Last chance for Oregonians to register or update voter registration today

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Today marks the final day for Oregonians to register to vote or update their voter registration for the upcoming statewide election scheduled for May 19.

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is encouraging all eligible residents to participate in the democratic process.

The deadline today also applies to registered voters who need to update their information, including declaring a political party to be eligible for closed primary election races across the state. This enables citizens to engage fully in the selection of candidates for various offices.

To be eligible to register to vote in Oregon, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Oregon, and at least 16 years old. However, voters must be 18 years old to cast a ballot.

Prospective voters must provide documentation such as their Oregon driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security Number to assist county clerks in determining eligibility. While registering, individuals are required to affirm, under penalty of law, that they meet all eligibility requirements and that the provided information is accurate.

Oregonians can create or update their voter registration online at OregonVotes.gov or by visiting their local county elections office. Oregon Secretary of State Read emphasized the state's efforts in maintaining an accessible and secure election system.

"Oregon has worked hard to make our vote-by-mail election system a national gold standard for access and integrity," Read said. "Registering to vote takes only minutes and opens the door for eligible citizens to hold politicians accountable and decide the direction of our state."

Local elections officials will begin the process of sending ballots to registered voters on Wednesday. Voters are strongly encouraged to return their ballots early to ensure they are received by county elections offices, especially considering recent cuts to the U.S. Postal Service.

Those returning their ballot within a week of Election Day should utilize an official ballot drop box to guarantee timely delivery.