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Good morning, Northwest.

It’s Election Day in the Pacific Northwest.

OPB reporters are stationed throughout the region from La Grande to Portland to Vancouver, where we’re hearing from voters about what’s on their minds as they cast their ballots.

Stay with OPB throughout the day on air and online as we cover the 2026 midterm election. Live results from Oregon and Southwest Washington should begin arriving around 8 p.m., which you will find here.

Here’s your First Look at Tuesday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

Northwest voters cast final ballots on Election Day

Concerns about homelessness, the cost of living, healthcare and social services are driving a surge in voter turnout in Oregon and Washington in the final hours before ballot boxes close.

As of yesterday evening, 47.5% of Oregon voters had already cast their ballots, as had 40.8% of Washington voters.

But even as they show up in droves, voters across the region told OPB they’re frustrated with the choices they face.

That’s a sentiment echoed across the country, as rising fuel prices and economic uncertainty fed dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s policies and prompted speculation the U.S. could see a “blue wave” of Democratic support in many states — though not necessarily in Oregon. (OPB staff)

Learn More

3 things to know

• OPB’s ballot guide has everything you need to know about how to vote, key races and the scope of our coverage. National results will begin posting to this page around 5 p.m. Pacific, with local results beginning around 8.
• Oregon’s gubernatorial race is as close as it’s been in years and a congressional race in Southwest Washington will affect the national balance of power. Here’s a closer look at what’s at stake today.
• Ballots need to be delivered to an official drop box or elections office by 8 p.m. tonight. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days to count. Here’s what happens after your ballot is submitted.

Northwest headlines

• Silver Rail Elementary set to reopen Nov. 12 after deadly shooting (OPB staff)
• Today’s election in Washington is packed with big decisions for voters (Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard)
• Facing a $65 million deficit, Portland Public Schools asks the state to step in (Elizabeth Miller)
• ‘This is sloppy work’: Federal judge finds ICE officer lied in Oregon arrest report, says agency violated his order (Joni Auden Land)
• Yakima County resident dies from bird flu (Aspen Ford, Washington State Standard)
• There could be a shortage of Northwest hay this winter and next spring (Anna King, NWPB)
• Deni Avdija scores 28 points in the Trail Blazers’ 118-110 win over the Nuggets (Michael Kelly, AP)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Lifetime achievement award for animal protection given to retired Lewis & Clark professor
• REBROADCAST: How the US military shaped the outdoor apparel industry

Subscribe to OPB’s First Look to receive Northwest news in your inbox six days a week.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/11/03/voter-voices-oregon-southwest-washington-first-look/