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Backers say bill prevents 'faithless electors,' lets secretary of state reject noncompliant ballots
Summary
SB 15 09 A would require presidential electors to cast ballots consistent with their signed pledge, authorize the secretary of state to examine and not count ballots that do not comply, and provide for replacing electors who refuse to cast a faithful vote; sponsors said the bill builds on existing law and passed the Senate unanimously.
Supporters of SB 15 09 A told the House Committee on Rules that the bill strengthens existing Oregon law on presidential electors by creating a replacement mechanism and giving the secretary of state authority to withhold acceptance of ballots that do not comply with electors' signed pledges.
Melissa, the committee presenter, summarized the measure: it requires each elector to complete a ballot for president and a ballot for vice president consistent with the political party that nominated or appointed them in accordance with a signed pledge; the secretary of state may examine completed ballots and decline to count any unmarked or noncompliant ballot. The bill’s effective date was stated as 07/01/2026.
Sen. Bruce Starr, a co‑sponsor, said the bill offers a mechanism to replace an elector who goes against the popular vote and framed the measure as a commonsense response to pressure on electors. Lianne Gerais (district director for Senate Majority Leader Casey Jama) read sponsor testimony on his behalf describing the bill as a "good governance measure" that builds on Oregon’s existing pledge requirements and noting Secretary of State Reid’s endorsement.
Lane Shetterly, who said he served on the Uniform Law Commission drafting committee, said SB 15 09 A incorporates elements of the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act and likened the bill to a protective retrofit for the electoral system. Dr. David Weinberg of Protect Democracy United described threats and pressures facing electors and said the bill would allow replacement of unfaithful electors and mirrors laws in D.C. and 24 states; he also said the secretary of state would review and could reject unfaithful ballots.
Miranda Miller signed in to register support. The committee closed the public hearing; the transcript records sponsor and expert testimony but no committee vote.
