Voter Resources and FAQ

To register to vote, update your registration (name, address, political party change), or check your registration status online please visit the Secretary of State's website by clicking on the button below.  

Continuous travelers should contact the County Clerk's office directly at 541-388-6547 or elections@deschutescounty.gov to update their registration.

Register to Vote in Deschutes County

Additional voter registration questions are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Miscellaneous Links of Interest:
Absent Elector Ballot Request Form
Federal Voting Assistance Program
Voter Registration Card
Voting in Oregon FAQ
Find Your Legislator
Political Party Contacts

Other Links and Documents can be found just below the FAQ Section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote online?

You may register to vote online.  Visit the Oregon Secretary of State - Elections Division found in the links section toward the bottom of this page.

Category: Register to Vote FAQ
Where can I Get a Voter Registration Card?
  • County Clerk's Office
  • Post Offices
  • City Halls
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Category: Register to Vote FAQ
When Do I Need to Update my Registration?
  • The first time you register to vote in Deschutes County
  • Your name changes
  • Your signature changes
  • You change your party affiliation
  • Your residence and/or mailing address changes
Category: Register to Vote FAQ
Absentee Voting

To register as an absentee voter, you must be currently registered in Deschutes County. If you are not an active registered voter in Deschutes County, please also complete and submit a Voter Registration Card. If we receive an absentee request without an active registration, it will delay processing your request.

Military or Out of Country: Ballots for military voters and voters living outside the United States will be mailed the 45th day before an election. Federal Voting Assistance Program, Voting Help for Uniformed Service Members, Their Families & Citizens Living Outside the U.S. Information and a Federal Post Card Application (Registration and Absentee Ballot Request) are available from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (see Link under Related Information).

Category: Register to Vote FAQ
Who May Register to Vote?

ALL of the following criteria must be met:

  • Residents of the State of Oregon.
  • Citizens of the United States of America.
  • Persons at least 16 years of age.
  • Note: If you are 16 years of age, you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.
Category: Register to Vote FAQ
When May I Register?

You may register at any time. However, your voter registration card must be postmarked by the 21st day before the election at which you intend to vote.

Category: Register to Vote FAQ
What Information is Required to Register?

You are required to furnish your full name, date of birth, signature, and residence address (and mailing address, if different than your residence address). Your residence address must be the address where you reside - not a post office box.  You will also be asked to provide your political party preference.

The federal "Help America Vote Act 2002" now requires individuals registering to vote in federal elections to provide identifying information with their voter registration card.  These federal requirements require a person registering to provide the following identifying information with the voter registration card:

  • If you have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID, that number must be provided on the voter registration card;
  • If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID, you must check the appropriate box on the registration card and provide the last four digits of your Social Security number;
  • If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID or a Social Security number, you must check the appropriate boxes on the registration card and provide a copy of one of the following:
    • A current and valid photo identification that shows your name. If an expiration date is provided on the photo identification that identification must not have expired; or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. The address listed must match the residence or mailing address submitted on your voter registration card.
Category: Register to Vote FAQ
Do I Have to Re-Register for Each Election?

No. You need to update your registration only when:

  • Your residence or mailing address changes;
  • Your name or signature changes; or
  • You wish to change your party affiliation.
Category: Register to Vote FAQ
Do I Have to Register by Party?

No. If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states "Not a member of a party." You may not designate or change a party affiliation after the 21st day before the primary election.

Category: Register to Vote FAQ
How Do I Know if I Am Properly Registered?

You may check your registration status on the Secretary of State's website in the links section toward the bottom of this page.

Category: Register to Vote FAQ
How do I cancel my voter registration?

If you wish to cancel your voter registration, please complete, print, sign, and return the Voter Cancellation Form.

Category: Register to Vote FAQ

Web Links

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