Oregon faces lawsuit over controversial voter roll laws backed by Attorney General Dan Rayfield

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a public meeting on December 10, 2024, where significant concerns regarding voter registration and ballot counting procedures were raised. Residents expressed frustration over recent legislation that they believe undermines the integrity of the electoral process in Oregon.

One of the primary topics discussed was House Bill 2681, passed in 2021, which allows inactive voters to remain on the voter rolls. Critics argue that this legislation violates the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which mandates the maintenance of accurate voter rolls. According to the Oregon Citizens Lobby, this bill led to the re-registration of over 525,000 inactive voters, raising alarms about the cleanliness of Oregon's voter rolls. The chief sponsor of this bill, Dan Rayfield, has recently been elected as Oregon's Attorney General, prompting questions about the motivations behind the legislation.

Another point of contention was House Bill 3291, also passed in 2021, which permits ballots to be accepted up to seven days after Election Day if they are mailed. Residents voiced concerns about the implications of this law, particularly regarding ballots that lack a clear postmark. They highlighted a ruling from the Fifth Circuit US Court of Appeals, which stated that mail-in ballots postmarked after Election Day are invalid, suggesting that Oregon's practices may conflict with federal election laws.

The meeting featured testimonies from local residents, including Karen Schmidlin and Jackie Poppin, who emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They called for a reevaluation of the recent laws that they believe contribute to a flawed voting system.

The discussions at the meeting underscore ongoing debates about election integrity in Oregon, with residents urging the Board of Commissioners to take action to address their concerns. The implications of these legislative changes and the potential for future legal challenges remain a focal point for the community as they seek to ensure fair and accurate elections.