PORTLAND, Ore. — The deadline to turn in a ballot for Oregon’s May Primary Election is Tuesday, May 21. Voters have until 8 p.m. to turn their ballots in at a drop box. Ballots that are mailed in must be postmarked by Election Day.
On Monday, May 20, less than 20% of registered voters in the tri-county area had cast their ballots so far. Statewide, 26% of Democrats have cast votes, and 28% of Republicans. Only 8% of nonaffiliated voters have voted, as of Monday afternoon.
The numbers are far below voting numbers from four years ago during May elections. Multnomah County officials said 51% of voters voted in the May primary election in 2020.
"One of the differences this year is the presidential primaries have been locked up by this point," said Tim Scott, the director of elections in Multnomah County. "I think there’s less interest because of that."
Portland city races are also scheduled for November instead of May. That's another difference which could be leading to less turnout, Scott said.
On Saturday, Clackamas County had seen 16.24% participation by eligible voters. Catherine McMullen, the county clerk, said she expected at least that many additional ballots to come in over the next day.
"We want you to use your voice and to vote. And one of the key ingredients of an election is citizen participation, and that is up to you," McMullen said.
Here's a look at voter turnout for primary elections over the past few years for the tri-county area:
Multnomah County
Clackamas County
Washington County
* as of May 21, 4 p.m.
** as of May 20
'It's really important': Voters weigh in
KGW spoke with Multnomah County voters who were dropping off their ballots on Sunday.
“I figure it's one of the privileges we have as a society, is to get the opportunity to choose our elected officials, so I think it's really important," said Sierra Modro.
WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?: May 2024 Oregon Voter Guide for Statewide Races
"I would like to see a change in Portland, and this is my opportunity to get that done," said Guy Bodin.
Even though turnout for primary elections is typically lower than general elections, Emery Clay told KGW he wouldn’t miss it.
"Voting is important. I vote every primary, every general, every election," Clay said.
Track results on Election Day
You can track election results on air and online. David Molko and Laural Porter will be hosting a special election night broadcast starting at 7:45 p.m. It will also stream live on KGW.com, the KGW News App, Youtube and on KGW+.