What to Expect When You Vote
Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of American democracy. Every eligible voter deserves the chance to have their voice heard, free from intimidation, and to have confidence that our election systems will remain protected from interference. As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to protecting your vote, safeguarding our elections, and defending American voting rights.
This webpage serves as a hub for election day information and what to expect when you go to the polls. Here you’ll find helpful local resources and voter best practices. Please reach out to my office or your local election officials with any questions, comments, or concerns, or to learn more about how you can be an active participant in our democracy this November.
To track your ballot status, visit oregonvotes.gov/myvote. You can also consult this page from the Secretary of State’s office for the most up-to-date information about voting in Oregon.
Absentee voters—including active-duty military and their families who are stationed overseas or U.S. citizens living abroad—must fill out a Federal Absentee Ballot Request Form to request a ballot. For additional information on special circumstance voting, please visit this page to learn more.
- October 13, 2026: Last day to register to vote. Registration cards postmarked by this date or submitted online no later than 11:59 pm are valid.
- October 14, 2026: First day ballots are mailed to voters.
- November 3, 2026: Election Day: County Clerk's office is open 7 am - 8 pm and the last day for voters to return ballots. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 pm on election day.
- December 10, 2026: Final election results certified.
If you have further questions, please contact your local Elections Office:
- Clackamas County residents: Call 503-655-8510 or click here
- Marion County residents: Call 503-588-5041 or click here
- Polk County residents: Call 503-623-9217 or click here
- Washington County residents: Call 503-846-5800 or click here
- Yamhill County residents: Call 503-434-7518 or click here
Voter Best Practices:
- Vote Early: Whether you’re dropping off a mail ballot at an in-person dropbox or early voting at the polls, make a plan to vote and VOTE EARLY!
- Review Local Election Guidelines: Check it once, then check it again.
- Visit your local election website for dates, locations, times, registration status, and mail ballot request information. Use this information to make a plan to vote.
- Ballot Tracking: Every vote must be counted. When voting by mail or absentee ballot, you can make sure that your ballot was counted by tracking it via the Secretary of State election website.
- Tune out the Noise: While it feels like the 2026 election has been anything but normal, remember that American elections are safe and secure. Don’t let the news dissuade you from making your voice heard at the ballot box.