Oregon election officials expect high turnout in 2024 presidential election
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – With one week before Election Day, over half a million Oregonians have already cast their ballots, as election officials anticipate high voter turnout.
The latest data from the Oregon Secretary of State's Office shows as of Oct. 28 -- with 3,075,307 registered voters -- the Secretary of State's Office has received over 578,000 ballots, or 18% turnout.
Of the received ballots, 23.4% were from registered Democrats, and 25.9% were from registered Republicans, followed by 21% of ballots received from independent voters, and 9.8% from unaffiliated voters.
In Multnomah County, which has over 578,000 registered voters, more than 105,000 ballots have been accepted -- leading to 18.30% turnout as of Oct. 28, according to data posted by the county.
Based on historical turnout and recent comparable elections, the county projects over 80% voter turnout as of Monday. This was around the same turnout for the November 2016 and November 2020 general elections.
Edward Gutierrez with the Multnomah County Elections Division told KOIN 6 News that November presidential elections already bring higher voter turnout, noting this election comes on the heels of an "anomaly" in 2020.
“November elections trend high and presidential elections tend to trend even higher based on historical figures. 2020 was an anomaly because everyone voted so early," Gutierrez said. "We're not sure exactly what to expect this November because of the significant changes at play for this election.”
In Washington County, voter registration is at an "all-time high," with over 401,000 registered voters, according to Washington County Elections Manager Dan Forester, who noted “early voting is going great.”
As of Oct. 28, turnout is nearly 25% in Washington County with officials projecting 85% turnout when votes are tallied.
While it appears turnout was higher at this point in the election in 2020 compared to the current election, Forester cautions comparing the two presidential election years as Election Day fell on different days, the U.S. was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2020 saw "unprecedented" early voting in the primary and general election.
In Clackamas County, with more than 319,000 eligible voters, the county is seeing 16% turnout so far. Based on previous presidential elections, Clackamas County anticipates 85% turnout.
As some Oregon election officials anticipate high voter turnout in 2024, this election year follows a record-high year for turnout in 2020, with 67% of citizens 18 and older reporting they voted, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2020, some states boasted a higher turnout, including Oregon, which had 78.5% turnout, the Oregon Secretary of State's Office reported.
For the 2024 November election, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by USPS by Nov. 5, and in-person ballot returns must be turned in by 8 p.m. Nov. 5.