Oregon's House Committee on Rules convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the state's primary election system, focusing on the proposed HB 3166-2 amendment. This amendment aims to simplify the voting process by allowing all voters to cast their ballots from a single ballot, eliminating the complexities of multiple ballots and ranked choice voting.

The committee highlighted that this reform is expected to ease the workload for county clerks, who will no longer need to manage multiple ballots for different party affiliations. While the clerks have not formally expressed opposition to the bill, they have not shown explicit support either, indicating a need for further discussions and feedback from stakeholders.

Vice Chair Jason raised concerns about the implications of the proposed "jungle primary" system, which could diminish the influence of major parties and complicate the electoral landscape. He emphasized that as more voters identify as nonaffiliated, the traditional party structure may need reevaluation to ensure broader representation in elections.

Supporters of the bill, including young voters like Samuel Evans, argue that open primaries would allow individuals to vote for candidates that align with their values, regardless of party affiliation. This sentiment reflects a growing trend among younger voters who feel disconnected from the two-party system.

Conversely, opponents, including former candidates and political activists, voiced concerns that the proposed changes could undermine party accountability and dilute the electoral process. They argue that primaries serve a crucial role in determining the most popular candidates within parties and that an open primary system may discourage the formation of diverse political parties.

The committee's discussions will continue as the bill moves to the Ways and Means Committee for further evaluation, including a fiscal impact assessment. The outcome of this legislative effort could reshape Oregon's electoral landscape, potentially increasing voter engagement while raising questions about the future of party politics in the state.