Will Work to Increase Voter Participation, Aggressive Audits of State Agencies

Senator Brad Avakian announced today that he is running for Secretary of State.

"My top priority as Secretary of State would be ensuring that Oregon maintains its leadership in promoting election participation,” said Avakian. "Our innovative vote-by-mail system already gives Oregon some of the most citizen-friendly elections in the nation. Through increased voter education and voter registration, we can bring even more Oregonians into the electoral process, particularly young people.”

Noting that the Secretary of State also runs the Audits Division Avakian said, "I would work to increase aggressive audits of state agencies,” said Avakian. "When government is more accountable, then we have the funding necessary for vital services such as quality public schools and affordable health care.”

Avakian's passion for making a difference was sparked when he helped establish the South West Music School after budget cuts eliminated arts education in his local schools. During two terms in the Oregon House Avakian fought for full funding for public schools and helped pass the law that reduced prescription drug costs.

Avakian successfully ran for the Oregon Senate in 2006 where he worked with his colleagues as Assistant Majority Leader.

Avakian was Chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee during the 2007 Legislative Session, championing many successful bills including the Oregon Renewable Energy Act, the first update of the Oregon Bottle Bill since its landmark passage over 30 years ago, and continued state funding for wildfire suppression.

Avakian lives in the Bethany area with his wife Debbie and two children.