Your Daily Guide

5 Days Till Election Day

Don’t panic. Despite all the mishugas about elections coming out of the federal administration, this is an ordinary election. Multnomah Elections ranked-choice voting project manager Leah Benson said county workers are standing by to count your ballot. We featured the news earlier this week that the federal government is sending election monitors, but that’s not a concern to the county, which hosts monitors all the time. You too could visit to watch the count — if you’re interested. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• One change: Ranked choice voting is going countywide. So you’ll now get to rank the candidates for county chair and the commissioners. Treat the No. 1 ranking as your vote — with the additional choices as your backups, says Benson. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
• A tip: Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is telling voters to use only official ballot dropboxes at this point, instead of the mail — so you can be extra-sure your ballot is returned in time. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
• A politician who changed his mind: The lone Republican in the Oregon House to vote for last year's gas tax hike has switched his party affiliation to Democrat — and is in a competitive and expensive reelection fight. OPB calls the race on the north coast the “biggest curiosity in state politics this year.” Support for rebuilding transportation infrastructure runs high in the district, though the gas tax was hugely unpopular. [OPB]
• The most expensive Oregon legislative race: Republicans are attempting to flip a district in the state Senate to deny Democrats the supermajority needed to pass tax hikes without Republican support. State Sen. Jeff Golden’s retirement is seen as their best opportunity this year, and the two leading candidates have raised $3.6 million combined in their effort to win a district that runs from Medford to the California border and includes Ashland. [Oregonian]

Each week, we feature favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city. This week is a little different — a couple members wrote in with shoutouts for their favorite local elementary school, which could be closed after this year:

🎒 "I'd like to give a shoutout to Peninsula Elementary. It's hard to put into words how much this school means to the community it serves. The teachers and staff aren't just educators; they're our neighbors, our friends, our family. They know all of our kids by name, mentor them, and genuinely care about who they will become. Peninsula is a place where neighbors meet, friendships form, and community grows. For many families, it's the heart of Kenton, filled with memories, connections, and a real sense of belonging. As PPS considers rightsizing scenarios that could close Peninsula, I want to thank the staff, students, and families who have made it such a special place. The care, dedication, and community spirit that define Peninsula deserve to be recognized and celebrated forever. North Portland is better because of you. Go Panthers!” — Danny M. F.

✏️ "I would like to shout out my local, neighborhood school. My two oldest kids attend Peninsula Elementary, and my youngest is in a Preschool for All program located directly across the street from James John. We have LOVED everything about our local, neighborhood school. The teachers and staff have been wonderful. I thought I was connected to my community before, but attending our local, neighborhood school brought it to another level. The effect of these proposed school closures reaches far beyond students, parents, and educators. Every single Portlander has the right to know exactly what is going to happen to these empty buildings. Portland doesn't need 14 more giant, empty buildings. The Kenton School closed in 2006 and is currently still owned by PPS and sitting vacant on the corner of Lombard and Interstate. But I digress. Shoutout Peninsula Elementary, a great little school in a great neighborhood.” — Foss C.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!