Step-by-step guide to the Oregon voter registration card
Step 1 - Qualifications: Voters must be able to truthfully check the ―Yes‖ option for both questions to legally register to vote in Oregon. This is the most frequently missed step, so be sure to remind new registrants. Step 2 - Personal Information: Be sure registrants fill in all required information fields. Starred fields are not required. A common error is to write ―USA‖ in the section labeled ―County‖ – the correct listing for county would be Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, or another county. Step 3 - Political Party: New registrants must choose a party. If they don’t want to be a member of a party they can ―Not a member of a party,‖ which is also known as Independent. They can also check ―Other‖ and list a party of their choosing. Step 4 - Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID number: If the voter has a valid Oregon Driver’s License or DMV ID Card they MUST list the number here. If they do not have either piece of ID, they need to check the bubble directly below the space given for Driver’s License Number and proceed to step 4a. A drivers’ permit is acceptable. So is a military or non-driver identification card. Step 4a - Last four digits of Social Security Number: If the registrant does not have a valid Driver’s License, they MUST fill in the last four digits of their Social Security Number here. If they have privacy concerns, they may seal the form upon completion. Step 5 - Signature: For the form to be valid, the registrant must sign and date the form. Double-check that the date – each card is due within 5 days of the date it is completed. Step 6 - Registration Updates: If the registrant was previously registered at a different address in Oregon, they can, if they choose, list the address in this space so that their former address may be removed from the county’s records more quickly. After double-checking that all information is complete & accurate, turn your card in! Each card must be returned to your local County Elections Office within 5 days. With questions, or to request a volunteer to pick up your registration cards, call your union office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Registering to Vote in Oregon
Who is eligible to vote? You can vote if you’re a US citizen and at least 18 years old. You can even register if you’re 17 now, as long as you’ll be turning 18 on or before election day. There is no residency requirement in Oregon, so as soon as you move to the state, you are eligible to register and vote. When do I need to register? - Every time you move. Under Oregon law, you have to re-register if you change your address—otherwise, how will they know where to send your ballot? - If you want to change your party registration or name. - At least 21 days before an election to have your vote count for that election. - Don’t let your completed registration card hang out for weeks on your coffee table! You need to send in the card within 5 days of filling it out or it will be considered invalid. Is there a penalty for registering twice? There’s no penalty for registering more than once, so if you’re concerned that something’s wrong with your registration, go ahead and re-register just to be safe. If it ends up being a duplicate, no big deal—at least you played it safe. Can convicted felons vote? As long as you’re not in jail at the time of registration or election, you can vote. Of course, you must be a US citizen and 18 or older. Can homeless folks vote? Absolutely. When you register, provide a physical address, like ―the bench on the corner of NE 10th and Broadway‖ as well as a mailing address—such as a PO box at a shelter—where your ballot can be sent. Why register? The good thing is that registering to vote isn’t a commitment — it simply gives you the opportunity to vote in the future. As long as you register 21 days before an election, it allows you to vote! It’ll also allow you to sign petitions for things like ballot initiatives and candidates. If you’re not registered, your signature will not count.
I really want to vote for governor, but I couldn’t care less about the county auditor. Is that okay? It’s totally okay. Even if you’re only interested in one or two races, it’s still worth letting your voice be heard. I don’t want to register because I want to avoid jury duty. Members of the jury are drawn from Drivers’ License records as well as voter registration records. So if you have a drivers’ license, you’re already eligible for Jury Duty. I have unpaid parking tickets or library fines, or I’m running from the law. Will I get caught if I register to vote? Fear not! The information you provide is not shared with law enforcement agencies. You will be fine. I hate junk mail! If register to vote, will I get more of it? Nope. Registering to vote means you will be sent a ballot and a voter’s pamphlet at election time. Nothing more, nothing less. Can I vote in a primary election? Yes, as long as you’ve registered at least 21 days in advance. But I didn’t pick a party affiliation when I registered — can I still vote in the primary? Yes. You won’t be able to vote for the partisan candidates, but many non-partisan positions and ballot initiatives are also on the primary ballot, so let your voice be heard! I registered to vote with a particular party. How does that affect my voting in the primary? There will be additional races on your ballot, which determine who your party will put on the November general election ballot. (Some parties may allow you to vote even if you’re not affiliated with them, but neither of the major parties does.)
Guidelines and talking points for on-street voter registration
What to look for/ basic tips
Target people walking by, bus and MAX stations, public squares, grocery stores, the outsides of shopping centers, basketball courts, and other hightraffic pedestrian areas. Smile, be friendly and approachable. Use your judgment, and stay safe. If someone gives you a hard time, disengage.
The basic question Variations:
Hi, can I register you to vote? Are you registered to vote? Are you registered to vote at your current address?
This gets people who have moved since they last registered.
Do you have a second to register to vote? You may want to try out different approaches to see which one feels most comfortable to you. Remember, this sheet is just a guideline—feel free to tailor it to fit your style.
Responses
Yes, I’m registered: Are you certain? -- did you receive a ballot last May? / Have you moved since the last election? Every time you move, you must re-register. No: Can I register you now? It’ll only take 60 seconds. I’m out here with a voter registration drive.
If you register someone:
Thanks! We’ll turn this into the county elections office by the end of the week. Don’t forget to vote in November.