Your ballot is your power—but only if you’re registered to cast it! Oregon runs closed primaries, which means you must be registered with a political party to participate in primary elections. Folks who are not registered with a political party will still receive ballot to vote in nonpartisan races — like those for city and county positions — and any ballot measures.
Here’s your roadmap to make sure you’re ready for the primary election on May 19, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026.
Important Voter Registration Dates
1st Week of March: Register to Vote
If you’re not yet registered, do it now. Oregon’s closed primary system means unaffiliated voters cannot participate in most primary races. Pick your party, claim your voice, and get in the game.
Action: Register to vote on the Oregon Secretary of State website here.
* Life changes, and your voter registration should too! Did you:
- Move to a new address?
- Change your name?
- Switch party affiliation?
- Update your signature?
Make sure you update your voter registration is up-to-date on the Oregon Secretary of State website
April 28, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election on May 16, 2026
This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming primary election.
Action: Register before April 28. Set a reminder now.
October 13, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election on November 3, 2026
This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election.
Action: Register before October 13. It takes just a few minutes to do online! Register to vote here.
Important Election Dates
Primary Election
Oregon will hold a statewide primary election on May 19, 2026.
In Oregon, major political parties nominate their party candidates at the Primary Election. Major parties have the option of choosing a closed primary, meaning only voters registered with that party can vote for candidates of the same party. Those nominees then appear on the November General Election ballot. All registered voters can participate in the General Election, regardless of their party affiliation.
All voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote for non-partisan races and for measures, if any, at the Primary Election.
Learn more on the Voting in Oregon webpage.
April 29, 2026
First day ballots are mailed to voters
May 19, 2026
Election Day. County Clerk’s offices open 7 am – 8 pm. Official dropsites open until 8 pm. Last day for voter to return ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8pm.
June 25, 2026
Final election results certified.
General Election
Oregon will hold a statewide general election on November 3, 2026.
September 18, 2026
Military & overseas ballots mailed
October 5, 2026
Out of state ballots mailed
October 13, 2026
Voter registration deadline
October 16, 2026
Ballots mailed to voters
November 3, 2026
Election Day
November 10, 2026
Last day to receive valid postmarked ballots from USPS
November 24, 2026
Last day to resolve challenged ballots
November 30, 2026
Last day to certify election
*These dates are subject to change. Please check the Secretary of State website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
