Registration FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may register to vote?

Anyone who is a resident of Oregon, a United States citizen, and 16 years or older, may register to vote. You must turn 18 or be sworn in as a US citizen during the 20-day period immediately before voting in your first election. Please call your county elections officials for details with any questions concerning these laws.

Category: Elections Registration
Do I have to choose a political party when I register to vote?

You may choose a party from the list of major and minor parties shown on your voter registration form. If you do not wish to belong to any party you may check the 'Not a member of a party' box.

Category: Elections Registration
When do I need to reregister?

Ballots are sent out by non forwardable mail. Therefore, you must update your registration whenever you move, change your name, change the way you sign or when you add or drop a mailing or absentee address. Even if you move next door. You may reregister online at oregonvotes.gov if you have a Driver's License, Permit or ID issued by the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and have not changed your name. If your name has changed you will need fill out and sign the registration form using your new name and new signature.

Category: Elections Registration
Where can I find voter registration cards?

You can now register or change your voter registration information online at oregonvotes.gov if you have a Driver's License, Permit or ID issued by the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and have not changed your name. Voter registration forms are also available at most public offices such as city halls, post offices, senior centers, public libraries, etc.

Category: Elections Registration
As an OSU student, where do I register to vote, here or back home?

You can vote either place, but not both. You will vote on State and National issues either place. If you want to vote on local issues back home you should register to vote there. If you would rather vote on local issues here in Benton County you will want to register to vote here.

If you are an OSU resident it is important that you specify the exact location (Dormitory Building and Room Number) on the "Residence Address" line and your OSU mailing address on the "Mailing Address" line of the voter registration form.

If the residence you choose to use is anywhere else in Oregon, list your home address in "Residence Address" line and your OSU mailing address in the "Mailing Address" line of the registration form. Return the form to any County Elections office in Oregon.

If your home town is outside of Oregon, contact the Secretary of States office from your state, or the local election official of your home town.

Category: Elections Registration
What is a Primary Election?

Major political parties (Democratic and Republican) nominate their candidates at a Primary Election, which is held on the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. Only a voter who is registered as a member of a major political party may vote for that party's candidates at the Primary Election. All nonpartisan offices (i.e. judges and district attorneys, etc.) are also on the Primary Election ballot. Any registered voter may vote for nonpartisan candidates, regardless of the voter's political party affiliation.

Category: Elections Registration