The Origins of All-Mail Voting Are Further South Than You May Think

Many people are aware that Oregon is one of three states that implements all-mail voting. Washington followed in 2011 and Colorado makes the switch this year. However, what most people do not know is that San Diego was the pioneer in vote-by-mail elections. “As a charter city, San Diego has more independence and could go to an all vote-by-mail system by council decree without legislation.” In May 1981, the one and only time San Diego exercised this power, its citizens passed a referendum to block the construction of a convention center using public funds, instead pushing for the development of a less expensive convention center two years later. 

San Diego’s vote-by-mail was the largest in the United States up until that time.  The New York Times took notice and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson commented in 1981 that all-mail voting “will quite literally shape San Diego clear through the turn of the century.” This prediction did not come to fruition for San Diego. However, Oregon took notice and brought all-mail voting to the state level in 1998. 

“Oregon’s then Secretary of State Norma Paulus sent a group of legislators to San Diego to observe the election.” The rest, as they say, is history.  As in, historic and influential. It is no coincidence that Oregon consistently boasts one of the highest rates of voter turnout in general elections in the U.S. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we see high turnout because of vote-by-mail,” says Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown. “It’s extremely convenient and accessible; it’s secure and cost-effective.” Washington and Colorado voters agree and voters in all three states have San Diego to thank for blazing the trail.