Decision 2025: Deschutes County struggling with ‘sluggish’ turnout at just 16%
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With a Special Election for all three of Central Oregon's counties less than 24 hours away, the largest of our counties is on pace for a historically low-turnout, sitting at a sluggish 16% on Monday.
Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison notes that turnout for Special Elections historically draw less people than other elections. His office provided voter turnout for Special District Elections over the last 12 years, which shows the average around 28%.
The highest was in 2013 at nearly 35%, and the lowest was in 2015 at 19%. Deschutes County is unlikely to tip in the 28% mark, though its not impossible.
The last Special District Election in Deschutes County had extremely low-turnout leading up to the election, but voters came out in droves the day of, pushing turnout to an impressive 32%.
Dennison tells KTVZ News he's hopeful for, "robust returns between today and tomorrow". He believes if this happens, the County should, "clear the 20% turnout mark".
Ballot boxes close promptly at 8PM Tuesday night. Voters planning on mailing their ballots back to us need to do so by tomorrow. They should also be sure to ask the post office to postmark their ballot return envelope before placing it in the mail.
Dennison says his office is ready for the special election and says, "Results will be posted on our website and OregonVotes.gov shortly after 8pm tomorrow night".
KTVZ News has comprehensive coverage of everything you need to know for filling out your ballot. We will be providing updates on our KTVZ+ for your smartTV, and sending alerts directly to your phone with the KTVZ News app.
Here's the full data from the last 12 years of Special District Elections in Deschutes County provided by the Clerks Office.
- May 16, 2023 - 31.83%
- May 18, 2021 - 31.10%
- May 21, 2019 - 24.78%
- May 16, 2017 - 29.79%
- May 19, 2015 - 18.68%
- May 21, 2013 - 34.59%
