Oregon voter registration up nearly 14 percent in past year

New voter registration data released Tuesday by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office shows that the state is on track to add over 250,000 new voters through the Oregon Motor Voter program in time for the November general election.

Through all methods, 298,320 new voters have been added to the rolls in Oregon since August 2015, an increase of 13.76 percent.

“Heightened interest, our growing population, and the success of the Oregon Motor Voter program have brought about a surge in voter registration,” Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins said.

“In the May primary, we saw the most voters participating in Oregon history. I am confident that we are on track to break that record again for the November general election.”

Tuesday’s report shows 232,181 new voters sent to Oregon’s counties for processing through the Oregon Motor Voter Program. That includes 122,105 voters from the summer, when Phase II of the program was completed. Future Oregon Motor Voter reports will build on the cumulative number as the program becomes the way most Oregonians register to vote.

“With our expectations to top voter participation records this November, my office is doubling down on our work to make sure voters have the information they need to cast their ballot this November,” said Atkins, pointing Oregonians to a new blog series that will provide helpful information on voting in Oregon.

“The first post addresses the steps for Oregonians living abroad or enlisted in the military to participate in the upcoming election. These Oregonians need to act now to make sure they are registered correctly because ballots will go out to these voters on September 24. “

Oregonians can sign up to follow the Secretary of State’s blog or follow the Oregon Elections Twitter for future voter education updates.

Oregon’s innovative voter registration law, Oregon Motor Voter, took effect on January 1. The law was created by House Bill 2177, passed by the Legislature in the 2015 session and signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown. The program modernizes voter registration in Oregon and provides a secure, simple, and convenient way for more Oregonians to become registered voters.

For more information on Oregon Motor Voter, please visit www.oregonmotorvoter.gov. Previous data reports are available at the Elections Statistics page of the Secretary of State website.