A newly released performance audit from Multnomah County’s Auditor’s Office outlines a stark contrast between the Elections Division’s success in administering secure elections and the mounting pressures caused by limited staffing, outdated facilities and reduced voter outreach capacity. According to reporting by KOIN, the audit underscores that while election security remains strong, the division’s internal support systems are increasingly strained.

Details from the audit, as reported by OPB, indicate that Multnomah County’s Elections Division successfully administered Portland’s 2024 ranked‑choice election and demonstrated a strong commitment to accuracy and integrity. Auditors credited efficient ballot processing and voter turnout comparable to previous general elections. However, the audit warns that the county’s elimination of its internal voter education and outreach program could leave many residents—particularly those outside Portland—without sufficient guidance as ranked‑choice voting expands countywide later this year.

Staffing shortfalls are another central concern. The audit found that the division employs only 14 full‑time staff—far fewer than comparable counties—and many employees reported feeling overextended. According to reporting by KXL, auditors warned that heavy workloads, high turnover and inadequate training increase the risk of election errors and may erode public trust.

Infrastructure limitations further compound these challenges. The division’s headquarters, a 100‑year‑old building on Southeast 10th Avenue and Morrison Street, lacks capacity for modern election demands. Reporting by Hoodline notes that the facility cannot reliably accommodate structural upgrades and lacks adequate space for ballot intake and processing, forcing the county to lease auxiliary warehouse space during major elections.

In addition to operational issues, the audit evaluated prior ballot errors, including a May 2024 primary mistake in which thousands of voters received ballots missing a referendum. According to reporting by KXL, auditors found that the Elections Division acted swiftly to issue replacement ballots and recommended expanding in‑house Geographic Information System expertise to reduce the risk of similar errors tied to redistricting data.

County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson acknowledged the report’s findings, according to OPB, citing budget constraints but pledging to maintain transparent and accessible election administration. While the audit does not identify failures in election security, it makes clear that without reinvestment in staffing, outreach and infrastructure, the county’s ability to manage increasingly complex election cycles may be tested.