For immediate release: January 14, 2026
This release may be viewed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian and Somali.
Media contact:
Leah Benson or Tim Scott: 503-988-VOTE (8683)
Multnomah County Communications, pressoffice@multco.us
This release is online here.
Multnomah County launches $100,000 grant program to provide education on ranked choice voting (RCV) to East County voters
Multnomah County, Ore. — Multnomah County Elections today announced the launch of the 2026 Multnomah County Voter Education Fund, a new grant opportunity offering $100,000 total in funding in support of non-partisan voter education efforts on ranked choice voting (RCV) for residents in East Multnomah County.
The move comes as the County prepares for its first countywide election using RCV in November 2026, following the successful implementation of RCV for the City of Portland election in November 2024.
"The introduction of ranked choice voting countywide represents an important change in how Multnomah County residents will cast their ballots," Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said. "While Portland voters have experience with RCV, our goal is to ensure every potential voter in East Multnomah County has the knowledge and confidence to cast their ballot. This grant program is key to achieving that goal working through trusted community partners."
About the grant opportunity
The 2026 Multnomah County Voter Education Fund will award up to five grants of $20,000 each to community-based organizations serving residents in East Multnomah County.
The program's goals are to:
- Promote understanding of RCV among East Multnomah County residents.
- Equip voters with the knowledge and confidence to cast ballots using RCV.
- Deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate RCV education through community partners.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving residents in East Multnomah County to be eligible.
Preference will be given to organizations with a demonstrated record of effective outreach and engagement with East Multnomah County residents. Organizations do not have to have expertise in ranked choice voting or voter education to apply. Comprehensive training about ranked choice voting and voter education materials will be provided to grantees by the Multnomah County Elections Division.
Funded activities may include:
- Direct voter contact (e.g., canvassing, phone/text banking)
- Distribution of printed and digital educational materials
- In-person community education events
- Emails to membership and social media outreach
- "Train the Trainer" sessions for staff and volunteers
Application timeline
The grant opportunity will be posted to Multco Marketplace (MMP) Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. The application window will close Monday, March 16, 2026.
Interested organizations must register as a supplier in MMP to apply. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an MMP supplier access request form immediately, as processing can take up to three business days.
Additional information on this grant opportunity can be found at: multco.us/info/voter-education-grant.
About ranked choice voting
Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference instead of choosing only one candidate.
In November 2022, voters approved measures to require the use of RCV for all City of Portland and Multnomah County candidate contests. The City of Portland began using RCV for its candidate contests in November 2024 and Multnomah County will begin using RCV for its candidate contests in November 2026.
Watch this video to learn more about ranked choice voting. Find additional information in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Somali and Ukrainian at: multco.us/info/ranked-choice-voting-rcv.
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