Secretary of State’s Office release – SALEM, OR — The May primary election is underway! County clerks began sending out ballots to all registered voters on May 1. All ballots must be postmarked or returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 21, 2024. Ballots can be returned through the mail, at your county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote. In Oregon, the postmark law means any ballot mailed on or before Election Day is counted, even if they are received up to seven days later. These ballots are not late — they were cast on time and will be counted alongside every other vote cast before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Results of close elections may not be immediately available on Election Day because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted. “Voting in Oregon feels good because it’s easy and convenient,” said Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. “It’s why we have one of the highest rates of voter turnout in the country. Oregonians have been voting by mail for more than 20 years — make sure your vote is included and make a plan to return your ballot by Election Day.” Need help or have any questions regarding your ballot? Your county elections office can help with any problem you have, including getting a replacement ballot. For more information, visit our website: OregonVotes.gov What you need to know about the May 2024 primary election – Both the Republican and Democratic parties in Oregon choose to hold closed primaries. That means you won’t see those candidates on your ballot unless you are a registered member of the party. Ballots will be sent out starting May 1, 2024. Election Day is May 21, 2024. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. or postmarked on this day to be counted. Return your ballot in the mail, at a county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote for processing. The postmark law, passed in 2021, allows ballots postmarked on or before Election Day to count as long as they’re received no later than 7 days after the election. For this reason, election results may be delayed because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted. Preliminary results will be available on the Secretary of State website starting at 8 p.m. on Election Day. The last day for the Secretary to certify election results is June 27, 2024. The 2024 elections will be the most secure elections in history. Learn all the ways we protect your vote at OregonVotes.gov/Integrity.
