Oregon

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Oregon by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Oregon's Online Voter Registration Website 
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 21 days before the election.

The application is available in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese), Soomaali (Somali), and русский (Russian).

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 21 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Oregon varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared with your valid Oregon Driver's License, Permit or ID number. A suspended Driver's License is valid, a revoked Driver's License is not valid. If you don't have a valid Oregon ID then provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have either, provide a copy of one of the following that shows your name and current address: valid photo identification, paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, government document, proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

Registering to vote by mail

To be eligible to vote in Oregon elections, you must provide a valid Oregon Driver's License, Permit or ID number. If you do not have an Oregon-issued ID, then you will have to provide at least the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you will need to write 'NONE' on the form. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need an Oregon driver's license, permit or ID card number issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). If you do not have an Oregon driver's license, permit or ID card, you can still use the online voter registration application. The 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.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared with your valid Oregon Driver's License, Permit or ID number. A suspended Driver's License is valid, a revoked Driver's License is not valid. If you don't have a valid Oregon ID then provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have either, provide a copy of one of the following that shows your name and current address: valid photo identification, paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, government document, proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

To be eligible to vote in Oregon elections, you must provide a valid Oregon Driver's License, Permit or ID number. If you do not have an Oregon-issued ID, then you will have to provide at least the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you will need to write 'NONE' on the form. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need an Oregon driver's license, permit or ID card number issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). If you do not have an Oregon driver's license, permit or ID card, you can still use the online voter registration application. The 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.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Oregon can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Oregon’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State’s MyVote page.
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Oregon, you need to be registered to vote at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

For the upcoming {{ next_election_name }}, your voter registration application must be:

• Mail: {{ deadline_voter_registration_mail }}
• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day? Can I register to vote during early voting?

Since Oregon is an all vote-by-mail state, you cannot register to vote on Election Day.  You must register at least 21 days before an election in order to vote.

Also, since voters’ pamphlets and ballots are mailed to active registered voters two to three weeks before each statewide election, you cannot register to vote during early voting. To cast your vote in an election, make sure you’re registered at least 21 days in advance. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Oregon residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a resident of Oregon
• Be at least 16 years old

In Oregon, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or older may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Oregon gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.