Protecting democracy and voting rights

Since taking office in January 2025, Donald Trump has conducted an all-out assault on the government, slashing programs indiscriminately and illegally defying the Constitution and its separation of powers. He is centralizing power in the Executive branch, ordering his administration to arrest protesting citizens, and prosecuting political enemies. This is not normal and it is not business or politics as usual.

Free and fair elections are critical to a functioning democracy. Any effort to suppress the rights of eligible voters is a threat to our democratic republic. Oregon has a safe and secure voting system that makes it easier – not harder – for citizens to cast their votes. We've been voting by mail for decades and have some of the highest voter turnout in the nation. And our automatic voter registration reduces barriers that disproportionately target voters of color.

Drowning voters in red tape is part of Trump's plan because disenfranchising voters works in his favor. His voter suppression tactics especially harm communities of color, rural Americans, and women.

I have consistently supported legislation to restore voting protections, expand voter participation, and incentivize more states to implement Oregon’s well-established and safe system of vote by mail.