Low Voter Turnout Hits Multiple Oregon Counties During Special Elections

Multiple regions across the U.S. are experiencing low voter turnout in recent primary and special elections. In Butler County, Ohio, early turnout for the municipal primary election is low but expected to increase during typical high-traffic voting periods, with no major issues reported except for a quickly resolved scanner replacement. Southern Oregon counties, including Jackson, Klamath, Multnomah, and Deschutes, are all seeing historically low participation rates for special elections focused on local measures such as fire district levies and school board positions, with turnout ranging from about 11% to 21%. Officials from these counties note that many races are uncontested or involve tax measures, which may contribute to voter disengagement. Deschutes County has a history of low early returns in special elections but hopes for a last-minute surge as seen in previous years. Election officials remind voters to submit ballots by the deadline and emphasize the community impact of these local elections despite the low visibility.