Salem, OR—Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan sent a letter to state legislators today announcing her 2023 legislative agenda: the Protect Our Democracy agenda.

Download the letter to legislators and a copy of the 2023 Protect Our Democracy agenda: https://sos.oregon.gov/public-records-log/Document...

“Today I am sending you my 2023 Protect Our Democracy agenda, which calls for targeted investments in how we run elections to ensure that they remain free, fair and secure,” Secretary Fagan wrote in the letter. “As you weigh your choices and decide which priorities to focus on, please remember that without investments in our elections, we will not have the necessary public trust to address the challenges that Oregonians face today. This agenda is not in competition with other priorities; it is foundational to them.”

The Protect our Democracy Agenda includes five areas of focus where we can build on Oregon’s history as a pro-democracy state. They include:

1. Investing in free, fair and secure elections
2. Expanding access to our democracy
3. Election security
4. Successfully implementing campaign finance reform
5. Updates to election laws

“The rising tide of anti-democracy forces in our country erodes trust and threatens our freedoms,” Secretary Fagan wrote. “Thanks to our track record of pro-democracy policy, Oregon is uniquely positioned to show the rest of the country a better way forward.”

The 2023 Legislative Session convenes during a time of significant risks for American democracy, with states passing laws that restrict the right to vote or allow partisan interference in elections, falling public trust in democracy, and the continued threat of violent actions like the January 6 insurrection. Despite these headwinds, data show trust and participation in Oregon remains high.

The 2023 Protect Our Democracy Agenda will ensure that remains a leader by ensuring that our elections remain free and fair.