Oregon candidates make 11th hour push for votes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- With just three days until Election Day, millions of voters in Oregon and Southwest Washington are still deciding on candidates and measures.

Campaigns were out in force this weekend, with candidates and their volunteers going door to door to make one final plea for their vote.

These included some of the frontrunners for Portland mayor, Rene Gonzalez, Keith Wilson and Carmen Rubio.

"Everything gets so focused on digital, but this is really where it hits the road," said Gonzalez. "And listening to voters, what's on their minds and then telling the story and the vision for the city of Portland."

"Right now we know that the number of votes or voters that have been turned in is lower than historical," noted Wilson. "So we're out here just trying to help voters with decisions because it's a large voters pamphlet. It's a very large amount of research to do."

Rubio, meanwhile, was campaigning at the Hollywood farmer's markets.

"This is near my neighborhood and, we're just working in the community and showing up and having a chance for voters to ask any questions they may have."

Another mayoral candidate, Mingus Mapps, was also out canvassing on Saturday.

A steady stream of voters turned in their ballots on Sunday as candidates urged people to get their ballots in. And they all said variations of the same thing.

"Make sure that you're voting for somebody who can articulate a plan, a plan that shows Portland what is it going to look like next year?" Wilson said. "And if that person hasn't been able to articulate really what Portland needs to look like next year, then I would say, vote for Keith because I've articulated clear plan with a clear vision on what we're going to do immediately."

Rubio said, "Our biggest concerns are making sure that we get Portland on track to becoming, you know, that vibrant, safe, prosperous community for everyone that's inclusive of everyone that's affordable for everyone. and I know that our best days are still ahead."

"This is looking like it's going to be a close race," Gonzalez said. "So, I say every vote matters, including the ones that are mailed on Tuesday."

Democratic State Representative Janelle Bynum and Republican Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer were also out trying to win voter support amid a really close race for Oregon's 5th district.

The deadline to drop off your ballot is Tuesday at an approved ballot drop-off site. You can also have your mailed ballot postmarked by midnight for it to count.