Oregon House Joint Resolution 201 Proposes Single-Ballot Primary Election and Unaffiliated Voter Access

Original title: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require that primary election ballots must contain the names of all candidates of any political party affiliation for specified offices.

Last action · March 6, 2026: In committee upon adjournment.Sponsors: Cyrus Javadi and 9 others

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Introduced

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Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Proposed

Oregon House Joint Resolution 201 proposes amending the state Constitution to require a single primary election ballot listing all candidates regardless of party affiliation for specified state and federal offices. The measure prohibits denying any registered the right to vote in a primary solely because they are unaffiliated with a political party, and refers the constitutional amendment to voters at the next regular general election.

Why it matters

If approved by voters, the amendment would alter how primary elections are conducted in Oregon by opening participation to unaffiliated voters and placing all candidates on one primary ballot for offices including U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, Governor, and state legislators, while allowing political parties to opt out under specific conditions.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

registered electors in this state

Unaffiliated registered voters gain the right to vote in primary elections without being denied solely due to lacking party affiliation.

Directly affected

political parties

Parties participate in a single-ballot primary system or may elect to opt out, fund their own nominations, and follow rules ensuring fair participation for endorsements.

Directly affected

candidates for specified public offices

Candidates appear on a single primary ballot regardless of party affiliation and may request up to three endorsing political parties to be printed next to their name.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to vote in primary elections under this resolution?

A qualified is eligible to vote in the primary election for each office related to their jurisdiction, unless they are registered as affiliated with a political party that has formally opted out of participating in the primary election.

Can political parties choose not to participate in the primary election?

Yes, a political party may decline to participate in the single-ballot primary election and nominate candidates for the general election, provided the party funds necessary nomination costs and ensures fair and open participation for its affiliated voters.

Does this measure apply to presidential primary elections?

No, this section does not apply to primary elections for candidates for President of the United States.

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Where This Stands

This resolution did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

4 actions

Mar 6, 2026House
In committee upon adjournment.
Feb 5, 2026House
Public Hearing held.
Feb 2, 2026House
Referred to Rules.
Feb 2, 2026House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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