Oregon voters appear to have overwhelmingly rejected Measure 90, which would have instituted the “top two” primary system.
Early returns showed approximately two-thirds of Oregon voters giving the measure a big thumbs down. Had the measure passed, it would have eliminated the state’s Democratic and Republican primaries and replaced them with multi-party primary. The top two finishers would then have advanced to the general election, regardless of party.
It’s a system that California has rolled out with largely disastrous results for minor parties. Few independents and alternative party candidates have managed to survive California’s primaries in recent elections, leaving most voters forced to cast a ballot for major party candidates in virtually every race on the general election ballot.
Meanwhile, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana known as Measure 91 is passing with about 55% of the vote at the moment. If the numbers hold then Oregon would join Colorado, Washington, and the District of Columbia in legalization.
Follow Us