Salem, Ore. – More than 2.5 million people – a record number are registered to vote in Oregon, according to the secretary of state, predicting that more Oregonians will vote in the Nov. 8 election that ever before.
The state is also on track to add more than 250,000 new voters through the Oregon Motor Voter program. This law took effect on Jan. 1 of this year. It registers voters when they obtain a new or renew their driver’s license, permit or ID card.
Instead of going to the polls like in other states, Oregonians receive their ballots in the mail and either mail them back or post them in drop-off boxes.
Closely watched races is the special election for governor, with Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat and former secretary of state, running against Republican challenger Bud Pierce, an oncologist.
Measure 97 is the most contentious issue. It would impose a minimum tax on companies whose sales in Oregon exceed $25 million. These companies would face a minimum tax of $30,001, plus 2.5 percent of the amount above $25 million. Gov. Brown supports Measure 97, saying that the state faces a $1.3 billion shortfall. Pierce opposes it. The oncologist says that state government should learn to live within its means.
