Portland residents are open to changing the way that city commissioners are elected, according to a new OPB poll.
Commissioners are currently elected by a city-wide vote. Critics say that system doesn't do a good job of representing minority groups and people who live in poorer neighborhoods. Activists in East Portland have pushed to create district elections instead.
The firm DHM Research conducted the poll and talked to just over 400 likely Portland voters; 54 percent said they would support changing to district elections for commissioners.
Related: Poll: Portland Voters Not Too Hot On Mayor Hales' Performance
DHM political expert John Horvick says switching to districts could encourage a more diverse slate of candidates to run.
“I think a lot of people just decide not to run at all, given the hurdles that exist. Particularly if you are a long committed member of one part of the community and are well known there, if you’re not well known somewhere else in a city-wide election you may decide you just don’t have a chance
and may not even enter the race.”
Support for the change was greatest among young people and people east of Interstate 205.