Oregon's House Committee on Rules convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2435, a proposed measure aimed at enhancing transparency in the state's voter registration process. State Representative Dwayne Yunker, who represents House District 3, presented the bill, emphasizing the need for the Secretary of State to publish monthly reports detailing voter registration activities by county.
Currently, Oregon's voter roll reporting is limited, providing only basic totals without the necessary detail to ensure accuracy and security. Yunker highlighted that other states, such as Oklahoma, already produce comprehensive monthly reports that include data on new registrations, cancellations due to death or relocation, and other critical information. He argued that implementing similar practices in Oregon would bolster public trust in the electoral process.
The proposed legislation seeks to address what Yunker described as a "trust deficit" in the state's election division. By requiring the publication of detailed voter list maintenance reports, the bill aims to provide voters with a clearer understanding of the electoral landscape, thereby enhancing confidence in the integrity of elections.
During the meeting, committee members raised questions regarding the current reporting practices of the Secretary of State and the potential costs associated with implementing the new requirements. Yunker assured the committee that the data is already being tracked and that posting it online would not incur additional expenses.
The committee concluded the public hearing on House Bill 2435 without further questions, leaving the door open for future discussions on the bill's implications for electoral transparency in Oregon. As the legislative process continues, the focus remains on ensuring that Oregonians have access to accurate and timely information about their voter registration status.