Oregon, SW Washington voter turnout trending behind 2018 midterm election

Turnout trails other midterm elections at this point in campaign

Early voting numbers indicate lower turnout for Nov. 8 general election

Early voting turnout in Oregon and southwest Washington is trending behind the 2018 midterm election, according to data from county elections offices. In Oregon, about 23% of registered voters had returned their ballots as of Oct. 24, compared to 28% at the same point in the 2018 midterm election. In Clark County, about 22% of registered voters had returned their ballots as of Oct. 24, compared to 26% at the same point in the 2018 midterm election.

Several factors could contribute to the lower turnout, including the lack of a competitive gubernatorial race in Oregon and a general sense of apathy among voters. Several high-profile races are on the ballot in Oregon, including the races for U.S. Senate, governor, and attorney general. However, none of these races are considered to be particularly competitive. In the race for U.S. Senate, incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley is heavily favored to defeat Republican challenger Jo Rae Perkins. In the race for governor, incumbent Democrat Kate Brown is heavily favored to defeat Republican challenger Christine Drazan. And in the race for attorney general, incumbent Democrat Ellen Rosenblum is heavily favored to defeat Republican challenger Michael Cross.

The lack of competitive races may be contributing to the lower turnout. In 2018, there was a competitive gubernatorial race in Oregon, and turnout was higher. That year, incumbent Democrat Kate Brown narrowly defeated Republican challenger Knute Buehler. The race was decided by less than 10,000 votes.