Early Ballot Returns Show Voters Slow to Commit to May 17 Primary

Four percent of voters have returned ballots so far.

With the presidential nominations settled and few hot-button races on the rest of the ticket, voters have returned their ballots at a sluggish pace so far.

Figures compiled by the secretary of state's Elections Division show that 4 percent of ballots so far have been mailed in.

That figure is roughly in line with the past three primary elections.

The early numbers may not be particularly accurate—they show for instance, only two ballots returned in Clackamas County—but one noteworthy finding is that Multnomah County, where voters always wait until the final few days of the cycle, have exceeded the state average. Energetic Multnomah County voters have turned in 6.9 percent of their ballots.

Ballots must be received by 8 pm on May 17 to be counted.

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.