On June 24, the Oregon House passed SB 326 on second reading. This bill eliminates the “primary screenout” passed in 2005. “Primary screenout” means a law that prohibits primary voters from signing an independent candidate’s petition. UPDATE: on June 25, it also passed third reading, 44-17.

The bill also legalizes fusion, the practice of two parties jointly nominating the same candidate. If any candidate in a general election has been nominated by two political parties, his or her name appears on the November ballot once, but with both party labels next to the candidate’s name. The party of membership is listed first. Thanks to Blair Bobier for this news.