Jackson County Clerk Alerts Voters To Deadlines & Procedures For May Primary

Voter registration, ballot mailing, and drop box locations announced for upcoming election

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:33am

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A photorealistic painting of an official ballot drop box in a quiet urban setting, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the metal structure, conveying a sense of civic duty and the importance of voting.The placement of official ballot drop boxes across Jackson County aims to make voting more accessible and convenient for all residents.Medford Today

The Jackson County Clerk's office has released key details and deadlines for the upcoming May 19, 2026 primary election, including voter registration cutoffs, ballot mailing timelines, and the locations of official ballot drop boxes across the county. The primary will be a closed party election, with Democrats and Republicans voting separately for their respective candidates and measures.

Why it matters

Ensuring all eligible voters are informed and able to participate in local elections is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy. The clerk's outreach aims to boost voter turnout and participation by providing clear information on the voting process.

The details

The voter registration deadline for the May 19 primary is April 28, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters starting on May 1, and voters are encouraged to return them via the prepaid postage or by using one of the county's official ballot drop boxes, which will open on May 4. Voters who do not receive their ballot by May 8 should contact the elections office to request a replacement. The primary will be a closed party election, meaning Democrats and Republicans will vote separately for their respective candidates and measures, while non-affiliated voters will only be able to vote on nonpartisan races and issues.

  • The voter registration deadline is April 28, 2026.
  • Ballots will be mailed to voters starting on May 1, 2026.
  • Official ballot drop boxes will open on May 4, 2026.
  • Voters should return their ballots by May 12, 2026 to ensure they are postmarked by election day on May 19, 2026.
  • Election day is May 19, 2026.

The players

Chris Walker

The Jackson County Clerk, who is responsible for overseeing elections in the county.

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What they’re saying

“Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker encourages voters to vote early and utilize the convenient pre-paid postage for ballot mailing or by using one of our Official Ballot Drop Boxes.”

— Chris Walker, Jackson County Clerk

What’s next

Voters can check their registration status, find ballot drop box locations, and access the state and local voter's pamphlets on the Jackson County Elections website.

The takeaway

By providing clear information on deadlines, ballot return options, and voting procedures, the Jackson County Clerk's office is working to ensure all eligible voters can easily participate in the upcoming primary election and make their voices heard.