In a recent government meeting, Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gamby presented a detailed overview of the implications of implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in Oregon, as outlined in Measure 117. This proposed bill seeks to introduce RCV as the voting method for various state contests, a system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference.

Gamby emphasized that while RCV has been successfully utilized in other regions, including New Zealand, its implementation in Oregon raises significant logistical challenges. Currently, Oregon employs a single plurality voting system, where voters select one candidate per contest. In contrast, RCV requires all ballots to be collected before tabulation can begin, which could delay results for weeks after an election. This shift would transfer the responsibility of vote counting from local clerks to the state level, complicating the verification process and potentially undermining local election integrity.

The clerk highlighted that only Benton County has previously implemented RCV, and Multnomah County is preparing to do so for the city of Portland. However, both counties have faced substantial costs and logistical hurdles, with estimates suggesting that the financial implications of RCV could exceed initial projections of $22 million.

Gamby also pointed out that the measure excludes certain races, such as state representative and state senator positions, raising questions about the rationale behind these exclusions. The complexity of managing two different voting systems—traditional voting for some positions and RCV for others—could confuse voters and complicate the election process further.

Concerns were raised about the potential for increased errors in ballot marking and the challenges of conducting recounts under an RCV system. Gamby noted that recounting votes in a ranked choice scenario would require intricate calculations and could be difficult to manage effectively.

As the discussion concluded, Gamby reiterated the importance of local control in election processes and urged lawmakers to reconsider the mechanics of Measure 117 to ensure that the integrity and efficiency of Oregon's elections are maintained. The meeting also addressed upcoming election deadlines, including voter registration and ballot mailing dates, emphasizing the need for public awareness as the election approaches.