Oregon’s primary election is on May 17th, 2022 and the voter registration deadline is April 26th, 2022! This article will provide you with some important voter information and a voter timeline.
How to Register
To register to vote in Oregon you must be a citizen of the United States, be a resident of Oregon, and be at least 16 years old (to vote, you must be 18 by Election Day). Election day for the Oregon primaries is May 17th, 2022. You can register to vote in Oregon (by April 26th) using this link.
- To register, fill out the Oregon Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Tool. If you have an Oregon Drivers License, permit, or ID card can register online. If you do not have an an Oregon Drivers License, permit, or ID card, you can still use the tool, and information you enter will display on a voter registration card (PDF document) that you will need to print, sign and deliver to your county elections office to complete your registration (see steps 2 and 3).
- If needed, print, sign, and date your form (This is very important!)
- If needed, mail or hand-deliver your completed form to your local elections office
- Make sure you register before the April 26, 2022 voter registration deadline!
Closed Primaries
A primary election is an election used to narrow the field of candidates for a given elective office, or to determine the nominees for political parties in advance of a general election. The primary election takes place in May, and then the General election takes place in November.
In the May election, the Republican and Democratic parties hold closed primaries. You have to be registered as a party member to vote for their candidates. So check your party affiliation online at Oregon’s My Vote tool to ensure you are able to participate in the primary election of your choosing, if you choose to do so. It’s easy!
Voting and Registration Timeline
April 26, 2022: Deadline to change your party affiliation.
Oregon has closed primaries. Check your party affiliation at My Vote to make sure you get the ballot you expect.
April 27 – May 3, 2022: Ballots are mailed to registered voters. Oregon has a modern vote-by-mail system. Our hard-working nonpartisan elections officials take great care to ensure that everything from voter registration lists to the ballot production to the counting and verifying of results is done to the highest standards.
May 4 – May 17, 2022: Ballots are out.
May 17 – May 21, 2022: Ballots are counted.
The new postmark rule is in effect, meaning any ballot postmarked by Election Day will be considered on time. Some ballots that were cast on time may arrive at elections offices after Election Day, but will still be counted as long as they were postmarked by Election Day.
