OCT 31 - The Independent Party of Oregon, the state's third-largest political party, is currently leading all other minor parties and non-affiliated voters in turnout during the first week of voting, according to a report released today by the Secretary of State.

42 percent of the party's 41,171 members have voted as of October 31. This compares favorably to 40 percent for the Pacific Greens, 36 percent for Libertarians, 23 percent for Working Families, 31 percent for Constitution, and 36 percent for non-affiliated voters.

Democrats lead all political parties in early returns with 55 percent. 48 percent of Republicans have turned in their ballots.

The Independent Party has added more than 30,000 members during the last year, making it the second-fastest growing political party in the state. Democrats lead all political parties in growth with 180,000 new members. Republicans are third with 13,000.

The Independent Party has fielded candidates for legislative and local races, and has cross-nominated candidates from both major political parties, including Ben Westlund, Kate Brown, Joel Haugen, Vicki Berger, and Jim Gilbert. The party is currently involved in legal action to have its cross-nominations printed on the Oregon ballot.

View the full party registration statistics on the Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/votreg