This is the campaign website for a local ballot measure that appeared on the November 2010 general election ballot in Portland, Oregon. The ballot measure, 26-108, asked Portland voters to retain the city’s campaign finance fund, which provided limited public financing for City Council and Mayoral candidates. The reform program, Voter-Owned Elections, had reduced the influence of money in local politics and overall campaign spending in the three election cycles it was in effect. Though the campaign fell 1,600 votes short of victory, it served as a strong voice decrying the corrosive role that money increasingly plays in determining our elections and the direction of our communities. Over 200 volunteers joined a 60 member coalition of community groups to make 54,495 phone calls, knock on 21,060 doors, and present at over 100 community meetings. This website stands as a partial record of campaign’s efforts and a thanks to allies and volunteers. If you have any questions, call Common Cause Oregon at 503.283.1922.
Let’s keep Portland elections fair, open, and accountable. In November, vote YES for Voter-Owned Elections.
Community.
Under Portlandʼs Voter-Owned Elections program, candidates run based on community support rather than fundraising ability. This means candidates who are accessible to the community, not big campaign donors and special interests.
Fairness.
Candidates who use the Voter-Owned Elections program can spend their time talking directly with voters instead of raising money from big donors. This means that candidates are accessible to voters, not special interests.
Accountability.
Voter-Owned Elections candidates have to follow strict rules about how money can be spent and must spend it only on legitimate campaign expenses. This brings accountability and transparency to our elections.