Multnomah County, OR. — Multnomah County Elections announced the launch of the 2026 Multnomah County Voter Education Fund, a new grant program offering $100,000 to support non-partisan voter education on ranked choice voting (RCV) in East Multnomah County.
The program comes as Multnomah County prepares for its first countywide election using ranked choice voting in November 2026. While voters in the City of Portland used RCV for the first time in the November 2024 municipal election, county officials say many residents elsewhere in the county have not yet had direct experience with the system.
“The introduction of ranked choice voting countywide represents an important change in how Multnomah County residents will cast their ballots,” said Tim Scott, Director of Multnomah County Elections. “While Portland voters have experience with RCV, our goal is to ensure every potential voter in East Multnomah County has the knowledge and confidence to cast their ballot. This grant program is key to achieving that goal working through trusted community partners.”
Adding to the broader statewide context for ranked choice voting, Oregon voters rejected a measure in the November 2024 general election that would have implemented RCV for federal and state offices. Official results showed a majority voting no on Measure 117, maintaining the traditional plurality voting system statewide while local jurisdictions like Portland and Multnomah County move forward with RCV at the municipal and county levels.
Grant Details
The voter education fund will award up to five grants of $20,000 each to eligible 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving residents in East Multnomah County. The grants are intended to expand awareness and understanding of RCV through culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach.
Program goals include:
- Promoting understanding of ranked choice voting among East Multnomah County residents
- Equipping voters with the confidence to cast ballots using RCV
- Delivering voter education through trusted community organizations
Organizations do not need prior experience with ranked choice voting or voter education to apply. The Multnomah County Elections Division will provide training and educational materials to all grantees.
Eligible activities may include canvassing, phone or text banking, distribution of printed or digital materials, community education events, email outreach, social media campaigns, and “train-the-trainer” sessions for staff and volunteers.
Application Timeline
The grant opportunity will be posted on Multco Marketplace on Monday, February 2, 2026, with applications due by Monday, March 16, 2026. Interested organizations must be registered as suppliers in the Multco Marketplace system. County officials encourage early registration, noting that supplier approval can take up to three business days.
Additional information about the grant program is available at multco.us/info/voter-education-grant.
Ranked Choice Voting in Oregon
Oregon voters rejected Measure 117, a proposal to adopt ranked choice voting statewide, with nearly 60% voting no and about 40% in favor, according to results from the Oregon Secretary of State. The defeat came even as the City of Portland conducted its first ranked choice election. Republicans and county clerks opposed the measure, arguing it was confusing, poorly written, and insufficiently vetted, while supporters—who significantly outspent opponents—said reforming election systems is inherently difficult and pointed to support in counties already using ranked choice voting. Lawmakers referred the measure to voters to allow ranked choice voting in major statewide and federal races while excluding legislative contests, a carve-out that analysts say may have fueled skepticism. The outcome reflects both voter caution toward sweeping election changes and broader dissatisfaction with Oregon’s political system, even as ranked choice voting continues to gain a foothold at the local level.
About the Author
ranked choice is the new participation award. It does not elect the best candidate. It only makes all the candidates feel good.
Ranked voting is Communist bullshit.