The Independent Party of Oregon says it has enough members to be listed among the parties on the primary ballot. To be considered a major political party in Oregon, its membership must equal at least five percent of all registered voters. The Independent Party says it reached that threshold, Monday.
Rob Harris, adviser with the Independent Party of Oregon, says the major party status carries weight for primaries."The Independent Party candidates will be placed on the May Primary ballot, they'll be in the voter's pamphlets in May when one of the most important elections occurs."
The Secretary of State's office confirmed that as of today, the Independent Party has enough members to qualify as a major party. But the state has not yet determined when the process of formally recognizing the party will occur.
If recognized, the Independent Party would be Oregon's third major political party.
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