OPB Ballot Guide 2026

Oregon 2026 Primary Elections

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.

Important Election Dates

April 28

Voter registration deadline in Oregon. Registration cards postmarked by this date or submitted online no later than 11:59 pm are valid.

April 29

First day ballots are mailed to voters

May 19

Election Day

County clerk’s offices are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and official drop sites close at 8 p.m. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, and ballots placed in official drop boxes must be received by 8 p.m.

How do I register to vote?

Oregon has a decadeslong history of vote by mail. Here’s how it works. If you’re registered to vote, a ballot arrives roughly 14 to 18 days before an election. Fill out your ballot, sign the back of the envelope and drop it off in the mail or at an approved county drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Oregonians can register to vote on the Oregon secretary of state’s website. You must be at least 16 years old, a resident of the state and a U.S. citizen. Voters must be 18 years old to vote in an election. The voter registration deadline in Oregon is April 28.

Since 2016, if Oregonians are not registered to vote, they will be automatically registered if they visit a DMV to get a new or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. The Oregon Motor Voter policy won’t register you automatically with a political party.