2026 Voting Guides

Oregon voting guide

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here’s what you need to vote in Oregon.

Check Your Registration

Even if you voted last time, check that you’re still registered. Check your registration

Register by:
  • Online, by mail, or in person: Tues., Oct. 13

Key Dates

  • Last day to register or update party/address to get a ballot
  • Counties begin mailing ballots
  • Last recommended day to mail your ballot
  • Election Day: ballots due in drop boxes or county offices by 8 p.m.; mailed ballots must be postmarked today
  • Last day for postmarked mail ballots to arrive and be counted
  • Deadline to fix a signature problem (challenged ballot)

Your Voting Checklist

  • Vote by mail. Every registered voter gets a ballot in the mail.
    Return it by Tues., Nov. 3.
    Problem with your ballot? If your signature has a problem, your county will mail you a notice so you can fix it. Track your ballot
  • Vote on Election Day, Tues., Nov. 3, Drop boxes and county elections offices open until 8 p.m. Find your polling place
  • Bring the right ID. Most voters don't need to show ID. See the official ID rules
  • Review your sample ballot before you go.
  • Have a past conviction?
    • You can vote once you are out of prison, even on parole or probation.
    • You must register again or update your registration first.
  • Make a plan and bring three people. Make a plan

What’s on Your Ballot

These are the biggest races in Oregon this year. Please note, we do not endorse any candidates.

U.S. Senate

  • Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • U.S. senator since 2009; former speaker of the Oregon House.
  • David Brock Smith Republican · Campaign site
  • State senator from southwest Oregon since 2023; former state representative and Curry County commissioner; small-business owner.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Supports restoring Voting Rights Act protections, vote-by-mail, ending gerrymandering, overturning Citizens United, and electing presidents by popular vote. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

In December 2020, signed a letter asking Oregon's attorney general to join Texas's lawsuit challenging the 2020 presidential results in other states. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

No public position found.

David Brock Smith Republican

Supports law enforcement and "accountability for repeat offenders." Source

Immigration

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Voted against the Laken Riley Act (2025), which requires detention of some immigrants charged with crimes. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

In 2024, signed a letter with other Oregon Republican lawmakers backing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's actions to control the border at Eagle Pass. Source

Abortion & health care

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Supports "Medicare for All" and capping drug prices at international levels. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

No public position found.

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Voted against the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (tax cuts plus Medicaid and SNAP changes). Source

David Brock Smith Republican

Supports "no new taxes," cutting fraud and unnecessary spending, and help for local businesses. Source

Workers & wages

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Supports workers' right to form unions and bargain for strong wages and benefits. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

No public position found.

Housing

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Says housing and child care should be affordable in every community. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

Opposes permanent street camping and supports drug and mental health treatment for homelessness. Supports more timber production to help build housing. Source

Schools

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Supports smaller class sizes, bringing back shop and vocational classes, and debt-free college. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

No public position found.

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act (2022), which protects same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

No public position found.

Climate & environmental justice

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Supports a Green New Deal and big investments in renewable energy, with help for frontline communities. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

Supports active forest management and fuel reduction to prevent wildfires, and opposes federal rules he says put "political extremists" ahead of local Oregonians. Source

Books, press & public media

Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent

Voted against the 2025 Rescissions Act, which cut federal funding for public broadcasting. Source

David Brock Smith Republican

No public position found.

Governor

  • Christine Drazan Republican · Campaign site
  • State senator (appointed 2025); former Oregon House Republican leader; 2022 Republican nominee for governor.
  • Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • Governor of Oregon since 2023; former speaker of the Oregon House.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Christine Drazan Republican

In 2022 said of the 2020 election: "Donald Trump did not win. Joe Biden did. He is our president." Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Says she will defend Oregon's vote-by-mail elections against federal interference. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Christine Drazan Republican

Says "we need fewer needles and more cops." Wants to fully fund state police and raise penalties for drug traffickers. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Signed HB 4002 (2024), which made possession of hard drugs a crime again (a misdemeanor) after Measure 110, with treatment as an option. Source

Immigration

Christine Drazan Republican

No public position found.

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

In January 2026 called a shooting by a federal agent in Portland a "terrible, unnecessary violent event" and blamed the federal deployment of agents to Portland; called for an investigation. Source

Abortion & health care

Christine Drazan Republican

No public position found.

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Signed HB 2002 (2023), which updated Oregon's laws on reproductive health rights. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Christine Drazan Republican

Proposes a "Day One Affordability" order, a higher standard deduction, property tax relief for veterans and seniors, changes to the Corporate Activity Tax, and protecting the tax "kicker" refund. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Signed a 2025 transportation bill raising the gas tax and fees, then in January 2026 called for its repeal. (Voters rejected it as Measure 120 in May 2026.) Source

Housing

Christine Drazan Republican

Wants a 120-day limit on permit decisions for qualifying housing, more first-time homebuyer tax credits, and pre-approved home plans. Wants to audit homeless services spending and shift money to addiction recovery and mental health treatment. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Declared a homelessness state of emergency on her first day. Set a goal of 36,000 new homes a year and signed a $376 million housing bill (2024) and "middle housing" laws (2025). Source

Schools

Christine Drazan Republican

Supports school choice, curriculum transparency with parent opt-outs, stronger graduation requirements, and third-grade reading goals. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Says schools were a top priority of her first term, with support for educators and student success. Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Christine Drazan Republican

Has said she opposes letting transgender athletes compete on teams that match their gender identity. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

No public position found.

Climate & environmental justice

Christine Drazan Republican

Wants to repeal the state's Climate Protection Program order, support "technology-neutral" energy, and increase sustainable timber production. Source

Tina Kotek Democratic, incumbent

Says she has protected Oregon's land, water and air while addressing climate change, and funded wildfire response. Source

Protect the Vote

  • Apply to be a poll worker and support free and fair elections.
  • Watch the count. Take a training to learn how to observe the polls.
  • If anyone tries to stop you from voting or something at your polling place seems wrong:
    • Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
    • Call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
    • Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
    • Call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
    • If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
    • If your name isn’t on the list, ask for a provisional ballot.
    • Know your rights

Organizations to Support

Anti-Racism Daily will never tell you who to vote for and does not endorse candidates. Information here has been pulled from the internet and may be inaccurate. Please fact-check your sources. If you spot a mistake, please let us know so we can fix it.

Get the next one in your inbox.

You’ll be subscriber No. 63,199