As of Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 27, unofficial data from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division show that over 800,000 Oregon voters have returned their ballots. That accounts for about 25% of the state’s 3.1 million registered voters.
The same pattern is evident in Lane County, where roughly 73,400 ballots have been received out of nearly 285,000 active voters – about 26% of the county’s electorate.
How voters are casting their ballots
Of the ballots counted so far, more than 80% were deposited in one of the state’s more than 300 drop boxes, about 18% arrived by mail, and less than 2% were turned in at the county elections office counter.
Secretary of State Tobias Read is urging the remaining voters to take advantage of the extensive drop‑box network rather than relying on the United States Postal Service, which has faced delays that could slow ballot delivery.
Impact on upcoming races
Early turnout will be a factor in several closely watched contests, including the gubernatorial race between incumbent Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Republican challenger State Senator Christine Drazan of Canby. The race is expected to be tight, and early ballot returns could signal momentum for either side.
Other competitive legislative races are shaping up in the North Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, southern Oregon, Salem and Bend. These districts often decide control of the state House and Senate.
Party breakdown of early returns
According to John Horvick, senior vice president and elections expert at Portland‑based DHM Research, about 46% of the ballots cast so far were from Democrats, while Republicans accounted for roughly 30%. The remaining 24% came from voters registered as non‑affiliated or with minor parties.
Horvick cautioned that early Democratic enthusiasm does not guarantee a high‑turnout year for the party. Historically, Democrats tend to submit ballots earlier in the election cycle, while Republicans often wait closer to Election Day. He expects the partisan mix of the remaining ballots to shift more Republican as the November 3 election draws near.
What voters should do now
Voters who have not yet cast a ballot are encouraged to locate a nearby drop box – the Secretary of State’s website provides a searchable map – and drop off their ballot in person. This method avoids potential postal delays and ensures the vote is counted promptly.
For those who prefer mailing their ballot, it is advisable to send it early and use certified or tracked mail services when possible.
Oregon’s early ballot return numbers are modest but show a steady flow of participation. As the election approaches, both parties will be watching the trends closely, and the final turnout could prove decisive in a number of tightly contested races.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
