Learn about the election issues facing us in 2022

Debates and forums

• Linn County Sheriff Candidates Debate (October 16)
  • The debate is scheduled for October 16 at 2 pm at the Christian Church in Albany.
  • The event is co-sponsored by the Albany/Linn County League of Women Voters and the NAACP Linn Benton Branch.
• Community forum for the Benton County justice facility (October 19)
  • Benton County is hosting a forum about the proposed Justice Improvement Program.
  • The forum will be held virtually (via Zoom) and at the Linus Pauling Middle School (1111 NW Cleveland Ave., Corvallis) on October 19 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
  • The focus will be on improving accountability and emergency response..
  • Register here to join via Zoom.
  • For more information see the project’s website.

• Corvallis Mayor and City Council Candidate Debates (October 18 and 20)
  • Candidates for mayor debate on Tuesday, October 18, at 6pm.
  • Candidates from city council debate on Thursday, October 20, at 6 pm (Ward 2), 6:30 pm (Ward 3), and 7:00 pm (Ward 9).
  • All debates are available live online and the video will be available afterwards. For more information and to submit questions, see the debate website.
  • The debates are sponsored by the Corvallis Advocate and the City Club of Corvallis.

NAACP Linn Benton Candidate Survey Results

• The Political Action Committee of the NAACP Linn Benton Branch sent a very useful, 3-question survey to 68 local and state-level candidates who are on the ballot this November.
• The full responses of the 24 who replied is included in their report, Local Candidates’ Views on Racial Equity.

2022 Oregon Ballot Measures

The fall statewide election includes four ballot measures, each a constitutional amendment. Three of the ballot measures relate, either directly or indirectly, to racial justice. Read more about our take on these measures, including our endorsements.

• Measure 111: Oregon Right to Health Care Amendment
  • The Measure adds language to the Oregon Constitution that accessible and affordable healthcare is a human right. If the measure passes, state lawmakers will determine how state law will change to be in compliance.
  • Racial disparities have always existed for healthcare, from access to providers to the type of care offered. In some ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this disparity more visible. (Further reading: Disparities in Health and Health Care: 5 Key Questions and Answers.)
  • Corvallis SURJ supports Measure 111 because we believe it will promote racial equity in access to health care.
• Measure 112: Removing Slavery and Crimes from the Oregon Constitution
  • When the 13th Amendment was ratified in 1865, slavery was formally abolished in the U.S. — “except as punishment for crime.” The Oregon constitution retains this language, which carved out an exception that has “enabled incarcerated people to be used as free and forced labor and paved the way for mass incarceration, particularly of Black Americans, that we still see to this day” (Innocence Project).
    • For further reading about the issue: How the 13th Amendment Kept Slavery Alive: Perspectives From the Prison Where Slavery Never Ended. For more information about the measure: OASIS (Oregonians Against Slavery and Involuntary Servitude).
  • Corvallis SURJ supports Measure 112 because removing this language from the Oregon constitution because it denounces our state’s racist legacy and represents one step in making Oregon a more just and equitable place.
• Measure 113: Oregon Exclusion from Re-election for Legislative Absenteeism
  • A “yes” vote supports disqualifying legislators from re-election following the end of their term if they are absent from 10 legislative floor sessions without permission or excuse.
  • Ballotpedia states that Hold Politicians Accountable is leading the campaign in support of Measure 113, and that they have not located a campaign in opposition
• Measure 114: The Reduction of Gun Violence Act
  • This measure aims to make communities and schools safer from gun violence by requiring permits, background checks, and safety training for all sales of firearms. It also prohibits the sale of large-capacity magazines (the kind used in the biggest mass shootings in the last decade).
  • For more information about the measure: Lift Every Voice Oregon (supporting the measure) and Stop 114 (opposing the measure).

Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

If more folks voted, it would be easier to end racist governmental policies.  Many organizations can use your support to Get Out The Vote (GOTV), and most target progressive voters or voters from underrepresented groups.  Opportunities to take action range from letter writing to phone banking to monetary contributions. These sites also explain the issues at stake.

Black Voters Matter  Black Voters Matter aims to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities.  They also advocate for policies to expand voting rights and access.

NAACP Power Your Vote Find ways to elect candidates who support policies that improve Black lives, who will protect voting rights, and who will protect democracy.

Native American Voting Rights A project of the Native American Rights Fund, this site provides state voter guides (including to Oregon), background information, and fact sheets.

Rural Organizing Project‘s Defend Democracy Campaign includes a voter hotline, media outreach, and soon “an election guide by and for rural Oregonians.”

Spread The Vote helps voters get the IDs they need to make their voices heard at the polls in voter ID states.  Their average ID cost is $40.  That ID also opens doors to jobs, housing, medical care, and more.  (Spread The Vote was started and is largely staffed by people of color.)

Vote Forward Send letters to targeted folks encouraging them to vote.  Vote Forward provide the letters, with room for you to personalize.  Vote Forward letters are a proven way to increase voter participation.

Vote.org is an extensive source for voter registration and voter turnout; they are a partner with the national NAACP.

Voto Latino is a grassroots organization focused on educating and empowering Latinx voters.

…and register to vote in Oregon!

Other sources of information