2024 Election: Vote OR Vote

The next statewide election in Oregon is the primary election on May 21, 2024. The primary election will narrow down who will be on General Election ballot in November 5, 2024.

Local, state, and federal elections determine policies and laws that directly affect students' daily lives. From education funding to student debt forgiveness, voting is a fundamental way for students to ensure that their perspectives and concerns are represented by their elected officials and within the democratic process.

By voting in elections, students contribute to shaping the future of their state and nation. Thus,. it’s important to update your voter registration when you have a change of address, name change, or party affiliation change.

The deadline for Oregon voters to register or change their party affiliation in time to vote in the May Primary Election is April 30th.

Register to Vote!

Important Dates: 2024 Primary Election

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 30th

Have you had a recent change in address, name, or need to change your party affiliation? Update your voter registration before Tuesday, April 30th.

Election Day: Tuesday, May 21st

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.

Oregon Student Voter Guide - 2024 Primary

This non-partisan student voter guide is designed to empower Oregon students with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the electoral process, understand ballot measures, and make informed voting decisions. Browse the guide to see key election dates, learn more about what’s on the ballot, and to make a plan for voting.

What is on the ballot?

How does it impact me as a student?

State Legislators

State legislators in Oregon, including members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, have the power to enact laws and allocate state funds that directly impact students. They play a crucial role in determining funding for education, including higher education institutions and financial aid programs. State legislators also address issues such as student loan debt, tuition affordability, campus safety, and academic standards. Additionally, they advocate for policies that support student success, workforce development, and access to opportunities for all Oregonians.
Oregon State Treasurer

The State Treasurer oversees the management of Oregon's finances, including investments, debt issuance, and financial planning. The Treasurer's decisions on fiscal policy and investment strategies can impact the availability of funds for state programs and services, including higher education funding and student financial aid. The State Treasurer also plays a role in promoting financial literacy and advocating for policies that support economic stability and opportunity for students and families.
Oregon State Attorney General

The State Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the state and is responsible for representing the state in legal matters, enforcing state laws, and protecting the rights of Oregonians. The Attorney General's office handles a wide range of issues that affect students, including consumer protection, civil rights, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform. The Attorney General's advocacy on issues such as campus safety, student rights, and equity in education can directly impact students' experiences and opportunities.
Oregon Secretary of State

The Secretary of State oversees elections, audits government agencies, and maintains official records and documents for the state. The Secretary of State's responsibilities include ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process, which directly affects students' ability to register to vote, participate in elections, and have their voices heard in the political process. Additionally, the Secretary of State's office provides resources and support for businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, including student-led initiatives and advocacy efforts.
Community College Boards of Education

Unlike Public Universities (which have Boards that are appointed by the Governor), Community Colleges in Oregon elect their Board of Educations (BOE). This gives students the direct ability to decide who is making decisions about tuition, policy, and more for their college.
United States Congresspeople

Oregon's representatives and senators in the United States Congress influence federal policies and legislation that affect students in Oregon. They advocate for federal funding for education programs, including Pell Grants, student loans, and research grants. Congresspeople also address issues such as student debt relief, college affordability, and access to healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities for students. Through their legislative efforts and constituent services, they work to address the needs and priorities of students and families in Oregon.
President of the United States

The President of the United States holds considerable authority over federal policies and programs that impact students in Oregon and across the country. The President sets the national agenda on issues such as education funding, student financial aid, healthcare access, immigration policy, and environmental regulations. They appoint key officials, including the Secretary of Education and federal judges, who shape education policy and enforce laws that affect students' rights and opportunities. The President's leadership and policy decisions have far-reaching effects on students' access to resources, opportunities, and protections at the federal level.

Oregon Student Voter Toolkit

Many students may not fully understand the importance of voting or may feel overwhelmed or confused about how the electoral process works. Participating in targeted outreach and providing comprehensive resources, education, and information on the significance of elections and the impact of voting can help empower and motivate students to participate.

This toolkit includes non-partisan resources and information to support student governments and student groups in student voter registration, voter education, and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts.

Browse the toolkit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can register to vote in Oregon if you:
-Are a U.S. citizen
-Have established a residential address in Oregon
-Are at least 16 years old
For students, your residential address can be your parents’ or other family home, or your home where you are a student. You get to choose, but you can only choose one. Oregon residency requirements for voting are not the same as residency for in-state tuition purposes. Your residential address is the address that you consider home and the place you intend to return to. That address determines which candidates and measures will be on your ballot. If you live on campus and provide a campus address as your residential address, be sure to list your dormitory and room number; a PO Box is not a residential address.
Your mailing address is where your ballot will be mailed. It does not impact the ballot measures and candidates that appear on your ballot. Your ballot can be sent to you anywhere in the world. For example, you may list your parents’ home as your residential address, but a campus address or other PO Box at college as your mailing address.
You may remain registered at your home address, or you may register at your Oregon school address. You get to choose, but you can only choose one. Contact your state’s election office to receive information on updating your registration information and to request an absentee ballot if you would like to remain registered in your home state but vote while in Oregon attending school.
You may vote or be registered to vote in only one state. Voting in two places is a felony. You may only vote once; you may only vote in one county in one state. Keep this in mind when deciding if you want to list your home or school address for your voter registration. Should you accidentally receive two ballots, vote only once. If you were previously registered in another state, cancel your registration in that state when you register in Oregon.
Students attending an out-of-state college or voters traveling during an election can still receive a ballot. Fill out the Absentee Ballot Request Form and return it to the county elections office, or update online using My Vote.
Oregon uses a closed primary system.
Each major political party uses the Primary Election to nominate their party candidates for the November General Election. Each state has different rules governing Primary Elections. In Oregon, major parties have the option of choosing a "closed system," meaning only registered voters in that party can vote for candidates of the same party. Or, a major party can choose an "open system" where the major party allows registered voters who are not registered with any party to vote for candidates in their party's Primary Election.
Example of the "closed system": If you are registered with the Democratic Party, you may vote for Democratic candidates, nonpartisan candidates and local or state measures. You cannot vote for a candidate from any other party in the Primary Election.
Example of the "open system": The Republican Party can announce they are going to "open" their Primary Election so people who are not registered with any party can vote for Republican candidates in addition to the nonpartisan candidates and local or state measures.
All registered voters can participate in the General Election.
Your county elections office can help you with any problem you may have.