Approximately 23% of eligible ballots have already been received by county offices with just one week remaining before the midterm election, outpacing the nearly 20% mark reached at this same point four years ago, according to data published Tuesday morning by the Secretary of State’s office (published Tuesday).
County-by-County Turnout Surges
This incremental surge reflects a broader pattern playing out across Oregon’s most populous regions. In Multnomah County, voters have returned more than 17% of ballots, climbing from upwards of 15% during the previous midterms. Clackamas County has seen an even sharper climb, with nearly 24% of ballots returned so far, compared to roughly 18% at this stage in 2022.
Countering National Voting Pressures
Seventeen of the twenty promised boxes were operational by Tuesday.
“We’re racing to get the last ones in in time,” Read said.
Logistical Shifts to Secure Sites
Logistical shifts are also altering how ballots are received. Multnomah County Clerk Tim Scott noted that traditional mail-in return numbers are currently trailing slightly behind historical averages, a trend that suggests a growing preference for secure drop sites. Election workers are actively retrieving ballots from these locations to ensure processing keeps pace with the influx.
Final Week Delivery Guidance
With the final week underway, state officials are urging voters to weigh their delivery options carefully. Read noted that Tuesday marks the final safe window to rely on the U.S. Postal Service to ensure a timely postmark, advising that voters transition entirely to secure drop boxes for the remainder of the cycle. Voters seeking to locate their nearest designated drop site can reference oregonvotes.gov/dropbox.
