote-by-Mail in Oregon Sparks Controversy
Oregon state Senator David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, has introduced Senate Bill 210, aiming to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot to potentially end the state’s long-standing vote-by-mail system. Since its implementation as the first state to adopt this method in 2000, mail-in voting has been integral to Oregon’s election process, receiving overwhelming support, including 71% endorsement in a 2018 survey.
The bill generated immediate and intense reactions, causing the Oregon Legislative Information System website to slow due to over 9,000 pieces of submitted testimony, predominantly opposing the bill. Brock Smith humorously referred to it as “the bill that broke OLIS,” during a Senate Rules Committee hearing.
If passed, the bill would not directly revoke mail-in voting but would require voter approval to revert to primarily in-person polling. Proposed changes include mandatory photo ID submission, extended polling hours, and stipulations for the number of polling places per county.
House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, dismissed the bill’s prospects, stating, “Democrats in the Legislature don’t have any interest in rolling back vote by mail,” highlighting its popularity across party lines.
Supporters of the bill expressed concerns about election integrity, citing suspicions of ballot fraud and outdated voter registries, while opponents defended the security and accessibility of mail-in voting. Testimonies reflected divided opinions, with some residents sharing fears of receiving ballots for previous tenants.
Despite the uproar, experts, including state Senator James Manning, argue that challenges to mail-in voting are unfounded, suggesting it is a national agenda rather than a local issue. Oregon’s infrastructure has faced scrutiny recently, but state officials assert they are addressing potential registration errors. As the debate evolves, Oregonians remain committed to their preferred voting method.
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