Measure for nonpartisan commission makes ballot

A measure that would make the election of Deschutes County Commissioners nonpartisan will appear on the November 8 general election ballot.

Volunteers collected over 7000 signatures to qualify Measure 9-148 for the ballot in Deschutes County. Some of those volunteers gathered at Sisters Movie House last week to celebrate the successful effort to put the matter before voters.

If approved by the voters, the measure will make county commissioner seats and elections nonpartisan. Deschutes County Commissioners are the only countywide elected officials who have a partisan primary election and have a county seat showing a political party affiliation. All other elected county officials have nonpartisan seats and elections.

According to the measure’s explanatory statement, “If this measure is approved, political parties no longer would nominate candidates for Deschutes County Commissioner. The County Clerk would place all eligible candidates, regardless of political affiliation, on the ballot. No party affiliations would be listed on the ballot.

Currently, 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties have nonpartisan elections for county commissioners.

If approved by voters, the provisions of the measure would take effect in 2022.