Ballot box at Benton County Courthouse in Corvallis
Michael Clapp / OPB
Time is running out for voters to get their Oregon primary ballots submitted by Tuesday's deadline. With so many options on the ballot, it can be hard to figure out who and what to vote for.
This year, four of the state’s top offices are on the ballot and the Portland mayoral race has seen more than a dozen candidates vie for the city's top office. Congressional seats and spots in the state legislature are up for grabs, as well as important measures such as marijuana legislation in a pair of Oregon counties and a 10-cent gas tax hike in Portland.
If you are struggling to fill out your ballot in the finals hours, here's a quick cheat sheet to help you make your final decisions.
Portland Mayoral Race
The candidates vying to be the next mayor of Portland range from an Oregon state treasurer, to a drummer, to a wedding officiant. The eclectic mix of personalities have been campaigning around town making the last push before Tuesday's election.
Meet The Candidates: Can't remember how each candidate stands on the issues? Click on the names below and read what each candidate said about the changes needed in Rose City.
These aren't the only folks running for mayor. In all, 15 people are running in the primary election.
Watch: Six of the candidates competing to be the next mayor of Portland converged at OPB for a live debate on Think Out Loud in March.
Presidential Primary Race
Democratic Primary: When that bird landed on Bernie Sanders' podium during his rally at Moda Center, it seemed as if it was sign that he would win Oregon. But not so fast. A recent poll conducted by OPB showed Hillary Clinton actually has a slight lead in the primary. Intrigued?
Here are three stories that will help you sort through the Hillary vs. Bernie madness.
Republican Primary: With Donald Trump all but securing the ticket on the GOP side, there's not much left to debate other than the politics associated with the New York billionaire. Click below on these three stories to get a better grasp of 'The Donald.'
Important Measures
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission says samples of Blue Magoo had pesticide levels exceeding state limits.
John Rosman / OPB
Pot: Voters in two Oregon counties will decide whether to allow marijuana-related businesses. County commissioners banned marijuana retailers and growers in unincorporated parts of Klamath and Grant counties last year. Think this is a no-brainer? Well, 65 percent of voters in Grant County said 'no' to legalized marijuana in 2014. For more, click here.
Gas: A proposed four-year, temporary gas tax would add 10 cents to every gallon of gas sold in Portland. A recent poll found that 55 percent of people support the tax. For more, click here.
Water: Voters in Hood River County will decide on a measure that could restrict the production and transportation of bottled water to less than 1,000 gallons per day from any water source in the county. The measure is aimed at preventing a Nestle bottled water facility from opening in the Oregon town of Cascade Locks. To read more, click here.
How Do I Vote Again?
Maybe you are new to the state of Oregon, recently reached the legal age to vote or you're finally throwing your political weight around for the first time. If so, you might be a little confused about the process. Here's a few important things to remember about casting your vote in Oregon.
- How do I register?: Oregon voters can register online, by mail, or in-person at your county's election office. Click here to find your election office.
- Where is my ballot dropsite?: Click here to view the Secretary of State's dropsite locator.
- Voting resources: Oregon Secretary of State's Office — League of Women Voters of Oregon — Oregon Student Association
Need more information? Check out OPB's Voter Resources page and our Election 2016 page.
