En español | Oregon holds universal vote-by-mail elections. As long as you’re an active registered voter, you’ll receive a mail ballot two to three weeks before an election.
Essential info:
- Upcoming elections: Go to the secretary of state’s website for information about upcoming statewide elections.
- Mail-in voting: Active registered voters automatically will receive a ballot in the mail. Absentee ballots also are available to college students and people who will be out of town during the election.
- Early in-person voting: If you’d prefer to vote in person, you can cast a provisional ballot at any county elections office on or before Election Day once ballots are made available.
Have there been any recent changes to voting in Oregon?
Oregon’s 2021 redistricting plan has redrawn certain boundaries of its state legislative districts and added a new U.S. congressional district. Also, a 2021 law allows mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they’re received within seven days of the election.
How do I register to vote?
Register online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or update your registration status. Provide your Oregon driver’s license, permit or state-issued ID number. You may still register online without an ID, but your information will be entered into a voter registration card that must be printed, signed and taken to your county elections office.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your county elections office. Or contact your elections office and request a form be mailed to you. Registration cards are also available at post offices, libraries and elections offices.
- In person: Go to your county elections office to fill out a registration form.
If registering by mail or in person, provide your driver’s license or state ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number or a paycheck stub, utility bill or bank statement confirming your name and address.
You also can register to vote during a license appointment at a Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division office — unless an election occurs within two months of your appointment, since it can take a while for registration to be processed.
Check whether you’re registered through the state’s voter information portal.
Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primary?
Yes — only registered voters of a major political party can take part in that party’s primary. Voters unaffiliated with a party may still be able to vote if nonpartisan races like judicial seats are on the ballot.
How can I get a mail ballot?
Active registered voters — meaning election materials sent to you haven’t bounced back as undeliverable, or you’ve voted or registered within the last 10 years — will receive a mail ballot two to three weeks before an election. Return your completed ballot by mail or in person:
- By mail: Send your ballot to your county elections office. Prepaid postage is provided. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day.
- In person: Take your ballot to your county elections office or to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Contact your county elections office if you haven’t received a ballot by mail within a week of their distribution.
Track your ballot by using the state’s voter information portal or by calling your county elections office. Voters in Marion, Yamhill and Multnomah counties also can track their ballots through BallotTrax.
What about absentee ballots?
Absentee ballots are available in Oregon for out-of-state college students and people who will be out of town during the election. Request an absentee ballot online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Update your mailing address and request an absentee ballot through the state’s voter information portal.
- By mail: Fill out an absentee ballot request form and mail it to your county elections office.
- In person: Drop off a completed absentee ballot request form at your county elections office.
Mail your completed ballot to your county elections office. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and must be received within seven days of the election.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Yes. Oregon is a vote-by-mail state, but county elections offices will still allow you to cast a ballot in person on or before Election Day. County elections offices will have private voting booths available during normal business hours where you can fill out a ballot in person. You can also drop off completed ballots at your county elections office or at official ballot drop boxes.
Do I need identification to vote?
Identification is required when registering to vote and updating your voter information.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 9, 2022, with more information about how to vote in Oregon. The guide was first published on Aug. 18, 2020.
Also of Interest
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/oregon