Marion County Elections Held on May 15

The Marion County Elections happened on May 15. This election, voters voted on candidates for nonpartisan offices and on bond measures. This  was also a primary election in which voters of the Democratic, Republican, and Independent parties chose candidates to represent them in the General Election in November.  
Any person over 18, who registered to vote prior to April 24 and was a US citizen who lives in Marion County, was eligible to vote in this election. Voters voted on judges for the Oregon Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and Court of Appeals. Voters also voted on the Salem-Keizer School Bond. This bond is for school construction, renovations, and expansions. The bond passed with 53.97% of voters voting for the bond.  
Voters were also able to choose who they wanted to represent their party in November. One of the major positions that was voted on was governor.
In the race for governor, Kate Brown, the incumbent, handily won the Democratic primary with 79.09% of the vote as of Thursday, May 17.  In the November general election, Governor Brown will face off against Republican, Knute Buehler. Buehler won the Republican primary with 35.49% of the vote.
“I want Oregon to be a place where everyone can thrive. To do that, we need to continue our progress on making sure that everyone has access to the healthcare they need, a high quality education and a good job.” Said Kate Brown, on why she was running for another term.
Voters also voted for US Representative, to represent them in the US House of Representatives, if they lived in district 5. Mark Callahan won the Republican primary with 60.96% of the vote. Callahan will run against Democrat Kurt Schrader. Schrader is the incumbent and won his primary with 85.77% of the vote.  
Voters also voted on County Commissioner, State Representative for their district, and State Senator for their district. Elections for Senators and Representatives are staggered so that not all of the legislature seats are being voted on in a single year. One can find information about one’s Senate and House district online, on the Oregon State Legislature website.
In addition to these positions, habitants of the City Of Salem were able to vote on their City Councilors and Mayor. Chuck Bennett won the Mayoral race with 98.62% of the vote. Meanwhile, Tom Andersen, Ward 2; Jacqueline Leung, Ward 4; and Chris Hoy, Ward 6; were elected to the Salem City Council.
“I would like to continue what has been started and add new layers. Next Council meeting I am starting the process of passing a plastic bag ban in Salem. I will be introducing other environmental measures as well, I also am interested in exploring new, equitable sources of funding as the City does not have enough resources to provide for its needs.” Said Tom Andersen, on what he hopes to accomplish in his next term.
This election year is a midterm. This means that representatives and senators are elected in the middle of the president’s term and that there is not a presidential election this year. Typically in midterm elections the party controlling the White House loses seats in the Legislature. The midterm elections are being held in November. Voter turnout in midterm elections is usually much lower than in presidential election years. The voter make-up in midterm elections are mainly older people. In most midterm elections the younger demographics don not vote or even register.  
“I would also urge high school voters to take the time to learn about the issues and about your elected officials. I would urge high school voters who are 18 to vote, and to urge their friends to vote.  It’s hard to believe it, but EVERY SINGLE VOTE MATTERS. Share your passion and insights, and grow your experience to run for office,” said Deb Patterson, on how important it is for young people to vote and get involved. Patterson is a Democrat and will be running for Oregon Senate district 10 in November.