CRG Tell me, what do you believe are the most relevant issues currently facing the county right now?
Cobey:
As a non-affiliated candidate running for Oregon House District 3, I believe it is important to address a structural issue in Oregon’s election system that affects a large number of voters.
Oregon’s closed primary system excludes non-affiliated voters from participating in primary elections, even though their tax dollars help fund them. This means many Oregonians are shut out of one of the most important stages of the democratic process.
This leads to frustration, lower participation, and a system where many voters are left choosing between candidates selected by parties they are not part of. That dynamic contributes to polarization and limits real choice.
There is growing support for reforms like Initiative Petition 55 (IP 55) and efforts highlighted at VoterFairness.com, which aim to expand access and give every voter a voice.
I believe these reforms would be most effective if paired with voting systems like ranked choice voting or STAR voting, along with meaningful campaign finance reforms. Together, these changes would give voters more real choices, reduce polarization, and ensure elections are more representative of the people.
As someone aligned with the Forward Party, Forward Oregon, and Goodparty.org I support practical reforms that increase participation, improve transparency, and move beyond partisan gridlock.
Voters deserve access to information about all candidates, regardless of party or ballot status. Equal access to media, forums, and interviews is essential to a fair and informed election.
Learn more at VoterFairness.com.