En español | Oregon's Nov. 8 general election will decide races for governor, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the state legislature, among other races. The state’s primary was May 17.

Essential info:

• Mail-in voting: Oregon conducts universal vote-by-mail elections. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters in October for the general election. Absentee ballots 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.

• In-person voting on Election Day: The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day.

What's new this year?

Oregon’s redistricting plan has redrawn certain boundaries of its state legislative districts and added a new U.S. congressional district. These changes may affect which candidates appear on your ballot. Also, a law passed in 2021 allows mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they’re received within a week of the election.

What races are on the ballot and who's running?

• Governor: Christine Drazan (R), Betsy Johnson (Unaffiliated), Tina Kotek (D)
• U.S. Senate: Jo Rae Perkins (R), Incumbent Sen. Ron Wyden (D)
• U.S. House: All six seats
• State Senate: 16 of 30 seats
• State House: All 60 seats
• Other state appeals court, circuit court and municipal seats 

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or update your registration status. You’ll need to 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. You must register by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 18.

• By mail: Print out 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. Your registration form must be postmarked by Oct. 18.

• In person: Go to your county elections office to fill out a registration form. Register by Oct. 18 to vote in the general election.

If registering by mail or in person, you’ll need to 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.

How can I get a mail ballot? Are there important deadlines?

As long as you’re an active registered voter — meaning election materials sent to you haven’t bounced back as undeliverable, or you’ve voted or registered within the last 10 years — you’ll receive a mail ballot two to three weeks before the election. Return your completed ballot by mail or in person:

• By mail: Send your ballot to your county elections office. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day.

• In person: Take your ballot to your county elections office or take it to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballot drop box locations will be announced Oct. 19.

Prepaid postage is provided. Mail ballot distribution begins Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 25. Contact your county elections office if you haven’t received a ballot by mail within a week of their distribution.

Track your ballot 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.

You can 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 a week 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.

When is Election Day?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day.

Do I need identification to vote?

Identification is required when registering to vote and updating your voter information.

What races are on the ballot?

• Governor
• U.S. Senate: One seat, held by incumbent Sen. Ron Wyden
• U.S. House: All six seats
• State Senate: 16 of 30 seats
• State House: All 60 seats
• Other state appeals court, circuit court and municipal seats  

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on May 27 with information about how to vote in 2022. 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