Voices for All of Deschutes
Advocates Launch Campaign to End Gerrymanders and Promote Proportional Representation in Deschutes County
BEND, OR - Today a coalition of community members and good government groups, including Deschutes Defend Our Democracy Coalition, Common Cause Oregon, and Tribal Democracy Project, gathered to announce the launch of a new campaign toward fair elections and better representation in the county.
In May, elections officials cleared a newly filed initiative petition for signature gathering— now advocates are collecting signatures to qualify a measure on the ballot. Initiative Petition 9-2026-I-01 titled “Voices for All of Deschutes” was filed by chief petitioners Freddy Finney-Jordet, Amanda Page, and Tawny Barin Howlett, with the backing of coalition partners seeking better representation for Deschutes County.
In 2024, voters decided to expand the Deschutes County Commission from 3 to 5, and since then there has been a public discussion over how commissioners should be elected. The options most discussed are the status quo (single winner at-large), a scheme that splits the county into 5 districts where each commissioner is elected by district that will be on the November ballot, and then a system of proportional representation through multi-winner ranked choice voting. Opponents to the status quo argue it disenfranchises the vast majority of voters, and the more establishment elements of one party can control the whole board, leaving more progressive, rural, and conservative voters without a voice. Opponents to the district map on the November ballot argue it is a gerrymander that is likely to put the minority party in control of the commission, as well as deprive voters the opportunity of voting for every position on the commission.
Members of the coalition supporting the “Voices for All of Deschutes” petition argue proportional representation incorporates the best aspects of the two other electoral systems while addressing the major issues.
Brian Smith of Tribal Democracy Project stated, “Proportional representation through ranked choice voting would eliminate the possibility of gerrymanders and reduce money and corporate influence in our local politics, bring more voices to the table, allow ALL voters to have a say in who is elected to the commission, all while being the system best equipped to protect the will of the majority of voters.”
Kate Titus, executive director of Common Cause Oregon, shared, “Oregon has always led the way in making our democracy better, whether it be vote by mail or automatic voter registration. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act, and once again Oregonians have been leading the way throughout the state with proportional representation.”
Freddy Finney-Jordet, campaign manager for Deschutes Defend Our Democracy Coalition, shared "Our system needs a change, so we don't leave out entire groups of people. This initiative petition introduces proportional ranked choice voting for county commission races, which good government groups consider the gold standard of electoral systems for legislative bodies. Over 280,000 Oregonians across three counties have already successfully used this system. I was born and raised in Deschutes County--I know we're facing a number of pressing issues as we grow. To address affordability and livability, wildfire mitigation, and our land use needs, we need fair elections with community-driven candidates. By adopting proportional ranked choice voting, we can make that a reality for Deschutes County.”
Supporters of Initiative Petition 9-2026-I-01 titled “Voices for All of Deschutes” will host a campaign kick-off on June 27th for local supporters to learn more and get involved further.
