SALEM, OR - With ballot returns lagging in key local elections, Oregon Republican Party Chair Connie Whelchel is calling on Republicans statewide to make their voices heard by returning their ballots by the May 20th deadline-especially in school board races where leadership decisions will have a direct impact on Oregon’s struggling education system.

“Oregon has become a national embarrassment when it comes to public education,” said Chair Connie Whelchel. “We rank near the bottom in the nation for reading and math proficiency. Less than half of our students can read or do math at grade level. It doesn’t help that the Oregon State Board of Education has eliminated the requirement for high school students to prove proficiency in reading, writing, and math as a condition of graduation. We need leaders on our school boards who will work hard to improve these outcomes-not just protect the status quo.”

School board elections across the state are seeing extremely low voter turnout, as too many school boards remain focused on divisive political agendas instead of academic excellence, school safety, and parental rights.

“Republicans cannot afford to sit this one out. Local elections matter-and they can be decided by just a handful of votes,” Whelchel said. “If we want better schools, safer streets, and more accountability, we have to show up and vote.”

“If every Republican who gets this message votes and encourages one or two others to do the same, we can change the outcome of this election—and help shift the direction of our schools and the success of our students,” Whelchel added.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, May 20th, or dropped off at an official ballot box by 8:00 p.m. that evening. Voters can find official drop box locations at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx