The Lane County Elections office announced on Apr. 15 that residents must register to vote or update their voter registration by April 28 to participate in the May 19, 2026 Primary Election. The announcement emphasizes the importance of being election-ready as the deadline approaches.
Oregon operates as a closed primary state, meaning only voters registered with a political party can vote for that party’s candidates in the primary. All voters, regardless of affiliation, may vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Residents are encouraged to confirm or update their party affiliation before the deadline if they wish to participate in a party’s closed primary.
“We want all people who are eligible to vote ready to participate in the May Primary election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “So, it’s really important to get registered by the April 28 deadline. For voters who are already registered it’s a good idea to confirm or update your party affiliation, as well. Primaries in Oregon are ‘closed’ and voters must be actively registered as members of a political party in order to vote on that party’s candidates in May.”
Registration forms delivered by hand must be received at the Election Office at 275 W 10th Ave., Eugene by 5:00 p.m. on April 28; mailed forms must be postmarked no later than that date; and online registrations via www.oregonvotes.gov must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Ballots will begin mailing out locally starting May 1, and residents can track their ballot status at www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Ballots may be returned through regular mail, ballot drop boxes, or directly at the Elections Office location; information about drop box locations is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.
Lane County provides essential public services including public safety, health programs and elections according to its official website. The county supports community well-being through health initiatives and youth programs according to its official website, while maintaining key facilities for government operations according to its official website. Spanning more than 4,600 square miles with urban, suburban, rural and coastal landscapes according to its official website, Lane County extends services across western Oregon communities under a home rule structure designed for enhanced public service and quality of life according to its official website.
