Ballots will start hitting mailboxes later this week and there is a lot to consider in the 2026 election.

Nationally, the big story is whether Republicans will keep control of Congress; one congressional seat in Southwest Washington could help tip the balance of power in D.C.

And Oregon’s race for governor is one of the closest the state has seen in years. A Republican hasn’t been elected as governor in Oregon for more than four decades. Could 2026 break the streak?

Oregonians can continue to cast their vote by mail, but the Oregon Secretary of State advises voters to consider using drop boxes this year to return ballots.

Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to count.

Watch this overview video to see what the big stories are in Oregon in Southwest Washington.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/14/election-2026-what-to-know-oregon-southwest-washington-races/