Vote-by-mail in Oregon - History of Postal Voting in Oregon

History of Postal Voting in Oregon

Vote-by-mail had already been implemented to a lesser degree in Oregon:

• 1981 The Oregon Legislative Assembly approves vote-by-mail for local elections, at the discretion of the county; at least one polling place in the county had to remain open on election day.
• 1987 Vote-by-mail becomes permanent, with the majority of Oregon's counties making use of it.
• 1989 A House bill to extend vote-by-mail to include the 1990 primary elections was defeated in a 33–27, non-party-line vote.
• 1992 Governor's Task Force on Local Government Services identifies statewide vote-by-mail as one of the most significant opportunities to save money on conducting elections.
• 1995 Oregon becomes the first state to conduct a federal primary election totally by mail.
• 1996 U.S Senator Ron Wyden is elected by mail with a 66% turnout, succeeding Bob Packwood.
• 1998 Oregonians confirm their overwhelming support for vote-by-mail by passing Measure 60.
• 2000 Oregon becomes the first state in the nation to conduct a presidential election entirely by mail. About 80% of registered voters participated.

Measure 60 eliminated restrictions on vote-by-mail and established it as the single form of voting for elections in Oregon. It also required vote-by-mail to be used for biennial primaries and general elections as well as eliminating polling places.