Stay informed on the presidential race, key congressional battles and other local contests and ballot measures in Oregon and Southwest Washington at opb.org/elections.
A person drops a ballot at the Washington County Elections Office in Hillsboro, Ore., process ballots on May 21, 2024.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
How does Oregon mail-in voting work?
Oregon has a decades-long history of vote by mail. Here’s how it works. If you’re registered to vote, a ballot arrives roughly 14 to 18 days before an election. Fill out your ballot, sign the back of the envelope and drop it off in the mail or at an approved county drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
How do I register to vote?
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. 15.
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.
I live in Southwest Washington. What do I need to know?
Vote by mail is your friend in Washington 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. 28 and the in-person registration deadline is Nov. 5.
How do I check my registration?
The Oregon secretary of state’s office oversees elections. Check your registration or change your party affiliation on the state’s website.
Where is my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot with the secretary of state’s office. County elections offices often offer text confirmation services for free, so you can opt to receive a text or email when your ballot is on its way to you. You can also find out when your ballot has been counted.
How do I vote by mail or change my mailing address?
Head on over to the secretary of state’s website to change your address.
How do I get a ballot and voter guide in Spanish?
Your county elections office should provide voter’s pamphlets or portions of them in numerous languages.
How do I vote after the mail-in deadline?
You can mail your ballot on Election Day itself via the post office, but the ballot must be postmarked on that day so make plans to ensure that’s possible.
Where is the closest ballot drop-off site?
Again, the secretary of state’s office is a good place to find accurate, up-to-date information. Ballot drop boxes can change location, so make sure you check that site or your county elections office to find the latest ballot locations, typically updated a few days before your ballots are mailed.