Residents of Bend and the wider Deschutes County will soon have the official voter pamphlet for the 2026 midterm elections in their mailboxes. The county clerk’s office confirmed that the pamphlets were mailed out this week and are expected to arrive by the end of the week.
What’s inside the pamphlet?
The booklet contains brief biographies of each candidate on the ballot, along with concise arguments for and against any ballot measures that will appear in the upcoming election. While most candidates have submitted statements, the clerk emphasized that a statement is not required. “A candidate statement is not required for the voters pamphlet. It’s up to each candidate whether they want to put a statement in the pamphlet or not,” Clerk Steve Dennison said. “And they paid to have that statement in there.”
How to get a replacement
If a voter does not receive a pamphlet within a week, or if the copy is misplaced, the county offers spare pamphlets for pickup. These can be collected at the Deschutes County Clerk’s office or at any local post office, ensuring that every eligible voter has access to the information needed to make an informed choice.
Key election dates
Voter registration remains open through October 13, giving residents a final window to add their name to the rolls. Ballots themselves will be mailed out on October 14, giving voters ample time to review the pamphlet, consider the candidates and measures, and cast their ballots either by mail or at their designated polling place.
Why the pamphlet matters
Providing a non‑partisan, consolidated source of information aligns with the community’s tradition of informed civic participation. By delivering the pamphlet directly to households, the county helps ensure that voters can compare candidates side‑by‑side and understand the implications of each ballot measure without having to scour multiple websites or campaign literature.
Local officials encourage residents to read the pamphlet carefully, discuss the issues with family and friends, and reach out to the clerk’s office with any questions. The goal is to empower every citizen—especially families and faith‑based communities—to exercise their constitutional right to vote with confidence and clarity.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
