Measure 117, ranked-choice voting, explained in comics

By Rita Sabler
Oct. 13, 2024 1 p.m.
PANEL TEXT: Measure 117 would establish ranked-choice voting for state and federal elections. It would not affect state legislative elections. IMAGE: Five people on pedestals of varying heights.
PANEL TEXT: How would it work?” Instead of picking one candidate, voters would rank their choices. If a candidate gets more than 50% of first place votes, they win. IMAGE: A hand holding a pen marking a multiple choice style ballot.
PANEL TEXT: Why does it matter? A lot of people don’t like, or don’t trust, how politics and elections work these days. Some feel that they’re often voting between the lesser of two evils. IMAGE: A voter in the middle with devils on their right and left shoulders.
PANEL TEXT: Proponents claim ranked-choice voting is simple, transparent, and could mend political polarization by ensuring winning candidates receive the broadest support possible. Oregonians could vote for whoever they want in whatever order they want. IMAGE: Protesters holding signs in front of a government building.
PANEL TEXT: Opponents, however, are concerned about election integrity. Many county clerks in Oregon say it would cost a lot of money because they don’t have the staff and software to maintain it. They’re also concerned about transparency and potential delays during the ballot counting process. IMAGE: People lined up, putting ballots in a box
PANEL TEXT: Has this been used before? Voters have already adopted ranked-choice voting for elections in Corvallis, Benton County, Portland and Multnomah County. It’s also used in more than 50 places across the country, including Maine and Alaska. IMAGE: State outlines of Maine, Alaska and Oregon
PANEL TEXT: Measure 117 does not specify a funding source for additional staff, software and maintenance. Instead, clerks would have to file reports with the Oregon Secretary of State explaining by 2025. Then, it would be up to the Oregon Legislature to act and provide funding to support implementation. The measure wouldn’t go into effect until 2028. It would make Oregon the third state to adopt ranked choice voting. IMAGE: Oregon state capitol building

All images: Rita Sabler.

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