Next Statewide Election
May 19, 2020 Primary Election
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” –Franklin Roosevelt
In 2020 there will be two major elections at the national level: the primary, and the General Election. One of the key platforms of the League of Women Voters is voting: access to the ballot, fair and transparent elections, voter participation at the highest level.
Voting Rights are important in every election, especially a presidential election. The LWV doesn’t endorse any candidate or political party. Instead, the LWV seeks to promote voting as a civil, political, and democratic right for everyone.
As the LWV states, “Voting is a fundamental right and all eligible voters should have the equal opportunity to exercise that right. We are dedicated to ensuring that our elections remain free, fair and accessible.”
voting in Oregon
Here in Oregon, voting is done completely by mail. See our pages for further information on the voting process. You should also visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s web page to check your registration status.
Did you know?
Registering to vote in Oregon is quick and simple. Oregonians can register:
Online using My Vote.
By mail using a voter registration form (PDF). This form also is available en Español.
In person at the county elections office.
The deadline to register is 21 days before Election Day.
To register to vote in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Oregon resident and at least 16 years old. Online registration requires a current Oregon drivers license or state ID card.
Oregon has the most convenient voting system in the country. Since adopting vote-by-mail, Oregon consistently ranks as a national leader in voter turnout.
Registered voters receive a ballot two to three weeks before an election, giving time to research issues or candidates.
Voters also receive an official ballot to complete and insert into the security envelope which is placed in the ballot return envelope and signed by the voter. The ballot return envelope can be stamped and mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state. If a voter casts their ballot after the Wednesday before an election, the ballot should be left at a drop box site to ensure it’s counted.
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
You should update your registration if you move, change your name or mailing address, or want to select or change a political party.
You can update your voter registration information, until 8 p.m. on Election Day and still cast a ballot. However, if your registration is updated close to an election, your ballot might have to be issued at the county elections office.
Students attending an out-of-state college or voters traveling during an election can still receive a ballot.
Protecting the Integrity of Elections
Oregon has a proud tradition of open, accessible and fair elections. Voter fraud is rare but taken seriously.
If you believe someone has violated Oregon elections law, contact the Elections Division. Every complaint will be investigated, and violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Oregon supports unparalleled transparency. Contact your county elections office to observe the election process.