Oregon holds elections, but not all contests are concluded

(MAY 22, 2020) Oregon held an election this week. More than 1.3 million ballots were returned. Here is a summary of the results.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump were chosen by the Democratic and Republican Parties to be their nominees for the president of the United States.

The race for Portland mayor, however, could not be decided because the leader, Ted Wheeler, did not receive more than 50% of the vote. That means that he and Sarah Iannarone will race each other in another election in the fall. The winner will become Portland's mayor in January.

Carmen Rubio was the first Latinx candidate to be elected to Portland City Council. Candidates in the other two races, however, will continue to campaign and face off again in the fall election. This includes incumbent Chloe Eudaly and challenger Mingus Mapps for one position. Loretta Smith will face Dan Ryan in another position.

A special ballot measure proposed a new tax to help provide services for people who are homeless. This tax is only in the Portland metro area. People who make more than $125,000 a year (or couples making more than $200,000 a year) will pay 1% tax. Businesses that make more than $5 million a year will also pay the tax. This new tax was approved because 58% of voters said yes.

There were many other choices made for senators, representatives, judges, and other leaders in the state.