Ore. voters increasingly shun major parties

KOIN:

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press writer SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Since the last time they selected a president, Oregonians have increasingly shed their political labels.Democratic and Republican registration has fallen, while the ranks of Independent and unaffiliated voters have swelled.Four years ago, 76 percent of Oregon voters were members of the two major political parties, compared with 71 percent now. Both major parties have fewer members now than they did four years ago, even though total voter registration has grown.Meanwhile, the number of voters with no political party grew 11 percent and the Independent Party nearly tripled.Tuesday is the deadline to register for this year's election. Voter registration forms must be postmarked by Tuesday. Anyone with an Oregon driver's license or state-issued identification card can register online until 11:59 p.m. at www.oregonvotes.gov.Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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