Hopes of redistricting commissions have been flooding ballot initiatives this year. Oregon is one of the multiple states hoping to create a commission to redraw congressional district and legislative lines. People Not Politicians, the leading campaign behind the measure, has had to get creative due to COVID-19. The measure was not approved to circulate until April, while the state was under strict lockdown orders. They’re hoping to accomplish something no other campaign has tried and collect nearly all of their signatures through mail and the internet. Of course, they are also hoping to collect some in-person signatures in addition to their other efforts.
Sponsors have raised about $250,000 to mail out petitions to more than a million Oregon voters. Along with this, they are sending out emails urging supporters to print out the petitions to sing and return in the mail.
Common Cause is one of the governmental watchdog groups pushing to create the commission and largest backer of People Not Politicians. “It’s a long shot,” said Common Cause executive director Kate Titus. “It will be a miracle if we pull this off.”
An interesting piece to Oregon’s redistricting commission efforts is that it’s receiving support from Republicans more than Democrats. Historically, redistricting commissions are supported by Democrats and legislative redistricting is supported by Republicans. However, Democrats are positioned to be able to draw political boundary lines next year in the Legislature since they control the governorship and both legislative chambers. Rebecca Tweed, a top Republican political consultant, is involved in the redistricting initiative campaign.
“The fact that Democrats for the first time could reapportion exactly how they want is even more of a reason than ever to have an independent commission do it,” she said. “And I would say that if it was flipped and Republicans owned the state.”
The measure faces a strong amount of opposition, including an ongoing lawsuit filed by Our Oregon. This group organizes political activities for liberal groups. Samantha Gladu of Next Up criticizes that the initiative could still end up leaving groups of people excluded. The Asians Pacific American Network of Oregon and Causa, two groups representing minorities, have also expressed these concerns.
