What is a “free” election?
The goal of election reform is "free" elections - but what exactly does that mean? Over the
years, the legal and political battles in Oregon have slowly converged on this one question.
Nationwide, it's becoming obvious that activists everywhere need to adopt a single definition of
this word - if we want to help each other.
It's not enough to guarantee free elections to voters only. Candidates must also have
unfettered and equal access to the ballot. In the former Soviet Union, elections were conducted
on a regular basis, but only communist candidates could run for office. That's not a free election -
that's a sham.
An “unfettered” opportunity to participate means artificial barriers may not be used to
dissuade voting or candidacy. An election scheme that denies Independent voters and candidates
the opportunity to participate in a publicly financed primary stage is not a free election.
WHERE WE WANT TO GO
CORVALLIS, OREGON
17 MARCH 2018