Early Ballot Returns Rise Ahead of Oregon’s November 3 Election
OREGON — October 27, 2026
More than half a million Oregonians had returned their ballots by Monday morning, October 26, as the state moved into the final week before the November 3 general election. The early returns represented approximately 16% of Oregon’s 3.1 million registered voters, according to unofficial data from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
The figures offer an early snapshot of voter participation ahead of a closely watched election that includes the race for governor, congressional contests and local measures. However, ballot-return numbers alone do not predict final turnout or determine the outcome of any race.
Ballot Returns Increase Across Oregon
Oregon conducts elections primarily by mail, allowing registered voters to complete and return their ballots before Election Day. The system gives voters time to review their choices and submit their ballots through the mail or an official drop box.
As the election approaches, officials are encouraging voters to return their ballots promptly. The Secretary of State’s office recommends using an official drop box rather than relying on the mail close to Election Day.
Ballot-return figures are unofficial and can change as county election offices receive and process additional ballots. A returned ballot is also not necessarily the same as a ballot that has been fully processed and counted.
Governor’s Race Draws Statewide Attention
One of the major contests on the November 3 ballot is the race for Oregon governor. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is facing Republican challenger Christine Drazan, with Pacific Green Party candidate Brett Smith also in the general election.
The contest comes as Oregon residents consider issues including the cost of living, public safety, education and the state’s economic direction. The candidates have offered differing approaches to several policy questions, making the governor’s race a significant focus of the election.
Voters will also decide congressional and state legislative races, along with local contests and ballot measures that may affect their communities.
Central Oregon Sees Strong Early Participation
Early ballot returns in Central Oregon were also drawing attention. Reporting by KTVZ on October 27 found that returns in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties were running ahead of the pace recorded at a comparable point in the 2022 midterm election.
As of Tuesday morning, Deschutes County had received 46,557 ballots, representing 27.62% of its active registered voters. Crook County had received 6,844 ballots, or 31.38%, while Jefferson County reported 4,487 ballots, or 25.03%.
These county-level figures show that participation was building in parts of the region. They do not, however, establish that final statewide turnout will exceed previous elections.
How and When Oregonians Can Return Their Ballots
Oregon voters can use official ballot drop boxes through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. The state’s last recommended day to return ballots by mail was October 27.
Voters who have already returned their ballots can use the state’s official ballot-tracking service to check their status. Anyone with questions about a missing ballot or local drop-box arrangements should contact their county elections office.
The Secretary of State’s Elections Division provides official election dates, ballot-return information and links to county election resources.
What the Early Numbers Mean
The growing number of returned ballots shows that voting is underway across Oregon, but the figures should be interpreted carefully. Early participation can vary by county, voter registration group and election cycle, and it does not reveal how people have voted.
With Election Day approaching, the next important measures will be the final number of ballots returned, the pace of ballot processing and the official results released by election authorities.
Oregon’s election results will remain unofficial while ballots are processed and counted, with final results subject to the state’s certification process.