Today, Oregon is the only state to conduct all of its elections wholly through vote-by-mail. The results of this system, in terms of higher voters participation, are striking. During the 2004 election, more than 86 percent of those registered to vote in Oregon sent in ballots to the state (compared to 64 percent nationally.

Now, as Jahna Berry reports for The Arizona Republic, the Grand Canyon State is considering a move to join Oregon with a vote-by-mail system.

A wealthy Bullhead City radio station executive is bankrolling an initiative that could pave the way for Arizonans to vote almost entirely by mail, a change that could transform state political campaigns and elections.

Businessman Rick Murphy said he's pursuing the initiative because he was disturbed by paltry voter turnout when he unsuccessfully ran for Rep. Trent Franks' congressional seat in the 2004 Republican primary.

On Monday, some state political leaders were intrigued by the proposal, which could make the voter identification rules in Proposition 200 moot. The state's top election official said she vehemently opposes the measure.

"I feel very strongly that we have elections on Election Day and that people cast ballots at precincts," Secretary of State Jan Brewer said, noting that people can already vote by mail if they ask for an absentee ballot.

While many state residents vote with absentee ballots, the proposed initiative goes much further. If it passes, elections officials would automatically send all voters a ballot and a return envelope with prepaid postage. Only a few polling places would remain open on Election Day for traditional voting and to allow voters to drop off last-minute mail-in ballots.

It's natural that those who would like to see a continuation of the status quo would be opposed to a radical change like this, but any move that helps energize the electorate and allows more Americans to participate in politics is a good thing. Vote-by-mail has been a real success in Oregon, and I hope Arizonans give the proposition real consideration if and when it comes to a vote.