Fusion voting is a simple democratic reform that gives minor parties the option to cross-nominate a candidate from another party if that candidate supports their issues. The votes on each party line are tallied separately and then added together for that candidate's total. This way, voters can vote for their party and their issues on their ballot line without worrying about spoiling or wasting their vote.

Using fusion, voters can hold candidates accountable on issues after the election. Minor parties can demonstrate in clear and unequivocal terms how much support they can deliver to a candidate by highlighting the number of votes a candidate receives on each party’s line. This gives greater influence with candidates and elected officials, especially when a minor party provides the margin of victory.

Fusion encourages voter participation. In Oregon although we have high voter turnout due to Vote by Mail, we have relatively low levels of voter registration, especially among young people. Fusion increases the interest of disaffected voters because they learn more about a candidate's positions, and are able to express their views on issues through their vote.

Fusion helps break legislative logjams and leads to more issue-based politics. In New York State, where fusion is still used, some of the biggest legislative breakthroughs have come on issues championed by a minor party. By basing their appeal on specific issues, minor parties can build a base of support that bridges partisan divides, and reward elected officials who deliver results.

Fusion is not new. Up until the early 20th century, fusion voting was legal throughout the United States, including in Oregon, and strong third parties were common. Fusion was associated with the Democratic-Populist/farmer-worker alliances of that era. But after the election of 1896 and the rise to dominance of the modern Republican Party, many state legislatures eliminated fusion voting, precisely because it encouraged electoral coalition-building among the less powerful. Today fusion voting is still legal in seven states.

In Oregon, fusion voting requires only a simple statutory change allowing a candidate to appear on the ballot as the nominee of more than one party. This seemingly small reform fundamentally changes the way the political system works, because it gives a voice – and real power – to minor parties and their supporters who are currently excluded from effective political participation.

"Ballot Freedom Project"
www.openballotvoting.org
Leave messages at 503-841-7161 

The Ballot Freedom Project is an Oregon nonprofit organization (501(c)(4))
created to educate and advocate for a return to fusion voting in the State of Oregon