Oregon Litigation Case Page
Case Overview
Case: Independent Voters v. Oregon
Court: Oregon Circuit Court
Filed: 2025
Status: Active
This lawsuit, supported by Open Primaries and launched by Independent Oregonian Michael Porter and the nonprofit Our Primary Voice is a direct challenge to Oregon’s closed primary system.
Petitioners assert that the Oregon legislature imposed an unconstitutional barrier to voting in violation of the State Constitution’s specific requirement that all citizens are allowed to vote in all elections by requiring that independent voters be members of the Democratic or Republican parties to participate in primary elections.
Why It Matters
- Independents are the largest and fastest-growing segment of Oregon’s electorate.
- Closed primaries silence millions of voters who are critical to competitive, accountable elections.
- Taxpayers should not be forced to fund elections they cannot participate in.
Timeline
- 2025: Case filed in Oregon state court.
- 2025-26: Court hearings and motions.
- Next Steps: Summary judgement motion awaiting judicial ruling.