Register to Vote
The next Oregon statewide election is the November 5, 2024, General Election.
The last day to register to vote is October 15, 2024.
Online resources
Find out how to vote and whether you are registered to vote by clicking on one of the following sites:
State of Oregon with links to register, check your registration, current election information, and more.
Vote.org for Oregon - Election tools, deadlines, dates, rule, and links, including registering to vote, checking your registration, see what is on your ballot, and get election reminders.
Librarians from the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT), a Round Table of the American Library Association (ALA), created these reference guides for Oregon.
Jefferson County General Election
Jefferson County Website - election and voter information, as well as links to register, ballot drop box locations, voter statistics, precinct maps, and more.
Election Protection Hotlines
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) (en Español)
1-888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) (Asian multilingual assistance)
1-844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) (Arabic)
Library Resources
Check out the 320-324: Political processes and government systems.
Opposing Viewpoints - (Gale In Context database) - Continuously updated information and opinions cover hot issues.
Eligibility
To register to vote in Oregon, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- Have established a residential address in Oregon ("what is my residential address" - FAQ)
- At least 16 years old (If you are not yet 18 years of age, you will not receive a ballot or be eligible to vote until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.)
Since January 2016, the Oregon Motor Voter Act makes voter registration automatic, shifting from an opt-in process to an opt-out process. It eliminates the need to fill out the voter registration card for those with qualifying interactions (applying for, renewing, or replacing an Oregon drivers’ license, ID card, or permit) at the DMV. Instead, eligible Oregonians will receive a mailing from the Oregon Elections Division explaining their options for registering to vote. (Motor Voter Act of 2016).
For more information, please visit the Oregon Secretary of State website.
Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.
Reasons why you should vote:
Every vote counts.
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about.
It's your right.
Voting was not always a right for all Americans. Initially, the Constitution did not specify who could vote. This question was left mainly to the states.
Then in 1869, the 15th Amendment was passed, allowing black men the right to vote. However, many would-be voters were discouraged from exercising that right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws.
Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the efforts of the women's suffrage movement forced the addition of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.
So the history of the right to vote for all Americans has been a long battle, and we should not take our duty lightly.
Whose money is it anyways?
One way or the other, every person in a community pays taxes – citizens and non-citizens. But do you know how your money is being used? Voting gives you an outlet to voice how your tax dollars are spent. Whether voting on specific propositions, ballot measures, or leadership positions, your decision at the ballot box supports key social services in our communities.
Voting supports social change.
Voting brings change! So have a say in who gets to determine social agendas and measures. If you don't vote, you really can't complain.
The community depends on you!
Our communities are made up of wide diversity of people! Some of your family, friends, neighbors, and children don't have an opportunity to vote and have a say in the future. So be a voice for those around you too.
Don't forget the Midterms!
While the Federal elections every four years draw significant attention, midterm and local elections are important too! However, it is the midterm elections that usually see poor voter turnout. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more powerful.
For more reasons why you should vote, read this article with 15 reasons why you should vote in the US Election.
So be sure to register and get out there to vote!
Compiled by G. Schlie, updated by A. Smiley September, 2024