Oregon — Oregon will hold a statewide Primary Election on May 19, 2026, marking a key step in determining which candidates advance to the November General Election.
In Oregon, major political parties select their nominees during the Primary Election. Parties may choose a closed primary, meaning only voters registered with that party can vote on that party’s candidates. Those nominees then appear on the General Election ballot in November, where all registered voters—regardless of party affiliation—may participate.
All voters, including those unaffiliated with a major party, are eligible to vote in nonpartisan races and on ballot measures, if any, during the Primary Election.
Several important election deadlines precede Election Day. Candidates began filing for the 2026 Primary Election on September 11, 2025, with final filing deadlines in early March 2026. The last day to register to vote or change party affiliation is April 28, 2026. Registration cards must be postmarked by that date, or voters must register online by 11:59 p.m.
Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning April 29, 2026. As a vote-by-mail state, Oregon allows voters to return ballots by mail—postmarked no later than Election Day—or deposit them in official drop sites, which close at 8 p.m. on May 19. County clerk offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day to assist voters.
Final election results are scheduled to be certified on June 25, 2026.
Voters seeking additional details about registration, party affiliation rules, or voting options can find information through the Oregon Secretary of State and the state’s Voting in Oregon resources.
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