Be prepared for the Nov. 3 General Election

Your vote. Your voice. Safe and secure.

Election Day is less than two months away. Oregon’s General Election includes races for President of the United States, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Oregon Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, state legislative seats and more. Voters will also decide on statewide and local ballot measures. 

Ballots will be mailed to all registered Deschutes County voters Wednesday, Oct. 14. It is important for residents to make sure they are registered to vote and keep their registration up to date, so that ballots are received as soon as possible. 

Voters can prepare for the Nov. 3 General Election by making a plan to vote.

Your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to vote

To voters: Make your voice count this Election Day and make a plan to vote with these simple steps!

• Register to vote 
• Get your ballot 
• Make your selections
• Review your ballot
• Return your ballot 

Register to vote

Most Oregonians (those with a valid Oregon Driver’s License/Permit/ID card) can register online. All others can complete a voter registration card and return it to the Elections Office. Voter registration cards are available online, as well as at post offices and libraries. Note: New voter registration deadline is Oct. 13!

Get your ballot

All households in Deschutes County will receive a Voters’ Pamphlet. Deschutes County's voters’ pamphlet is inserted in the center of the State's voters' pamphlet. The Voters' Pamphlet will be delivered to households a week before ballots are mailed. Think ahead about how you’ll cast your vote. 

Oregon uses vote-by-mail, so look for your ballot in the mail 14-20 days before the election. If you’ll be away from home, contact the Clerk's Office at (541) 388-6547 to find the best way to receive your ballot.

Make your selections

Locate the candidates and/or measure responses (“Yes” or “No”) of your choice by filling in the oval to the left of your choice with black or blue ink.

To vote for a write-in candidate, one whose name does not appear on the Official Ballot, completely darken the oval to the left of the write-in line provided for the office and print the full name of the candidate on that line.

Remember: You don’t have to vote in all contests on your ballot. Your votes for the contests you select will still be counted. If you vote for more than the number of candidates allowed for an office, or you vote both “Yes” and “No” on a measure, it is called an “overvote,” and your vote for that position or measure will not be counted.

Review your ballot

Ensure you have correctly marked your choice(s) for each contest. Your ballot contains contests printed on both the front and back. Remember to review both sides of your ballot.

Remember to sign your ballot return envelope. Your signature is your identification. Every signature on every ballot return envelope is examined to make sure it matches the signature on the voter’s registration.

If you lose your ballot, or it is spoiled in any way, contact the Deschutes County Clerk's Office at 541-388-6547 to request a replacement.

Return your ballot

Vote early and return your ballot by mail. No postage necessary, just make sure it’s mailed in time to reach the county by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The last day to safely return your ballot by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Remember – postmark doesn’t count!

Drop your ballot off in person. Deliver your signed and sealed ballot to any official drop site by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find a drop box location near you.

Confirm your ballot has been received and accepted here. The site refreshes daily, so it could take up to 48 hours to display accurate information.

Important Dates

October 5 | Ballots mailed to voters out of state

October 7-9 | In-home delivery dates for Voters' Pamphlet

October 13 | Registration deadline for new voters

October 14 | Ballots mailed to local voters 

October 16 | All Drop sites open

November 3 | Election Day! Ballots due by 8 p.m.