Oregonians who don’t want to join either the Democratic or Republican party have increased dramatically since the last presidential election.
BY BRANDON SAWYER
Oregonians who don’t want to join either the Democratic or Republican party have increased dramatically since the last presidential election. As of September, voter affiliation in Oregon counties showed huge gains from four years ago for registered Independents — they increased 155%. Nonaffiliated voters grew to represent 22% of the electorate. Other third parties, such as Libertarians and Pacific Greens, also made gains. Both major parties have lost registered voters since 2008. Democrats are down 7% and Republicans are down 2%. Democrats have a 9% edge over Republicans statewide, while Republicans dominate Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon.
