In enacting ORS § 171.455 to 171.465, it is the intention of the Legislative Assembly to support the privilege of free suffrage and to protect the integrity of the election process against improper conduct:

(1) By establishing a procedure to examine complaints about election conduct of members or members-elect of the Legislative Assembly; and

(2) By assisting the Legislative Assembly in carrying out its constitutional duties to judge of the election, qualifications and returns of its own members. [1985 c.693 § 1]