Deschutes County considers ranked-choice voting for commissioners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A new proposal in Deschutes County seeks to change how voters elect county commissioners, potentially introducing ranked-choice voting to future races. The initiative is currently in the signature-gathering stage and aims to decide elections on a single ballot.

Current system and proposed change

If approved, the measure would replace the current “first-past-the-post” system, which often leads to runoff elections. Under the existing model, a candidate must receive 50% plus one vote to win outright; otherwise, the top two candidates advance to a runoff.

Two commissioner races in Deschutes County are headed to a runoff this November under that system.

Where ranked-choice is already used

In Oregon, ranked-choice voting is already used in Multnomah and Benton counties, as well as in the cities of Portland and Corvallis.

How ranked-choice voting works

Under the proposed system, voters rank candidates from most to least preferred. Ballots are first counted by each voter’s top choice.

• If a candidate meets a set threshold, such as 25% in a three-seat race, they win a seat and surplus votes are redistributed.
• If no candidate meets the threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those votes are reassigned based on next choices.
• The process continues until all seats are filled.

Supporters cite broader representation

Amanda Page, co-petitioner for Voices for All Deschutes, said ranked-choice voting allows for broader representation beyond geography.

“And so for me, it provides representation not just for those geographical differences, but also ideological differences,” Page said.

Brian Smith, with the Tribal Democracy Project, said the system reflects proportional representation.

“It comes to this idea of representation that's proportionate. Legislative bodies, commissions, councils — they should reflect the voters while still protecting the majority,” Smith said.

Limited scope of proposal

The proposed change would apply only to Deschutes County commissioner races. Other elections would continue using the current system.

Implementation and logistical challenges

Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison said the change would shift commissioner races off the May ballot and require significant public outreach.

“So we would not have commissioner race on the ballot in May as we do right now. That's one big piece. The other thing will just be implementation. A lot of outreach,” Dennison said.

Costs and system upgrades

Dennison said the county would need to upgrade its ballot tabulation system to handle ranked-choice voting.

“We'll have to modify our ballot tabulation system, pay for the upgrade to be able to count those ranked choice voting races,” he said.

He added that a second ballot could be required, potentially increasing printing and mailing costs.

What’s next

The proposal must gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, where voters would ultimately decide its fate.

Upcoming public forum

The League of Women Voters will host a forum on ranked-choice voting Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bend Central Library.