Your ballot is your power—but only if you’re registered to cast it! Oregon runs closed primaries, which means you must be registered with a political party to participate in primary elections. Here’s your roadmap to make sure you’re ready for the primary election on May 19, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026.
Important Voter Registration Dates
1st Week of March: Register to Vote
If you’re not yet registered, do it now. Oregon’s closed primary system means unaffiliated voters cannot participate in most primary races. Pick your party, claim your voice, and get in the game.
✅ Action: Register to vote on the Oregon Secretary of State website
3rd Week of March: Update Your Registration
Life changes—and your voter registration should too. Did you:
- Move to a new address?
- Change your name?
- Switch party affiliation?
- Update your signature?
✅ Action: Log in to your voter registration and make sure your info is current. Even small changes can cause delays in getting your ballot in time.
April 28, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election on May 16, 2026
This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming primary election. Don’t wait—websites glitch and life gets in the way.
✅ Action: Register before April 28. Set a reminder now.
October 13, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election on November 3, 2026
This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election.
✅ Action: Register before October 13. It takes just a few minutes to do online! Register to vote here.
Make a plan to ensure you’re registered to vote in the upcoming 2026 election!
Important Election Dates
Primary Election
Oregon will hold a statewide primary election on May 19, 2026.
In Oregon, major political parties nominate their party candidates at the Primary Election. Major parties have the option of choosing a closed primary, meaning only voters registered with that party can vote for candidates of the same party. Those nominees then appear on the November General Election ballot. All registered voters can participate in the General Election, regardless of their party affiliation.
All voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote for non-partisan races and for measures, if any, at the Primary Election.
Learn more on the Voting in Oregon webpage.
September 4, 2025
Last day for partisan elected incumbent candidate seeking re-election to the same office to register as member of major political party to satisfy 180-day membership requirement.
September 11, 2025
First day for major party or nonpartisan candidate to file declaration of candidacy or nominating petition for 2026 Primary Election. Includes precinct committeeperson.
First day to file state voters’ pamphlet candidate statement or measure argument prospective petition.
September 11, 2025
Last day for partisan candidate to register as member of major political party to satisfy 180-day membership requirement.
March 3, 2026
Last day for Elected Incumbent candidate for major party or nonpartisan office to file declaration of candidacy or nominating petition.
March 10, 2026
Last day for all major party or nonpartisan candidates (other than Elected Incumbents) to file declaration of candidacy or nominating petition.
March 12, 2026
Last day for candidate, who files candidacy with county clerk, to file statement for county voters’ pamphlet.
Last day to file or withdraw candidate statements or measure arguments for state voters’ pamphlet.
March 13, 2026
Last day for candidate, other than district candidate, to withdraw from 2026 Primary Election.
April 28, 2026
Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation. Registration cards postmarked by this date or submitted online no later than 11:59 pm are valid.
April 29, 2026
First day ballots are mailed to voters
May 19, 2026
Election Day. County Clerk’s offices open 7 am – 8 pm. Official dropsites open until 8 pm. Last day for voter to return ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8pm.
June 25, 2026
Final election results certified.
General Election
Oregon will hold a statewide general election on November 3, 2026.
June 3, 2026
First day for a County Candidate to file for candidacy
July 6, 2026
First day for Candidate to file Voters’ Pamphlet Statement
August 14, 2026
County/City/District ballot title filing deadline
August 18, 2026
Last day for Elected Incumbents to file for candidacy
August 25, 2026
Last day for Other than Elected Incumbents to file for candidacy
August 25, 2026
Voters’ pamphlet filing deadline
August 28, 2026
Last day to withdraw candidacy
September 3, 2026
County/City/District measure filing deadline
September 3, 2026
Deadline for Secretary of State and city elections official to file ballot statement with county elections official
September 7, 2026
Voters’ pamphlet filing deadline
September 18, 2026
Military & overseas ballots mailed
October 5, 2026
Out of state ballots mailed
TBD
Voters’ Pamphlets scheduled for delivery
October 13, 2026
Voter registration deadline
October 16, 2026
Ballots mailed to voters
November 3, 2026
Election Day
November 10, 2026
Last day to receive valid postmarked ballots from USPS
November 24, 2026
Last day to resolve challenged ballots
November 30, 2026
Last day to certify election
*These dates are subject to change. Please check the Secretary of State website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.