Debate closes Oregon Democrats’ Sunriver summit
The Oregon Summit, a three-day gathering of Oregon Democrats, wrapped up Sunday morning at the Sunriver Resort with a debate between the party’s three candidates running for secretary of state.
The three seeking the position are state Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, state Sen. Richard Devlin and state Rep. Val Hoyle. Current Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins, appointed after Kate Brown became governor earlier this year, is not seeking a full term.
Avakian said he would work with state officials to make the language on ballot initiatives more clear for voters.
“I’m going to work very closely with Oregon’s attorney general to make sure ballot titles are accurate,” he said.
Hoyle, a former house majority leader, say she is proud to be part of House Bill 2177, also known as the “Motor Voter” law.
The law registers all eligible Oregon drivers to vote.
“Now, with automatic voter registration, we can spend more time going out and engaging voters and we have to take the responsibility of engaging all voters.” Hoyle said.
Devlin told Newschannel 21 he is the better-qualified candidate in the race because of his experience working for the people of Oregon.
“In term of the actual position that we’re running for, I’m the most qualified candidate particularly to be the state’s chief election office, given my experience,” Devlin said.
For Collin Erickson, a voter who attended the debate, there was no clear winner.
He said the candidates did make many great points on improving the voting system for Oregonians.
Erickson did like Devlin, who he said seemed to have a clear idea of how the office should be run.
“I know for a fact when he said he read every audit for the last two years, I know he means that and that is a huge part of the secretary of state role,” Erickson said.
But not everyone who attended the Oregon Summit agreed.
A straw poll taken by voters attending the weekend event showed Avakian coming out ahead.
The Oregon primary election will be May 17th, 2016.
