Proportional Representation in Oregon
Oregon voters approved the use of proportional representation through a statewide ballot measure, and it has been authorized by the Oregon Constitution since 1908 (Article II, §16). In 2022, Portland voters adopted proportional representation in the form of multi-winner ranked choice voting, and it is now used to elect Portland’s city council seats.
Portland
Portland voters adopted proportional representation in the form of multi-winner ranked choice voting to elect their city council. Three winning candidates from each of the four districts are elected on a rotating basis.
Previously, the Portland City Councilors were elected citywide and, as a result, regions of the city were left without representation or access to services. But with geographic representation and a proportional voting system, voters are assured of better representation for their community and their communities’ needs.
