In Oregon, Democrats and Republicans nominate their party's candidates in the Primary Election. By default*, major parties have closed primaries, 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 at the Primary Election. Non-partisan positions this election include judges and the OR Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Measure 120 and local measures will also be on the ballot.
Registering to vote in Oregon is quick and simple. Oregon residents who are citizens and 18+ years old can register or change their registration information (party or address):
- Online using My Vote no later than 11:59 pm TODAY.
- By mail using a voter registration form. This form also is available in multiple languages. Registration cards must be postmarked TODAY, which means you need to go into the post office and ask them to apply the postmark right then and there. Forms dropped in a mailbox, even right outside the post office, will not be postmarked in time.
- In person at the county elections office or at certain state agencies like the DMV.
- Many voters are automatically registered when they go to the DMV. Learn more about Oregon’s Motor Voter Act.
The Secretary of State's Voting in Oregon webpage has all the details about voting in Oregon.
*Parties can choose to have an open primary, but I couldn't find a past election for which this happened.