Voters need information about candidates and issues in order to make good decisions in the voter booth. It is also important to understand when is the election, who can run, what do we need to know for the primary verses the general election. This article will inform voters on important information concerning the coming election.
First, the primary election day is May 17. Ballots are being placed in the mail with changes this year that voters need to know. For instance, voters in Oregon have until April 26 to register to vote or change their registration in time for that to be reflected in the primary. Be mindful that Nonaffiliated voters in Oregon are not allowed to vote in Republican or Democratic primaries. This include races for governor and U.S. Congress.
There are nonpartisan races where independent voters can cast their vote. Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, judgeships, district attorneys, city councilors and mayors are nonpartisan races where all voters can participate. There are also ballot measures where nonaffiliated voters will be able to vote.
Nonaffiliated voters must change their registration to the party she wants to vote in a closed primary. Information about the process for registering to vote can be found on the Oregon Secretary of State website at sos.oregon.gov/voting. Voters can also register to vote online or find a voter registration form that can be downloaded and mailed in. You can also call the office at 503-986-1518.
You can only vote by mail in Oregon. All ballots are mailed to registered voters, whether in the state or living abroad. Ballots are being mailed out this year starting April 27. Ballots must be sent in by May 3. Ballots should arrive to all Oregon homes within the next week. If your ballot has not arrived by then, contact your local county elections office.
Ballots are due for the primary election on May 17. It is important to know that ballots must be postmarked by election day. The ballot can be received up to seven days after election day to be considered valid. This change is due to a law passed by the Oregon Legislature last year. Some say that the change will allow for more Oregonians to have their votes counted. Since 2020, ballots can be mailed without paid postage.
