How to register to vote in Oregon

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Registration Summary

Oregon offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Oregon by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the Oregon Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Registration Top Actions

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Who can register to vote?

To register in Oregon you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be an Oregon resident
  • be at least 16 years old to register, and 18 years old by Election Day to vote

Can I register to vote online?

  • Oregon offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in Oregon, you need to provide ONE of the following: Oregon driver’s license, Oregon permit number, OR ID card number issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). If you don’t have an Oregon-issued ID, you can still use the online voter registration application to generate a PDF form that you must print, sign, and return to your county elections office by mail or in person.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Oregon, you are required to provide your valid Oregon driver's license, permit, or ID number. If you do not have an Oregon-issued ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, indicate NONE and include a copy of ONE of the following with your application: valid photo ID; current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address; or proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEH)
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you wish to vote in Oregon partisan primary elections, you must register with a major party. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in. If you do not register with a party or you are affiliated with a minor party, you may vote on nonpartisan races and measures if they are available.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office.
  8. 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:
    • current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Oregon does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Oregon before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 16 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are an Oregon resident

You must be at least 18 years old to receive a ballot and vote in an election.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
If eligible, you will be automatically registered to vote when you apply for, renew, or replace an Oregon driver’s license, ID card, or permit at the DMV, unless you choose to opt-out. You can also complete a voter registration application in person at your county elections office.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
To register using the Oregon online voter registration system, you are required to provide ONE of the following:
  • Oregon driver’s license or permit number
  • ID card number issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV)

If you don’t have an Oregon-issued ID, you can still use the online voter registration application to generate a PDF form that you must print, sign, and return to your county elections office by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Oregon, you are required to provide your valid Oregon driver's license, permit, or ID number. If you do not have an Oregon-issued ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number and include a copy of ONE of the following with your application:
  • valid photo ID
  • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
  • proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEH)

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Oregon. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Oregon's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Oregon, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Oregon. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have with your ballot. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

How do I contact my state election office?