Oregon Election May 19: Check Your Registration ASAP
Ballots for Oregon's May 19 primary election will start arriving in mailboxes on April 29th. This means undergraduate students will receive ballots before the exam period starts but they won't be due back until after classes are out for the summer. It is vital that you carefully consider where you want your ballot mailed and how you plan to return it. Graduate student schedules may vary - but it's still a good idea to think about where you will be and what your voting plan is.
If you are an Oregon voter (students can decide if they want to vote in Oregon or another home state), please check your voter registration and mailing address ASAP. The MCCE has resources to help you explore why this election matters, how best to register / check your registration, and where to find additional support (e.g. if you're voting in another state):
Why is this election important?
On May 19, Oregon voters will be asked to vote on ballot measures like Measure 120 (approve or reject increases to the gas tax, payroll tax and title and registration fees) and voters will determine which candidates from each party advance to the November general election. In November, Oregon voters will elect a U.S. senator, six members of Congress, governor, labor commissioner, 15 state senators and 60 state representatives, as well as hundreds of local officeholders – so using your voice now to select candidates is really important!
Important Election Dates
- April 28, 2026
Last day to register to vote, update your registration, or change party affiliation. - April 29, 2026
First day ballots are mailed to voters. - May 19, 2026
Election Day. Last day for voters to return a ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day (no postage necessary). Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8pm.
Check Your Registration
You always need to update your registration when you move, change your name, or change political parties. Therefore, it is a good idea to check that everything is correct at least once before every election. Oregon Voters can check their registration online at OregonVotes.gov or using a nonpartisan platform such as BallotReady.
"Mail-In Voting" Executive Order
On Tuesday, March 31st, President Trump signed an executive order related to mail-in voting. A previous executive order, signed about a year ago, has remained blocked by federal judges. The McCall Center is monitoring all executive action around elections and will notify the campus community promptly if there is a change in Oregon's voting processes. At this time, no changes have been announced.
Get More Resources
The McCall Center for Civic Engagement is here to make sure every Pacific student has the resources they need to vote. Our work is guided by our participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, where we are regularly recognized as a campus where voting thrives. Find everything you need at Pacific Votes (no matter what state you're voting in) or connect with us directly for one-on-one support:
- Learn how Boxers can Register to Vote, Make Informed Voting Decisions, and Cast Your Ballot
- Email us at mcce@pacificu.edu for individual support - we love hearing from students!
- Look for our Pacific Votes Student Ambassador, tabling in the UC on Monday, April 13th.