Ballots are now out and the 2020 Primary Election is underway! As we look to emerge from the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis, it’s important that we have trusted elected leaders who will center our recovery on working people. The stakes are high and SEIU 503 members have put in extra work to identify the strongest candidates to fight for working families. Remember to turn in your ballot by 8 p.m. on May 19th.

You can see our full slate of endorsements and find out which candidates will be on your ballot on the SEIU Oregon State Council website. There are a few races that carry significant importance for our members.

• Shemia Fagan, Secretary of State. State Senator Shemia Fagan has fought to make sure working people have to succeed, helping lead the effort to create paid family leave, protect renters, and expand access to health care. As Secretary of State, Shemia will protect the integrity of Oregon’s elections from foreign interference and federal voter suppression, strengthen voting rights to make sure we all have a voice in our democracy, and ensure government transparency and accountability through providing access to public records and auditing state agencies.
• Rob Fullmer, House District 36. Under Rob Fullmer’s leadership in contract negotiations, SEIU Higher Education won some of the best wages and benefits in Oregon history. At his day job at PSU, Rob has made it his life’s work to advocate for stronger, more affordable, and equitable public higher education. SEIU 503 could have no greater voice at the legislature than one of our own. Rob knows what matters most to our members because he is one.
• Deb Patterson, Senate District 10. Our Union is lucky to have two member-leaders contending in key races this year. Deb Patterson is a homecare worker with over 20 years of experience in health advocacy and education running to represent Salem in the Oregon Senate. Deb’s background in public health and as a union leader will provide the exact leadership our state will need as we address this crisis.
• Khanh Pham, House District 46. As our legislature prepares to address devastating budget shortfalls resulting from the pandemic, we need leaders who know and work with the communities who will be most impacted by their decisions. Khanh Pham will fight to center Oregon’s recovery on essential services and the people who provide them, and is not afraid to hold corporations accountable.

This is the first election where postage is free! You don’t need a stamp to vote, just put your completed ballot in the mailbox. Remember to turn in your ballot by 8 p.m. on May 19th.