The End VBM initiative proposes a measure to be included in the November 2026 election to bring significant changes to strengthen election security and restore public confidence, including:

• Returning to single-day, in-person voting with paper ballots, reserving vote-by-mail for verified absentee voters.
• Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
• Implementing transparent, precinct-level hand counting of ballots, instead of relying on tabulation machines that conceal their programming. (See Washington County v. Tim Sippel) [1].

The Deschutes County Republican Party emphasizes that election security and integrity are nonpartisan issues, as concerns about the current system have been raised by both Republicans and Democrats, including Democratic Senator Ron Wyden [2].

Recent developments underline the urgency of these reforms:

• Judicial Watch Lawsuit: On October 24, 2024, Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Secretary of State and the State of Oregon for failing to comply with federal law requiring the removal of ineligible voter registrations. Their findings revealed that 29 of Oregon’s 36 counties failed to remove outdated registrations and that Oregon has the highest known inactive registration rate in the nation [3]. 
• Voter Registration Concerns: On November 22, 2024, The Federalist reported that the Oregon DMV processed over 54,600 voter registrations for individuals who had not proven their citizenship [4].
• Election System Vulnerabilities: Former Oregon Elections Director Stephen Trout, in a November 2, 2020, letter to then-Secretary of State candidates, warned of significant technology challenges and vulnerabilities in Oregon’s election systems. He was terminated a week after he sent his letter, at the height of their busiest time counting ballots for the November 2020 election [5].

Currently, Oregon ranks #48 out of 50 states and D.C. for the security of its election laws and rules [6]. These deficiencies, compounded by laws that permit inadequate safeguards, have left many Oregonians questioning the security and transparency of the electoral process. For true reform, Oregon’s laws must change.

“Our elections must be fair, transparent, and trustworthy,” said Keith Rockow, Chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party. “Every citizen’s vote is invaluable. It ensures a government that serves the people, and voters deserve a system that is both secure and accessible.”

The Deschutes County Republican Party urges citizens to learn more about the End VBM initiative and get involved. For additional information, visit endvbm.com. Those in Deschutes County interested in supporting the initiative can contact us at [email protected].

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About the Deschutes County Republican Party:
The Deschutes County Republican Party is dedicated to promoting policies that foster opportunity, liberty, and prosperity for all. Through grassroots engagement and effective advocacy, we strive to support candidates and initiatives that align with our shared values.