Registering to Vote

  Register Now!

Register or update your registration (name, address, political party change).  You may also check your registration status online on the Secretary of State's website:

Where can I Get a Voter Registration Card? 

•  Print Voter Registration Card

• QWest telephone book (generally the last page of the Government section)
• County Clerk's Office
• Post Offices
• City Halls
• County Libraries
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

When Do I Need to Update my Registration?

The first time you register to vote in Deschutes County

Your name changes

Your signature changes

You change your party affiliation

Your residence or mailing address changes

Absentee Voting

To register as an absentee voter, you must be currently registered in Deschutes County.  If you are not an active registered voter in Deschutes County, please also complete and submit a Voter Registration Card.  If we receive an absentee request without an active registration, it will delay processing your request.

Absentee Ballot Request Form (used primarily for students, "snowbirds" or employment within the U.S.)

Military or Out of Country. Ballots for military voters and voters living outside the United States will be mailed the 45^th day before an election.   Federal Voting Assistance Program, Voting Help for Uniformed Service Members, Their Families & Citizens Living Outside the U.S.  Information and a Federal Post Card Applicaiton (Registration and Absentee Ballot Request) are available on this site: www.fvap.gov  (Adobe Reader required).

Who May Register to Vote?

1. You are a resident of Oregon.
   
2. You are a citizen of the United States of America.
   
3. You are at least 17 years of age.

Note: If you are 17 years of age, you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.

When May I Register?

You may register at any time. However, your voter registration card must be postmarked by the 21^st day before the election at which you intend to vote.

What Information is Required?

You are required to furnish your full name, date of birth, signature, and residence address (and mailing address, if different than your residence address). Your residence address must be the address where you reside - not a post office box.  You will also be asked to provide your political party preference.

The federal "Help America Vote Act 2002" now requires individuals registering to vote in federal elections to provide identifying information with their voter registration card.  These federal requirements require a person registering to provide the following identifying information with the voter registration card:

• If you have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID, that number must be provided on the voter registration card;
• If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID, you must check the appropriate box on the registration card and provide the last four digits of your Social Security number;
• If you do not have a current, valid Oregon DMV Driver’s License/ID or a Social Security number, you must check the appropriate boxes on the registration card and provide a copy of one of the following:
  • A current and valid photo identification that shows your name. If an expiration date is provided on the photo identification that identification must not have expired; or
  • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. The address listed must match the residence or mailing address submitted on your voter registration card.

Do I Have to Re-Register for Each Election?

No. You only need to update your registration when:

• Your residence or mailing address changes;
• Your name or signature changes; or
• You wish to change your party affiliation.

Do I Have to Reigster by Party?

No. If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states "Not a member of a party." You may not designate or change a party affiliation after the 21^st day before the primary election.

How Do I Know if I Am Property Registered?

You may check your registration status online:  www.sos.state.or.us/elections Then select "Am I registered to Vote?"

You may call our office at 541-388-6546.

County Clerk's office

Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm

Deschutes Services Building

1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 202 (upper floor), Bend, Oregon  97701

Telephone: 541-388-6546  |   Fax: 541-383-4424  |   Email Elections