Oregon voters increasingly shun major parties
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Since the last time they selected a president, Oregonians have increasingly shed their political labels.
Democratic and Republican registration has fallen, while the ranks of Independent and unaffiliated voters have swelled.
Four years ago, 76 percent of Oregon voters were members of the two major political parties, compared with 71 percent now.
Both major parties have fewer members now than they did four years ago, even though total voter registration has grown.
Meanwhile, the number of voters with no political party grew 11 percent and the Independent Party nearly tripled.
Tuesday is the deadline to register for this year's election. Voter registration forms must be postmarked by Tuesday.
Anyone with an Oregon driver's license or state-issued identification card can register online until 11:59 p.m. at www.oregonvotes.gov.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
I can hardly wait till I get to vote! I am non-party affiliated !!
@PEANUT I just hope you can find someone to vote FOR. I have had to spend too many of my votes voting for what appeared to be the lesser of two weevils. I haven't missed any votes since I was eligible, however. If all else fails, I vote against the candidate with the most egregious attack ads. Judge a candidate by the company he keeps, if nothing else stands out.
So what you are saying is illegals can vote in Oregon. Not only is Oregon a welfare state it's magnet for illegals.
 @Ah Shucks Have you had to renew your license lately? Do you really think an illegal can get through that process, then get registered to vote? How much bath salts have you taken tonight sir?
It's going to take a lot more than this to get back to truth and honor, but it can be done. Good, truthful and honorable people can and will turn us around. I am confident of that. It has to start with our young people so we need to encourage and stear them towards honesty, self esteem and truth. It will take hold and it will scare the existing politicians to death.
And those figures fail to account for some of us who choose to select a 'major' party to be able to vote in their primary, even though we are independent-minded during the general election.Â
 @hewhoo Right on. That's what my husband, brother-in-law, and I do.Â