Editor's note on the scope of our coverage
OPB’s goal each election season is to bring you the news and information you need to make informed decisions when your ballot arrives. That includes results on the most high-profile elections in Oregon and Southwest Washington. But it doesn’t include every race. While OPB is headquartered in Portland, we have offices and journalists in Southwest Washington, Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon, so our more extensive election coverage tends to focus on those parts of the region.
- Read more from Gillian Flaccus, News Director at OPB
Key dates for the 2026 general election
Now
Get informed: Visit our elections Q&A page for everything you need to know about voting in Oregon & Washington.
October 13
Voter registration deadline in Oregon
October 26
Online and mail voter registration deadline in Washington
November 3
Election Day
In-person voter registration deadline in Washington. Ballots must be received or mailed by 8 p.m.
How do I register to vote?
Oregon has a decadeslong history of vote by mail. Oregonians can register to vote on the Oregon secretary of state’s website. You must be at least 16 years old, a resident of the state and a U.S. citizen. Voters must be 18 years old to vote in an election. The voter registration deadline in Oregon is Oct. 13.
Since 2016, if Oregonians are not registered to vote, they will be automatically registered if they visit a DMV to get a new or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. The Oregon Motor Voter policy won’t register you automatically with a political party.
If you live in Southwest Washington, vote by mail is your friend as well. Head to the Washington secretary of state’s website to register to vote, update your registration, or find more information about drop boxes or other important resources. The online and mail voter registration deadline is Oct. 26 and the in person registration deadline is Nov. 3.