The May 20, 2025, Special District Election in Multnomah County is approaching, and the candidate filing period is now open. This election includes key positions on local school district boards, community college district boards, the Multnomah County Education Service District board, rural fire district boards, the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District board, and water district boards, along with any local ballot measures.
Candidates interested in running for office have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, to file. Those considering candidacy can find detailed filing information at multnomahvotes.gov, by calling Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE (8683), or by emailing elections@multco.us.
Ballots will be mailed to all registered Multnomah County voters beginning Wednesday, April 30, 2025. To ensure timely receipt of a ballot, residents should verify their voter registration status and update any necessary information before the voter registration deadline on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Multnomah County Elections is encouraging all eligible voters to participate by making a voting plan. Their “Let’s Make a Plan to VOTE!” initiative outlines five key steps to ensure every vote is counted:
• Register to VOTE by April 29
• Get your ballot in the mail starting April 30
• VOTE your ballot and sign your ballot return envelope
• Return your ballot by mail or at an official drop site
• Have a VOICE and make a difference in local elections
Voter registration is available online at oregonvotes.gov/register, and residents should update their registration whenever they move, change their name, or wish to modify their party affiliation. Additionally, voters can sign up for the Track Your Ballot service to receive notifications on ballot status.
Those who expect to be away from home during the election can request an absentee ballot or vote early, beginning Monday, April 7. If a voter has not received their ballot by May 8, they should contact Multnomah County Elections for a replacement.
To cast a vote, voters must sign their ballot return envelope, as all signatures are verified against voter registration records. If a signature is missing or does not match, Multnomah County Elections will notify the voter with instructions to correct the issue.
Ballots can be returned by mail (no stamp required) and must be postmarked by Election Day, May 20, and arrive within seven days to be counted. Voters can also return their ballots at any 24-hour Official Ballot Drop Box or Multnomah County Library Drop Site. A complete list of drop-off locations can be found at multco.us/dropsites. Ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Election Night, May 20.
Local elections play a critical role in shaping schools, public services, and community policies, and voter participation ensures that these decisions reflect the needs of the community.
Key dates leading up to the election include:
• Candidate filing deadline: March 20, 2025
• Voters’ Pamphlet mailed: April 24, 2025
• Gresham Voting Center Express opens: April 28, 2025
• Voter registration deadline: April 29, 2025
• Ballots begin mailing: April 30, 2025
• All voters should receive ballots by: May 8, 2025
• Election Day: May 20, 2025
• Final election results certified: June 16, 2025
For in-person assistance, voters can visit the Multnomah County Duniway-Lovejoy Elections Building at 1040 S.E. Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214. Additionally, the Gresham Voting Center Express at the Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham, OR 97030, will be open from April 28 to May 20, 2025.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the electoral process, ensuring that local leadership and policies reflect the voices and priorities of the community.
