NEWS RELEASE: The candidate filing deadline for the May 19, 2026 Primary Election is approaching
Contacts:
Tim Scott or Edward Gutiérrez, 503-988-VOTE (8683)
Multnomah County Communications, pressoffice@multco.us
We’re seeking feedback about our translated content through a survey here.
This release is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Ukrainian and Russian.
Multnomah County, Ore. (Monday, March 2, 2026) — The next election in Multnomah County is the May 19, 2026 Primary Election. This election includes candidate contests for Metro Council and federal, state and judicial positions. Candidates interested in running for any of these positions must file by the deadline.
Candidates may file to run at the Multnomah County Election Division for the following races:
- Metro Auditor
- Metro Council President
- Metro Council Districts 1, 2 and 4
Due to the passage of Oregon Senate Bill 578, the filing deadline for Metro incumbent candidates is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. For Metro non-incumbent (new) and appointed incumbent (currently serving) candidates, the filing deadline is Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
All materials must be received by 5 p.m. on the filing deadline day. For more information, visit multco.us/info/may-19-2026-primary-election.
Candidate contests for Multnomah County and City of Portland elected offices will not appear on the May 2026 ballot. They will next appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, when County voters will join City of Portland voters in using ranked choice voting in Multnomah County. The filing period for the November 2026 General Election opens on June 3, 2026.
Voter Registration Deadline
The Voter Registration and Party Change Deadline for the May 19, 2026 Primary Election is April 28, 2026. Register to vote online at oregonvotes.gov/register. Make sure to update your voter registration anytime you move, change your name or want to change your party affiliation.
Now is the time to check whether your voter registration has your current residence and mailing address. This helps to ensure that your ballot gets to you. Then sign up for Track Your Ballot after you check your registration to receive alerts via text, phone or email!
Survey on Translated Press Releases
Did you know Multnomah County publishes Elections Office press releases in six languages in addition to English? We’re seeking feedback about our translated content through a survey and would like to hear from you.
You can find a link to the survey at the top of each translated press release. Surveys are available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Somali, Vietnamese and Ukrainian.
Countdown to May 19 Primary Election
- March 3, 2026 - Filing deadline for Metro elected incumbent (currently serving) candidates
- March 10, 2026 - Filing deadline for Metro non-incumbent (new) and appointed incumbent candidates
- April 3, 2026 - Military/overseas ballots mailed
- April 6, 2026 - Absentee ballots available
- April 20, 2026 - Out-of-state ballots mailed
- April 28, 2026 - Voter registration deadline
- April 29, 2026 - Ballots mailed to registered voters
- May 19, 2026 - Primary Election Day
- June 15, 2026 - Final election results certified
Main office:
Multnomah County Duniway-Lovejoy Elections Building
1040 S.E. Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214
Gresham location:
Voting Center Express at the Multnomah County East Building
600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham, OR 97030
Open April 23, 2026 - May 19, 2026
Phone: 503-988-VOTE (8683)
Email: elections@multco.us
Website: www.MultnomahVotes.gov
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