The Lane County Elections office is encouraging residents to register to vote or update their voter registration ahead of the May 19, 2026 Primary Election, according to an announcement on Apr. 15. The deadline for registration and party affiliation changes is April 28, with ballots set to be mailed starting May 1.
This information matters because Oregon operates as a closed primary state. All registered voters can participate in voting on issues and nonpartisan positions, but only those affiliated with a political party may select that party’s candidates during the primary election.
“We want all people who are eligible to vote ready to participate in the May Primary election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “So, it’s really important to get registered by the April 28 deadline. For voters who are already registered it’s a good idea to confirm or update your party affiliation, as well. Primaries in Oregon are ‘closed’ and voters must be actively registered as members of a political party in order to vote on that party’s candidates in May.”
Voter registration forms must be received at the Election Office at 275 W. 10th Ave., Eugene by 5:00 p.m., postmarked by mail no later than April 28, or completed online via www.oregonvotes.gov before midnight on that date. Ballots can be returned by mail, ballot drop box locations listed at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections, or directly at the Elections Office.
Lane County provides essential public services such as public safety, health programs and elections according to its official website. The county promotes community well-being through health initiatives and youth programs according to its official website, while also maintaining key government facilities according to its official website. Lane County covers more than 4,600 square miles of varied terrain according to its official website and features urban, suburban, rural and coastal landscapes according to its official website. It extends services across western Oregon for diverse communities according to its official website.
Lane County operates under a home rule structure from Eugene as its administrative hub and supports community welfare through veterans’ services while working toward enhanced quality of life across its expansive area according to its official website.
