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.

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.