Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division

Voters' Guide Cover Letter to the Voters General Information Voter Registration Information

Letter to the Voters

Dear Fellow Oregonian,

No matter what your political affiliation—or lack of affiliation—it's impossible to deny that this has been one of the most exciting election cycles in decades. On both sides of the aisle, the presidential race has been open (without an incumbent president or vice president running in the primary) for the first time since 1928, and all of the candidates fought hard to make sure the races would be exciting.

Also for the first time in decades, Oregon's presidential primary really matters this year. Because we wisely chose not to join dozens of states who all rushed to the front of the calendar, Oregon is receiving national attention that we normally could only dream of.

Of course, the excitement this year goes well beyond the presidential races. We have numerous, high profile campaigns happening at every level. It should come as a surprise to no one that Oregon's voter registration numbers have broken our previous records; new voters—and people who haven't voted in years—have become engaged in this exciting election. Most thrilling for me is the vast increase that we have seen in Oregon and elsewhere of young people registering to vote.

But registering is only the first step in becoming a politically active Oregonian. In order for your voice to count—in order to have any say in the future of your city, county, state, and country—you need to fill out and mail in your ballot. The ballot must arrive at your county elections office by 8pm on May 20.

If this is the first time you've registered to vote—or if you haven't voted in a while—please take a few minutes to visit www.oregonvotes.org for helpful information on how to successfully submit your ballot. Or, if it's more convenient, contact us at 1-866-ORE-VOTE.

Voting is simple, easy, and one of the most important things you can do as a citizen of this great country. Your willingness to be an active part of the process is what keeps America great. Thank you for helping build our future.

Best Wishes,

Bill Bradbury
Oregon Secretary of State