Multnomah County Voters Will Get Their Ballots No Later Than May 2

Multnomah County voters will get their ballots no later than May 2, if not earlier.

Normally ballots are prepared and ready to mail the day after the voter registration deadline, which would have been Wednesday, April 26 — the first day ballots can be mailed out by state law.

But due to an error in ballot proofreading, the District 3 contest for the Multnomah Board of Commissioners was set to appear on every ballot countywide, instead of appearing only on ballots for voters who live in District 3. The error was caught Monday, April 24, and elections staff and vendors will now ensure ballots are produced and mailed no later than the statutory deadline of May 2, or sooner. 

Voters will still have at least two weeks to make decisions and return their ballots in time for the May 16 deadline to drop off or postmark ballots. Some voters may have already received their ballots, such as those who’ve requested out-of-state ballots or military/overseas ballots. Voters who’ve received their ballot should vote that ballot, and if they have any questions, they can call Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE (8683).

The elections office sincerely regrets the error and inconvenience to voters.

Any voter in Multnomah County can sign up for Track Your Ballot which will let you know when your ballot is on its way to you. If you do not receive your ballot by Friday, May 5, 2023, take action and contact the Multnomah County Elections office at 503-988-VOTE (8683).

Voters’ Pamphlet available by mail and online

The May 16, 2023, Special District Election includes contests for positions on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, local school boards, community colleges, the Multnomah County Education Service District, rural fire districts and water districts, as well as local ballot measures.

Depending on where you live, you may have one or more of these contests on your ballot. You will also have at least one ballot measure on your ballot. Learn more about the special districts in Multnomah County and common election definitions on the website. 

You can learn more about the candidates and measures on your ballot through the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet, which is mailed to every residential household and available online as well.

Make a Plan to VOTE! 

As we approach the May 16, 2023, Special District Election, Multnomah County Elections is asking voters to Make a Plan to VOTE in May! 

• Check your voter registration information. While the Oregon Voter Registration deadline has passed for this election, check that your voter registration information is accurate and up-to-date. If you have moved, update your mailing address NOW to ensure you receive a ballot as ballots are not forwardable mail. You can update your voter registration information at http://www.oregonvotes.gov/myvote.
• Sign up to Track Your Ballot 
• Get, VOTE, and return your ballot.
• Local elections are important. Make your vote count!

Two choices to return your ballot 

After you vote, you have two choices in returning your ballot. You can vote early and return your ballot by mail — no stamp needed. Voted ballots must be postmarked by May 16, 2023, and received within seven days to be counted. 

You can also return your ballot to any 24-hour Official Ballot Drop Site in the state by 8 p.m. May 16, 2023. All Multnomah County Official Ballot Drop Sites, including Multnomah County Library Drop Sites and Multnomah County Elections buildings, are listed at https://multco.us/dropsites.

Please note the five Official Ballot Drop Sites affected by voter-approved library bond construction projects:

• Albina Library: The Official Ballot Drop Site has been moved outside. It is now located on N.E. Knott Street.
• Central Library: The Official Ballot Drop Site has been moved outside. It is now located on S.W. 11th Avenue, on the west side of the library.
• North Portland Library: The Official Ballot Drop Site will be moved to the corner of N. Killingsworth Street and N. Kerby Avenue on the Portland Community College campus.
• Midland Library: The Official Ballot Drop Site will be moved to the parking lot of the Hansen Building, at N.E. Glisan Street and N.E. 122nd Avenue.
• Holgate Library: The Official Ballot Drop Site will be moved to the plaza of Portland Mercado at S.E. Foster Road and S.E. 72nd Avenue.

Countdown to May 16 Election Day

• Ballots will be mailed to voters — no later than the statutory deadline of Tuesday, May 2, 2023 or sooner.
• Gresham Voting Center Express opens: Monday, May 1, 2023
• All voters should have received their ballot: Friday, May 5, 2023
• Election Day: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
• Final election results are certified to special districts: Monday, June 12, 2023

Main office:
Multnomah County Duniway-Lovejoy Elections Building
1040 S.E. Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214

Gresham location:
Open May 1-16, 2023
Voting Center Express at the Multnomah County East Building
600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham, OR 97030

Phone: 503-988-VOTE (8683)
Email: [email protected]
Website: multnomahvotes.gov