Registering to vote in Oregon is a crucial step for residents who want to participate in elections and have their voices heard. Whether you’re moving to Portland, relocating to Portland, or a longtime resident, understanding the voter registration process ensures you’re ready for upcoming elections. This guide provides comprehensive information on registering to vote in Oregon and registering to vote in Washington, including online, by mail, and in-person options, as well as details on local county election offices.​

Registering to Vote in Oregon

Oregon offers several convenient methods for voter registration:​

1. Automatic Voter Registration: Through the Oregon Motor Voter Act, residents who interact with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) are automatically registered to vote. If you’ve recently applied for, renewed, or replaced an Oregon driver’s license, permit, or ID card, you’ll receive a mailing informing you of your registration status. This notice provides options to select a political party or opt out of registration. If no action is taken, you’ll be registered as a nonaffiliated voter.​

2. Online Registration: Residents with a valid Oregon driver’s license, permit, or ID card can register to vote online. The online registration must be completed at least 21 days before Election Day.​

3. By Mail or In Person: You can register by completing a paper voter registration form, available in multiple languages. Submit the completed form to your county elections office either by mail or in person. Ensure that your registration is submitted at least 21 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote in that election.​

Oregon County Election Offices

For in-person registration or assistance, you can visit your local county election office. Here are some key offices in the Portland area:​

• Multnomah County Elections Division

  • Address: 1040 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214
  • Phone: 503-988-VOTE (8683)​
  • Email: elections@multco.us​
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM​

• Washington County Elections Division

  • Address: 2925 NE Aloclek Dr., Suite 170, Hillsboro, OR 97124​
  • Phone: 503-846-5800​
  • Email: elections@co.washington.or.us​
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM​

• Clackamas County Elections

  • Address: 1710 Red Soils Ct., Suite 100, Oregon City, OR 97045​
  • Phone: 503-655-8510​
  • Email: elections@clackamas.us
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM​

For a complete list of county election offices in Oregon, visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

Registering to Vote in Washington

Washington State provides several methods for voter registration:

1. Online Registration: Residents with a valid Washington State driver’s license or ID card can register to vote online. The online registration must be completed at least 8 days before Election Day.​

2. By Mail: You can request a voter registration form by mail or download and print one from the Washington Secretary of State’s website. Completed forms must be received by your county elections department at least 8 days before Election Day.​

3. In-Person: Voters can register in person at their county elections department up to and including Election Day. This option is particularly useful for those who miss the online or mail registration deadlines.​

Washington County Election Offices

For in-person registration or assistance, you can visit your local county election office. Here are some key offices in the Vancouver area:​

• Clark County Elections Department

  • Address: 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660​
  • Phone: 360-397-2345​
  • Email: elections@clark.wa.gov​
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM​

• Cowlitz County Elections

  • Address: 207 N 4th Ave., Room 107, Kelso, WA 98626​
  • Phone: 360-577-3005​
  • Email: elections@co.cowlitz.wa.us​
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM​

• Skamania County Auditor’s Office

  • Address: 240 NW Vancouver Ave., Stevenson, WA 98648​
  • Phone: 509-427-3730
  • Email: elections@co.skamania.wa.us​
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM​

For a complete list of county election offices in Washington, visit the Washington Secretary of State’s website.

Eligibility Requirements

To register to vote in either Oregon or Washington, you must meet the following criteria:​

• Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.​

• Residency: You must be a resident of the state in which you’re registering.​

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old by Election Day. Both states allow 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-register, with their registration becoming active upon turning 18.​

• Legal Status: You must not be disqualified from voting due to a court order or currently serving a sentence of incarceration for a felony conviction. In Washington

Additional Considerations for Newcomers

For those moving to Portland or relocating within the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to update your voter registration to reflect your new address. This ensures you receive the correct ballot for your jurisdiction. Both Oregon and Washington offer online services to update your registration information: 

• Oregon: Update your information through the My Vote portal.

• Washington: Make changes via the VoteWA system.

By promptly updating your voter registration after relocating, you can seamlessly continue participating in local, state, and federal elections.​

Engaging in the Electoral Process

Engaging in the electoral process is a vital aspect of civic life. Whether you’re a newcomer to Portland, relocating within the region, or a long-time resident, ensuring your voter registration is current allows your voice to be heard. Both Oregon and Washington have implemented accessible and efficient systems to facilitate voter registration, empowering all eligible citizens to participate in shaping their communities.

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