Veterans see open primaries as a way to boost democracy

Almost half of veterans identify as politically independent, putting them at a disadvantage in Oregon’s election system

Oregon’s closed primary system is discriminatory to veterans. Yes, that is a bold statement. Let me clarify.

The oath we swear is to the U.S. Constitution, not a political party. But this isn’t represented in our political structure. In 2020, 83 percent of elections for the United States House of Representatives were decided in the primary. Historically in the United States, 75 percent of elections are decided in the first round of voting. In a closed primary system, we are silencing the voices of thousands of men and women who have sacrificed the most for our nation.

Oregon’s closed primary system silences the voices of veterans. A 2021 Gallup poll showed that 49 percent of all veterans self-identify as politically independent. With the implementation of Oregon’s Motor Voter law, an automatic voter registration system, estimates show that number is likely over 60 percent in Oregon. Choosing to maintain a system that openly excludes the majority of veterans is discriminatory. That is nearly 170,000 veterans, discriminated against in the democracy they fought to defend.

As a veteran I believe that the foundation of our democracy lies in the fundamental right to vote. This right is the essence of our freedom. Yet, in recent years, our political landscape has become increasingly polarized, leaving many veterans disillusioned and excluded from the very democracy we fought to protect. One culprit is the closed primary election. It is high time we pull Oregon out of the dark ages and open our primary elections to all voters.

Open primary elections offer a beacon of hope in an era characterized by divisive partisanship. These elections empower all voters, including veterans like me, by providing the opportunity to vote for candidates who genuinely align with our values and aspirations, rather than merely adhering to party lines. By allowing all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, to participate in the same primary election, the Oregon Voting Rights Amendment (Initiative Petition 26) will pave the way for more inclusive representation. No one should be forced to affiliate with a political party as a legal requirement to vote in publicly funded elections.

Open primaries promote bipartisanship and encourage candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters. They foster a more robust and meaningful dialogue between candidates, ultimately resulting in elected leaders who prioritize the nation's well-being over divisive party interests. Critics of open primaries may argue that they dilute party identity and hinder party loyalty. However, as veterans we are not defined by party labels but by our shared commitment to the principles of democracy, freedom, and justice. Initiative Petition 26 allows us to select leaders who embody these values, irrespective of party affiliations. It's a chance to put the nation's interest above partisan politics, rekindling the spirit of cooperation and compromise that has been the bedrock of our country's success.

As a veteran who has witnessed firsthand the importance of unity, service, and democratic values, I firmly support Initiative Petition 26 and encourage other veterans to support it as well. By casting aside divisive party lines and embracing candidates who prioritize our nation's well-being, we can renew our faith in democracy and honor the sacrifices of those who have fought to protect it. It's time for us to stand united and advocate for equal voting rights as the path to a stronger, more inclusive America and more inclusive Oregon.

Derek Clevenger is a retired US Army Master Sergeant, the Former Mayor of Aumsville Oregon, and the Communications Director for All Oregon Votes.