U.S. political parties outside of Democrat and Republican are marginal with regard to news coverage and representation in national politics; however, some politicians from these parties do hold seats in congress and have major voices in local or regional decisions.
The Emerald has compiled a set of descriptions for non-major parties voters may see in this year’s election.
Constitution Party of Oregon
The Constitution Party positions itself as a Christian political party and nominates candidates who pledge to defend its three principles: one, that God is the ultimate “king, lawgiver and judge of mankind” whose word must be heeded. Two, both church and state must defend and support the institution of “family.” And three, civil government must protect freedom of conscience, private property and “innocent human life from conception to natural death.” The party also believes in restricting federal government powers to only what is granted in the Constitution.
Independent Party of Oregon
The Independent Party bases its platform on the beliefs that the current government is not accountable to ordinary citizens and that politics have become too partisan and corrupted by special interests. It claims to nominate candidates who have the “backing and trust of their local communities.” Some of its platform policies include opposition to inefficient government spending, increasing transparency in the way government operates and spends money, environmental protection from “all types of insult” and improving job training opportunities and education.
Libertarian Party of Oregon
The Libertarian Party claims to be a centrist political party that believes in the “social freedoms espoused by liberals and the economic freedoms espoused by conservatives.” It advocates for policies that limit government’s ability to increase either its spending or its control over social choices that people make. It believes that government is needed in the policing of unwanted force against individuals but that otherwise people should be free in how they live their lives provided that they “do not infringe upon others’ freedom in doing so.”
Pacific Green Party of Oregon
The Pacific Green Party describes itself as a political organization working to support a society based on principles of “peace, sustainability, social and economic justice and grassroots democracy.” Its platform policies aim to establish a “green economy for the 99 percent.” These policies include changing Oregon voting to a ranked choice system like that in Maine, supporting rent control and living wages based on local housing costs, and creating an economy focused on repairing infrastructure and decreasing use of fossil fuels and chemicals.
Oregon Progressive Party
The Progressive Party claims to fight for “economic justice, human rights, environmental protection, and grassroots democracy.” It opposes such things as the influence of large campaign donations in politics, funding for wars and “Wall Street bailouts” and free trade agreements that they feel benefit corporations at the expense of the public. It supports a “Medicare for All” healthcare system, equal rights for all people, tax reform that benefits the middle class, a $15 minimum wage and action to prevent air pollution and climate change.
Working Families Party of Oregon
The Working Families Party states that it aims to build an Oregon “that works for all of us, not just the wealthy and well connected.” It claims to vigorously fight voter suppression and the influence of money in politics. It supports unions and fair working conditions, healthcare for all, more funding for public education and no tuition fees at institutes of higher education, reforming the immigration and criminal justice systems, a state bank that can help small businesses and family farms, and increased taxes for corporations and wealthy individuals.
The above information comes from official party statements in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet, which can be accessed at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/current-election.aspx