Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read has ordered the immediate removal of 160,000 inactive voter registrations, part of a broader cleanup targeting 800,000 outdated records before the 2026 midterms.
This cleanup ensures that Oregon’s voter rolls accurately reflect the current electorate, improving election efficiency and complying with federal regulations to maintain integrity in the voting process.
Why Oregon Paused Cleanup for Nine Years
Oregon paused its voter roll maintenance in 2017 due to changes in procedure, which led to a backlog of inactive voter records.
Secretary Read’s 2024 directive restores the process, instructing counties to send out voter confirmation notices and remove registrations for voters who haven’t responded in several election cycles, ensuring up-to-date rolls ahead of 2026.
Who’s Impacted by the Cleanup?
Oregon has approximately 800,000 inactive voter registrations—20% of the total rolls. These individuals haven’t received ballots due to undeliverable mail.
The immediate removal of 160,000 records will leave 640,000 on the list who must respond to confirmation notices or face removal. These individuals haven’t participated in recent elections, making their removal necessary to maintain clean rolls.
How County Election Offices Are Preparing
Oregon’s 36 county election offices are preparing to mail updated voter confirmation cards. This process increases printing and mailing costs, as counties work to comply with Secretary Read’s directive.
This new phase of voter list maintenance ends a nine-year lull, requiring systematic action to ensure voter records are accurate before the 2026 elections.
DOJ Lawsuit Pressures Oregon
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in 2025 for Oregon’s non-compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
Secretary Read’s decision to clean up the voter rolls is part of the state’s effort to meet federal obligations and avoid legal consequences. This cleanup aims to ensure fair and accurate elections as required by federal law.
Judicial Watch Pushes for Action
Judicial Watch filed lawsuits challenging Oregon’s voter roll maintenance practices, arguing for stricter enforcement.
Secretary Read’s action to remove inactive registrations is in response to both federal and litigation pressures. The cleanup represents an administrative priority and a commitment to addressing the concerns raised by various legal entities, including federal authorities.
Reducing Election Costs and Waste
Purging inactive voter registrations will help Oregon reduce wasteful spending on undeliverable ballots, which currently add to election costs. By removing 800,000 outdated records, the state is addressing inefficiencies and lowering election-related expenses.
This cleanup effort supports fiscal responsibility while ensuring that Oregon’s election system is more effective and streamlined for the upcoming midterms.
Strengthening Data Management Systems
Oregon counties are upgrading their voter registration management systems to handle confirmation responses and status updates. These enhanced systems will reduce errors in voter records, ensuring more accurate tracking of voter status.
As a result, Oregon’s election officials will have access to cleaner, up-to-date data, contributing to the state’s goal of maintaining fair and accurate rolls.
Political Reactions to the Voter Roll Cleanup
The political response to Oregon’s voter roll cleanup has been mixed. Republicans have generally supported the effort, viewing it as a step toward election integrity.
Meanwhile, some Democrats worry about the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters who may miss the confirmation notices. However, both parties recognize the need for accurate voter rolls under federal law.
NVRA and Federal Compliance
Under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), states must maintain accurate voter rolls by removing outdated and inactive registrations.
Oregon’s cleanup is a response to federal guidelines that ensure eligibility is properly verified and that elections remain fair. By addressing the backlog, Oregon is bringing its election practices into compliance with federal standards.
Immediate Purge of 160,000 Voter Registrations
Secretary Read’s directive has immediately purged 160,000 voter registrations that have been inactive since 2017.
These voters, who have failed to respond or participate in elections for two federal cycles, will no longer receive ballots. This is a significant step in Oregon’s voter roll cleanup, addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the state’s election system.
Remaining Voters Must Confirm Their Status
After the immediate purge, around 640,000 inactive voters remain. These individuals will receive voter confirmation notices, and they must act to maintain their registration.
Those who fail to confirm their status by the deadlines will be removed from the rolls. The process ensures that Oregon’s voter rolls are updated and accurately reflect eligible voters.
Voter Inactive Status Explained
Voters are classified as inactive when their ballots are returned as undeliverable or when they haven’t participated in elections for an extended period.
These individuals no longer receive ballots, and they must verify their registration status through confirmation notices to stay on the voter rolls and participate in future elections.
How Voters Can Confirm Their Status
Oregon voters can confirm their status online, by mail, or in person at county election offices. The online process, available at oregonvotes.gov/myvote, allows voters to update their address or confirm their registration status quickly.
Responding to these notices is critical for keeping registrations active ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Re-Registration After Purge
If their registration is canceled, voters can re-register through various methods, including online at oregonvotes.gov, by mail, or in person.
Oregon offers online registration with a valid driver’s license or state ID. These options ensure that Oregonians can easily update their voter status and participate in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Voter Roll Issues Across the Nation
Oregon is not the only state facing challenges with inactive voter registrations. Many other states have similar issues with outdated rolls, often leading to inefficient election processes.
The Election Assistance Commission emphasizes that maintaining accurate voter rolls is crucial for ensuring fair elections and improving election administration across the country.
Secretary Read’s Commitment to Clean Elections
Secretary Tobias Read, who took office in January 2025, has made voter roll maintenance a priority. The 2024 cleanup represents his commitment to accurate election administration and federal compliance.
His efforts aim to restore confidence in Oregon’s election system by ensuring that only eligible, active voters are included on the rolls.
Voters Should Check Their Status
Oregon voters are encouraged to visit oregonvotes.gov/myvote to confirm their registration status. The confirmation process is quick and easy, allowing voters to keep their registration active and avoid issues on Election Day.
Nationally, voters should regularly check their registration status to ensure they are eligible to vote in future elections.
Ongoing Maintenance After the Cleanup
Even after the initial cleanup, approximately 640,000 voters will remain inactive until they confirm their status.
Secretary Read has committed to ongoing efforts to ensure the accuracy of Oregon’s voter rolls, making regular maintenance a key part of the state’s election administration ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
A More Accurate Voter Roll for Oregon
Oregon’s voter roll cleanup is a significant step in ensuring election integrity and transparency. By removing outdated registrations and updating voter statuses, Secretary Read is helping to restore the accuracy of Oregon’s rolls.
This effort supports a more efficient, effective election process as the state prepares for the crucial 2026 midterm elections.
Sources:
“Oregon to Resume Routine Cleanup of Outdated, Inactive Voter Registration Records with New Directives from Secretary of State Tobias Read.” Oregon Secretary of State, 8 Jan 2026.
“Oregon to purge up to 800,000 inactive voters from registration rolls.” Philomath News / Oregon Journalism Project, 10 Jan 2026.
“Oregon election system faces scrutiny as state moves to address 800,000 inactive voters: ‘Astounding’.” Fox News, 11 Jan 2026.
“Trump administration challenges Oregon over voter rolls in lawsuit.” Oregon Public Broadcasting, 5 Jun 2025.