Call to Action: March 3, 2018
It’s Time for Oregon to Pass a Clean
National Popular Vote Bill
Donald Trump is President because he received more votes in the Electoral College — despite the fact he lost the popular vote by some 3 million votes, a greater margin than any President in US history.
But now, the Oregon state legislature is closer than ever to joining a growing number of states who will ensure that our the next President of the United States is the person who gets the most votes.
The Electoral College is NOT what democracy looks like!
Oregon must join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact!
Here’s how it works: The National Popular Vote interstate compact (NPVIC) does not abolish the Electoral College. Rather, it is an agreement among a group of states that would award the winner of the popular vote all the electoral votes of the states that are part of the agreement. So far, the 10 states and the District of Columbia that make up the compact represent 165 electoral votes, or 61.1% of the 270 needed.
Although the National Popular Vote measure has passed the Oregon House four times in the past, this is the first time the Senate may be poised to pass a National Popular Vote bill. But the battle is far from over.
In its original form, SB1512 would put the issue on the November ballot, a move opposed by National Popular Vote supporters such as the Oregon League of Women Voters, Common Cause of Oregon, and the ACLU. These groups are demanding a clean version of the bill, one without a referral to the voters.
Call Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick.
Let the Senate pass a Clean National Popular Vote bill!
The 2018 Oregon “short” legislative session began February 5 and ends at midnight March 11. Your state representative and state senator need to hear your voice.
** ACTION 1: Send a Message**
Here is a quick link with a pre-written message to send to your state lawmakers. You can personalize the message as you like. Personalized messages are most effective.
Click here to Send A Message
**ACTION 2: Call Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick**
Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick (Democrat – District 18 – Portland)
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700
Email:
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“My name is [-] and I’m a voter from [City], Oregon. I am calling to ask Majority Leader Burdick to allow a clean National Popular Vote bill to go to the Senate floor, without pushing the decision off until the November ballot. The Electoral College is out of date and damages our democracy. The legislature must step up and ensure that every Oregonian voter has a meaningful voice in the next Presidential election.”
**ACTION 3: Call Your State Senator**
Not sure who your state legislators are? Check here: Who represents me?
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“My name is [-] and I’m a constituent from [City], Oregon. I am calling to ask you to support a clean National Popular Vote bill, without pushing the issue off to the November ballot. The Electoral College is out of date and damages our democracy. The legislature must step up and ensure that every Oregonian voter has a meaningful voice in the next Presidential election.
State Senator Alan DeBoer (Republican – District 3 – Ashland)
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703
Email:
State Senator Herman E. Baertschiger, Jr. (Republican – District 2 – Grants Pass)
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1702; District Phone: 541-787-1702
Email:
**ACTION 4: Learn More and Get Involved**
Read the text of the bill here. Learn how you can help here.
Background Information on Oregon State Legislature: Oregon’s state legislature consists of a 60-member House of Representatives and a 30-member Senate. Each constituent is represented by one representative and one senator. You can sign up for newsletters from your state legislators and even alerts on particular bills on the Oregon legislative website.
