Wasco County Sees Slight Increase in Early Voter Turnout; Voter Registrations
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., May 8, 2024 – Wasco County Clerk’s Office has reported a slight increase in voter turnout in the early stages of this year’s election compared to previous years. According to the Wasco County Clerk's office, as of May 7, the county has seen a 3.03% ballot return rate, a modest rise from the 2.83% observed at the same point in 2022, and a larger increase from the 2.75% recorded in 2020.
The rise in early voting turnout comes at a time when the offices of Wasco County Sheriff, County Clerk, and County Treasurer are notably absent from the primary ballot—a fact the county clerk's office is keen to remind voters about. These positions are elected during the General Election in November as mandated by the Oregon Constitution.
The clerk's office also highlighted that it would continue to provide daily updates to local media on voter turnout to local media as the election progresses, ensuring transparency and keeping the public informed on the participation levels throughout the voting period.
According to the Oregon Secretary of State, as of May 2024 there are currently 18,809 registered voters in Wasco County, a 215 voter (1.16%) increase compared to May of 2023.
Of those voters 7,503 are registered as non-affiliated, 5,047 as Republicans, 4,931 as Democrats, and 896 as Independent voters in Wasco County. In addition there are 144 Libertarian, 140 Other, 41 Constitution, 41 Working Families, 37 Pacific Green, 15 Progressive, and 14 No Labels registered voters in Wasco County.
Residents of Wasco County are encouraged to submit their ballots promptly to ensure their voices are heard.
For any further questions regarding the voting process or ballot issues, the Wasco County Clerk's office remains available to assist and provide necessary information to the public.