SALEM, Ore. (Nov. 3, 2026) — Oregon state and federal elected officials urged eligible voters to cast their ballots Tuesday, emphasizing the state’s vote-by-mail system and reminding residents of the deadline to return ballots as Election Day got underway.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring Oregon elections remain safe, accurate and fair while encouraging voters who have not yet submitted their ballots to do so before the deadline.
“Elections are decided by those who show up. I want 100% of eligible voters to participate in Oregon’s safe, accurate, and fair elections,” Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said. “If you haven’t turned in your ballot yet, get it to a drop box or county elections office by 8 p.m.”
Read encouraged Oregonians to view the election as an opportunity to influence decisions at both the state and federal levels.
“This is an opportunity to help decide the direction of our state and our country. Your vote is your power. Use it,” he said.
As of 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, 1,505,694 Oregonians had already voted, representing a turnout rate of 48.3%.
Ballot return deadlines
Oregon voters who have not yet returned their ballots have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to deposit them in an official ballot drop box.
Ballots returned through the mail must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3, and received by the voter’s county elections office within the state’s seven-day post-election grace period.
Officials address election security
State and federal officials also addressed election security, saying they have maintained regular communication with the Oregon State Police, Oregon National Guard, local law enforcement agencies and national election integrity organizations to help ensure the integrity of the state’s vote-by-mail elections.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said legal challenges to efforts by President Donald Trump to interfere with elections had been unsuccessful in court.
“The courts have stopped every one of Trump’s attempts to interfere in our elections,” Rayfield said. “Oregonians are voting this year as they have for the past 25 years. We will keep working to make sure every eligible voter’s voice is heard.”
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden also defended Oregon’s vote-by-mail system, which has been used statewide for more than three decades.
“Vote-by-mail has proven for more than three decades to be a reliable, safe, and convenient way for Oregonians to make their election choices,” Wyden said.
He said he expects the system to continue operating as it has since the mid-1990s and pledged to remain vigilant against potential efforts to disrupt the state’s elections.
Colleges participate in voter engagement challenge
The Secretary of State’s office also highlighted efforts to increase voter participation through the new Oregon Campus Voting Challenge.
Twenty-four colleges and universities across Oregon are participating in the initiative, which aims to increase nonpartisan civic engagement on campuses, including voter participation.
Participating institutions were asked to develop action plans outlining how they would connect with students and encourage greater involvement in civic activities.
Portland State University was among the participating schools.
“I am proud that PSU is a place for critical dialogue about some of the most pressing issues of our time, and I am proud that PSU is a place where we can all learn to be more civically engaged,” Portland State University President Ann Cudd said.
“Here at Oregon’s Urban Research University, we care deeply about our students making their voices heard,” Cudd said.
Election results expected Tuesday night
Unofficial election results are expected to begin appearing online after 8 p.m. Tuesday
Individual counties will also publish their own unofficial results online.
State officials emphasized that election night results are not final. All results will remain unofficial until the election is certified on Dec. 10.
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