PORTLAND — Oregon voters have rejected a big change to the state’s primary election system.
They voted down Measure 90, a proposal to scrap the current primary-election system in favor of a “top-two” format.
Instead of only Democrats voting in the Democratic primary and only Republicans voting in the Republican primary, the top-two system puts all candidates, regardless of party, on a single ballot and allows everyone the chance to vote. The top two vote-getters then advance to the general election.
The measure was funded by business interests who say the top-two system gives independent voters a voice and could elect more moderate candidates.
The major political parties, Oregon Right to Life and labor unions were among those who opposed it.
