This explainer presents both sides based on the measure's text. It does not recommend a vote.
Plain English Summary
Measure 117 changes how Oregon voters elect candidates for federal offices (like U.S. Senate and House) and state offices (like Governor and state legislature). Instead of choosing just one candidate, voters would rank candidates in order of preference, and if no candidate gets more than 50% of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed until someone reaches a majority.
If YES
Oregon will implement ranked choice voting for federal and state elections, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference
confidence: high
Winners will need majority support through either first-choice votes or after redistribution of votes from eliminated candidates
confidence: high
The state will need to update voting systems, ballot designs, and voter education materials to accommodate the new voting method
confidence: high
Primary elections may function differently, potentially allowing more candidates to advance or changing how parties select nominees
confidence: medium
If NO
Oregon will continue using the current voting system where voters select one candidate and whoever gets the most votes wins
confidence: high
No changes will be made to existing voting equipment, ballot formats, or election procedures
confidence: high
Current primary and general election processes will remain unchanged
confidence: high
No additional costs will be incurred for implementing a new voting system or voter education campaigns
confidence: high
Financial impact
Fiscal impact analysis not yet available. Implementation would likely require costs for updating voting systems, ballot design, and voter education, but specific dollar amounts have not been determined.
TL;DR
This measure would change Oregon elections to ranked choice voting where voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one.
Limitations
Based on measure title only — full text analysis may reveal additional details
Arguments For and Against
Arguments For
Supporters argue ranked choice voting ensures winners have broad support, reduces negative campaigning, and gives voters more meaningful choices.— Oregon Ranked Choice Voting
Proponents contend the system has worked well in other jurisdictions like Alaska and New York City, increasing voter satisfaction.
Arguments Against
Opponents argue the system is confusing, as shown by high rates of ballot exhaustion in other jurisdictions where voters do not rank all candidates.— Oregon Republican Party
Critics contend the measure increases election costs and administrative complexity for county clerks.