Why do I have to vote online?

As a minor political party, the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO) receives no taxpayer assistance, and the government does not conduct our elections. Oregon's other minor political parties have determined their nominations by either caucus or convention, usually involving a small number of members. In 2010, IPO wanted to provide a method for the 55,000 IPO members to take part in the selection of candidates. IPO conducted the first minor party primary election in Oregon history open to all party members and the first online election conducted by any minor party in America. This year the Libertarian Party of Oregon followed that lead and is conducting a vote-by-mail primary election during June 2012 for its 13,000 members.

This year the IPO Primary Election uses online ballot completion combined with physical delivery of the ballot receipt and voter identification documents. The physical return of those documents (by mail, fax, or email) also creates a verifiable paper trail for all of the votes.

Why are there Republicans and Democrats on my ballot?

The IPO allows candidates from all political parties to participate in our election process. Candidates who are not members of the IPO are vetted by the nominating caucus, a 5-person board that was elected by a vote open to all IPO members in early 2012, to vet candidates and administer the IPO election. The candidates who were qualified have demonstrated at least some level of support for the party's legislative agenda. Additionally, the party believes that encouraging candidates to reach beyond their traditional bases of support promotes a healthy exchange of ideas and empowers our membership.

We certainly wish there were more non-Democrats and non-Republicans interested in becoming the candidate of a minor party. We urge IPO members to consider running for office next time and encouraging others as well.

What if I have voted but later want to change my votes on or before July 17?

You can do that. Even if you have already voted in this election, you can Log In again and change your votes. To do so, you need to repeat the entire voting process by again (1) making your choices on the ballot and (2) returning the Ballot Receipt and acceptable identification document to us so that we receive both by July 17. Only your last received ballot will count. All of your previous votes will be cancelled.