“Every citizen in America needs to be educated, and informed and aware about what their candidates stand for, and how they are going to govern,” Political Science Instructor Michael Torguson says.
Voters in 12 states head to the polls for Super Tuesday, so what does that mean for Oregonians when they don’t get to cast their ballots until May 17th?
“Under most circumstances the nominee has already been chosen, the one exception was in 2008 when Clinton and Obama were neck and neck,” Torguson says,”Unless Hillary just stops campaigning and Bernie just hits this great streak of wins, the race is in the bag because of the super delegates.”
At the Jackson County Election’s Office, deadlines are fast approaching for candidates filing to run, and submitting information for voter’s pamphlets. Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker, says they’re expecting a big turn out.
New this year is phase 2 of the “Oregon Motor Voter Act”, which means officials will be looking for eligible voters who are not yet registered.
“From now until the general election, we’ll probably have at least 15% more registered voters,” Walker says.
And while Oregon voters will have to wait a few more months for a piece of the political pie, Torguson says don’t let your voice be silenced.
“If you don’t vote you don’t complain, so unless you get out and exercise your right to vote, you are stuck with whichever elected official other people choose for you.”
If you’re not yet registered to vote in the state of Oregon, the deadline is April 26th. Visit OregonVotes.gov to register online.
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