Sherwood, Oregon Public Records

Residents can register to vote online at oregonvotes.gov through the Oregon Secretary of State's system, which requires an Oregon driver's license or ID card number. The registration deadline falls 21 days before any election. Oregon offers automatic voter registration through the DMV, and same-day registration is available during the early voting period at county elections offices and select locations. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of Oregon. The city holds municipal elections for its Mayor and six City Council positions - three councilors elected from each of two wards. The Mayor serves a four-year term, while City Councilors serve staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections happen in November of even-numbered years, coordinated with state and federal contests. The next Sherwood municipal elections will include City Council positions in November 2026. Candidate filing occurs in the summer before the election, and the city posts candidate information and local ballot measures at sherwoodoregon.gov. Local voters also participate in Sherwood School District elections for school board directors. Because the state conducts elections entirely by mail, traditional polling place lookup doesn't apply here. Voters who need to register close to Election Day or prefer to vote in person can visit the Washington County Elections Office during the early voting period - typically beginning 7-14 days before Election Day - or use official ballot drop boxes located throughout the city and county. Drop box locations in the area are listed on the County Elections website and include sites at Sherwood City Hall and the Sherwood Public Library at 22560 SW Pine Street. Drop boxes are accessible 24 hours a day and remain open until 8:00 PM on Election Day. Oregon's election records rank among the most transparent and accessible in the nation. Voter registration lists are public records available from county elections offices, though certain information such as birth dates and driver's license numbers is restricted. Campaign finance records for all candidates and political committees are available through the Oregon Secretary of State's ORESTAR system at egov.sos.state.or.us/orestar, which provides searchable databases of contributions, expenditures, and committee registrations. Candidate filing information including statements and ballot titles are public and available through both the County Elections office and the Oregon Elections Division. Precinct-level election results for all local precincts are published online by Washington County Elections following certification, typically within two weeks of Election Day. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washington County reported approximately 71% voter turnout among registered voters, with strong participation across city precincts reflecting an engaged electorate. Mail-in voting has historically produced higher turnout rates in Oregon compared to traditional polling-place states. The November 3, 2026 general election will be critically important for the area and Washington County voters. Oregon's gubernatorial race will be on the ballot, as Governor seats are up in 2026. One of Oregon's U.S. Senate seats, the seat currently held by Ron Wyden, Class III, will also be contested in 2026. Local voters will elect members of the Oregon State Legislature representing their district, Washington County Commission positions, county offices including Sheriff and District Attorney if those terms expire in 2026, and Sherwood City Council positions. Voters should expect ballot measures addressing city, county, and state issues including potential tax levies, bond measures for schools and infrastructure, and policy initiatives. Specific candidates and measures will be finalized following the candidate filing period in summer 2026. Oregon voters don't need to request absentee ballots because all registered voters automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots at their registered address. Ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day either by mail - postmarks don't count; ballots must be received by 8 PM - or via official drop boxes. Military and overseas voters can access ballots electronically and return them by fax or email under Oregon's UOCAVA provisions. Voters who don't receive a ballot should contact Washington County Elections immediately to request a replacement.