Voter Registration and Elections

(Oregon State Registration Card Link)

(Overseas/Military Voters FPCA Link)

Updated November 18, 2009

A Resident of Oregon
A person who lives in Oregon with the intention of making Oregon their home. (A person who has come to Oregon for temporary purposes and intends to return to another state is not considered a resident for voting purposes. If applicant is uncertain about residency, contact your county elections office.) If you will be temporarily out of Lane County and wish to receive a ballot, see our Request an Absentee Ballot Page.
A United States citizen:
If a person is not yet a United States citizen but will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen during the 20-day period immediately before Election Day, the person may register to vote. However, the person must contact their county elections office to obtain the procedures pertaining to this type of situation. If a person is not a U.S. citizen, there is no opportunity to register.
17 years of age or older. (Any 17 year old can register any time, but not later not later than the 21st day prior to the election they will be 18 to receive a ballot).

You may register at any time. However, your voter registration card must be postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election at which you intend to vote. (This includes someone who will turn 18 after the 21st day and by election day. They must register by the 21st day prior to the election in order to vote in that election.)

How may I register?

By mail-in registration form; or
In person at your county elections office or at a designated state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and some public assistance agencies.

Do I have to re-register for each election?

No. You need to update your registration information when your personal information changes by completing a new registraton card. Examples include when:

Your residence or mailing address changes;
Your name changes; or
You wish to change your party affiliation.

What information is required?

Oregon laws require that you furnish your full name, residence address, date of birth, and signature. You also need to provide your political party preference.

Federal Law Requirements:

You must indicate whether you are a citizen of the United Sates of America and meet the requirements of being at least 18 years old on or before election on the top portion of the registration card.

New laws require that people must provide identifying information to register to vote.

If you have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID or permit, you must provide that number on the registration card. (A suspended Driver's License is still valid, a revoked Driver's License is not valid.)
If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver's License/ID or permit, you must affirm this by marking the appropriate box on the registration card and provide the last four digits of your Social Security number on the registration card.
If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID or a Social Security number, you must affirm this by marking the appropriate boxes in sections 4 and 4a on the registration card, and if registering by mail, you must provide a copy of one of the following:
1. valid photo identification
2. a paycheck stub
3. utility bill
4. bank statement
5. government document
6. proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEH)

Important: Failure to provide the required ID will prevent county election officials from counting Federal Contests at a Primary and General Election, including President of the United States.

Do I have to register to a political party?

No. If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states Not a member of a party. In Oregon there is an Independent Party , which is not the same as a "non-affiliated" voter, so do not write Independent unless you associate yourself with the Independent Party.

You cannot designate or change a party affiliation after the 21st day before the primary election. (postmarks do not qualify)

May I transfer my registration from another state?

No. If you wish to vote in Oregon, you must complete an Oregon registration card by the 21st day prior to an election with the county you reside in.

May I transfer my registration from another county?

Yes, by completing a new Oregon Voter Registration card. Any time you move from one county to another, you need to complete a registration card with the new county you reside in. When the new county processes your newly completed card, your registraton on the statewide voter registration system will be transfered to the new county.

If I am overseas as a military, dependent or spouse of military, or other voter residing overseas, what form do I complete to register in my residential County/State?

Do not complete a regular Oregon Voter Registraton Card. Instead complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

If I am a convicted felon, can I still register and vote?

Convicted felons in the custody of the Department of Correction cannot vote. Once thy complete their sentence or have been paroled, they may resume their voting rights by completing a new registraton card.

How may I register to vote?

By completing and mailing back a voter registration card form; or
In person at a county elections office; or
A designated state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I register on-line?

Not yet, but soon! March 2010, any qualified person who has a valid Oregon driver's license or permit, or State identification card will be able to register for the first time or to update their registraton on-line.

How can I check if I'm currently registered to vote?

You can check your registration online on the following link "Am I Registered to Vote?"

Be sure to enter the required information marked with an asterisk. If your registration is not found, or you have moved since the last election, complete a new registration card. You can download a registration card on the link at the top of this page.

Where can I find registration cards?

Banks;
Savings and Loans;
Credit Unions;
Chambers of Commerce:
Public Libraries;
Post Offices (including in stores);
Colleges;
City Recorder Offices;
Lane County Deeds and Records, 125 E 8 th Ave., Eugene;
Lane County Elections, 275 W 10 th Ave., Eugene; and
Department of Motor Vehicle Offices

How will I know if the registraton was accepted?

The county elections office will mail a voter notification card to let you know that the registration was accepted. If it is not received within 30 days after the registration card was turned in, contact your county elections office.