Today is National Voter Registration Day! It’s a day dedicated to encouraging Americans to exercise their right to vote by registering. This year, National Voter Registration Day falls on September 17th, and it’s a crucial reminder to ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming November 5th General Election.
This year’s General Election includes significant races at the local, state, and federal levels, including the Presidential election. Local contests include the Portland Mayor, Portland City Council, and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. State races include the Oregon Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, among others.
It’s crucial to register to vote or update your registration if you’ve moved or changed your name. The deadline to register for the upcoming election is October 15th. Registering is simple and can be done online at oregonvotes.gov/register.
Not sure if you’re registered or if your information is up to date? Check your voter registration status online at oregonvotes.gov/myvote. You can also sign up for Track Your Ballot to receive alerts about your ballot status.
Encourage your friends, family, and community members to register as well. Multnomah County Elections offers resources to help you organize a voter registration drive, including printable registration cards and brochures. These resources can be found in the “Let’s Make a Plan to VOTE!” Virtual Voter Registration Kit.
National Voter Registration Day is a call to action. Make a plan to vote and ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming election. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
- Register to Vote.
- Request your ballot (if applicable).
- Receive your ballot.
- Complete your ballot.
- Return your ballot.
The deadline to register to vote is October 15th. Update your registration if you’ve moved, changed your name, or wish to change your party affiliation. Ensure your current address is accurate to receive your ballot promptly. You can register online or by completing a paper registration card.
For those already registered, confirm your information is accurate. Oregon residents with a valid driver’s license or ID can update their registration online. Others can use a paper Oregon Voter Registration Card. These cards are available at various locations, including post offices, libraries, and the Multnomah County Elections Building.
This year, Portland voters will use ranked-choice voting for the first time in elections for Mayor, City Council, and Auditor. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Multnomah County Elections provides resources to understand this new voting method.
Voters who expect to be away from home on Election Day can request an absentee ballot. Applications are available online and must be submitted. Contact the Multnomah County Elections office for assistance.
Oregon has utilized vote-by-mail for over 25 years. Return your ballot by mail (no stamp needed) or drop it off at an official ballot drop box location. Ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day or dropped off by the same time. Find a list of official drop box locations online.
The Gresham Voting Center Express will be open from October 10th through Election Day to provide voter assistance. Services include ballot replacement, voting assistance, and answering questions.
Multnomah County Elections offers support for voters in multiple languages and strives to ensure election security. Interpreters are available, and election information is available in various languages online. The Elections Division website addresses questions about election security.
Key dates to remember for the upcoming election include National Voter Registration Day (September 17th), the voter registration deadline (October 15th), and Election Day (November 5th). The official election results will be certified on December 2nd. Contact Multnomah County Elections for any questions or assistance.