Ballots for the May 19, 2026, Primary Election are now being delivered to Multnomah County voters, with election officials urging residents to plan ahead to ensure their votes are counted.
The U.S. Postal Service began mailing ballots April 29. Voters who do not receive a ballot by May 7 should contact Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE (8683).
To be counted, ballots must be received at any Oregon county elections office or official drop site by 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 19, or be postmarked by that date.
Voters have several options to return their ballots, including more than 30 official ballot drop sites across the county, most of which are open 24 hours a day through Election Day. Ballots can also be returned at Multnomah County library locations and at voter service centers in Southeast Portland and Gresham.
Officials recommend mailing ballots by May 14 to ensure they are postmarked on time. Voters who mail ballots closer to Election Day are encouraged to request a manual postmark at a U.S. Postal Service location.
Multnomah County voters can also track their ballots through the BallotTrax system, which provides notifications when ballots are mailed, received and accepted for counting. The service is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese and Chinese.
A Voting Center Express location in Gresham is open to provide in-person assistance, including replacing lost or damaged ballots, updating voter registration and offering language and accessibility support. The center, located at 600 N.E. 8th St., will remain open through Election Day.
The Multnomah County Elections Office in Southeast Portland is also open for voter services. Both locations will offer extended hours in the days leading up to the election, including weekend access and expanded Election Day hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The May 19 primary includes contests for federal, state and Metro offices, as well as ballot measures. Local races for Multnomah County and City of Portland offices will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
Officials encourage voters to return ballots early and use official drop sites whenever possible to avoid delays.
