Episode #188
Oregon’s role as a pioneer of direct democracy
On this episode: Oregon’s long and lively ballot measure history takes center stage as we explore how the state became a pioneer in direct democracy. With more initiatives than nearly any other state, Oregon has tackled everything from salmon fishing rules and death penalty debates to psilocybin legalization and electoral reform. Geoff Pallay and Ryan Byrne dig into the origins of Oregon’s initiative process, the influence of colorful reformers like William U’Ren, and how voter-led policymaking has repeatedly reshaped the state’s laws—and even influenced national legal precedent. They also take a look at recent and potential future measures, including an abortion and gender identity-related initiative backed by national groups in 2026.
Guest(s): Ryan Byrne, Ballot Measures Staff Writer at Ballotpedia
Key Highlights
- Oregon has seen more ballot initiatives than almost any other state, averaging 30 per decade and leading on progressive policy experimentation.
- Oregon’s ballot measure system was born in part from fights against railroad monopolies, with early reformers using walkouts and coalition-building to shift political power.
- A new proposed initiative in Oregon, backed by the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, could reshape the state’s equal rights amendment.
On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.
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