Oregon House OKs bill to restrict ‘fake’ voters’ pamphlets

The Oregon House of Representatives voted Thurs day to provide additional clarity to Oregon voters by restricting the use of imitation voters’ pamphlets during elections.

House Bill 2349 , filed at the request by former Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins, requires a person who prints or circulates an imitation voters’ pamphlet to meet a number of requirements. Among those requirements:

The pamphlet must contain the phrase “THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL VOTERS’ PAMPHLET” in bold print that is at least 36-point type. The word “UNOFFICIAL” must be superimposed on each page of the imitation voters’ pamphlet so that the word extends diagonally across the voters’ pamphlet from one margin of text to the other.

The law imposes a fine of up to $10,000 for a violation.

The legislation comes following a high-profile incident in a recent election where a fake voters’ pamphlet was circulated against a candidate.

“It is incidents like these that shake the faith Oregonians have in the integrity of our electoral system,” said Rep. Jennifer Williamson (D-Portland) who carried the bill on the floor. “This bill seeks to ensure that voters aren’t confused by these deceptive campaign practices.”

The bill, which passed the House 51-5, now moves to the Senate for consideration.