Salem, OR – The upcoming May 2025 special district election will see voters in Marion and Polk counties weighing in on several important local races and issues, which could significantly shape the region’s future. Ballots will be mailed out starting April 30, with the deadline to register to vote set for April 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Key Races and Measures
In the Salem-Keizer area, four seats on the Salem-Keizer School Board are up for election. These positions are critical as they will influence educational policies affecting thousands of students in Oregon’s second-largest school district. With school board races often drawing less attention than state or national elections, voter turnout for these positions tends to be low, but the stakes remain high for local families and educators.
Salem residents will also elect a new city councilor, adding to the city’s leadership as it navigates future growth and urban development. This race, like the school board contest, is nonpartisan, meaning that party affiliation will not factor into the candidates’ positions on the ballot.
A proposed property tax increase will also be on the ballot in Salem. The tax would help prevent cuts to key public services, including parks and recreation programs, the public library, and the Center 50+ for seniors. If passed, the measure would preserve funding for these essential services that many residents rely on.
In addition to local city and school board races, voters will also decide whether to renew a property tax measure that funds crucial renovations at Chemeketa Community College. The measure, which aims to improve facilities across the college’s six campuses, would specifically expand career education programs, enhancing the workforce opportunities available to local students.
Polk County’s Focus on Fairgrounds
Polk County residents will face a significant decision regarding the aging Polk County Fairgrounds and Events Center in Rickreall. A proposed property tax increase would fund necessary maintenance and upgrades to the facility, ensuring it remains a viable venue for community events in the future.
Voter Demographics
As of Monday afternoon, Marion County has 227,713 registered voters, an increase of about 4,400 compared to last year’s May election. Voters in the county are largely split, with 27% identifying as Democrats, 28% as Republicans, and 39% unaffiliated with any political party. The remaining 6% are registered with third parties, with Independents and Libertarians making up the largest share.
In Polk County, 63,924 voters are registered, with 27% identifying as Democrats, 30% as Republicans, and 36% as unaffiliated. Voter turnout in the May 2023 election was 23% in Marion County and 29% in Polk County, and local elections often see low participation rates.
A Call for Participation
With the deadline to register rapidly approaching, local election officials are urging residents to get involved. Ballots will be mailed out starting April 30, and voters will have until May 20 to return them. As local races and tax measures directly affect the community, civic engagement is crucial to ensuring the elected leaders and policies reflect the needs and values of voters.
For residents in both Marion and Polk counties, the May 2025 special district election presents a unique opportunity to influence decisions that will affect education, public services, and infrastructure for years to come.
