1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

SB210 proposes major changes to Oregon's elections that would make in-person voting on election day the standard method, while restricting mail-in voting to only those unable to vote in person. This would be a drastic departure from Oregon's long-standing vote-by-mail system. The bill also imposes new voter ID requirements and eliminates paid return postage for mail ballots. While the stated aim is to enhance election integrity, respected nonpartisan organizations have found no evidence that Oregon's current vote-by-mail system lacks security or enables fraud. In fact, it has demonstrably increased voter participation over many years. This legislation would create substantial new burdens for voters, especially the elderly, disabled, rural residents, and those without flexible work schedules or transportation resources. Oregon's convenient and accessible mail voting has been a model for the nation. Reverting to a different system now, without compelling justification, seems an unwise step that could suppress voter turnout and disenfranchise many eligible Oregonians. I urge you to carefully weigh these significant ramifications against any purported benefits and to consider opposing SB210 unless it can be substantially improved.