Benton County Records & Elections Department Rolls Out Digital Modernization Suite (Photo) - 10/14/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Benton County is modernizing how community members access vital public services, making it easier, faster and more secure to engage with County departments. Ultimately, this work will span all departments’ web presence, payment platforms and digital access to services that previously required in‑person or over-the-phone interactions.

County leadership has emphasized that modernization is central to improving transparency and access. “Digital modernization is important to the Board of Commissioners and County leadership because it’s a better way to serve our constituents,” said County Administrator Rick Crager. “This project is a component of our commitment to transparency in governance. This work will be ongoing, iterative and open to public feedback.”

Since July of 2026, the Benton County Records & Elections Department has rolled out several modernization milestones. The first phase launched the department’s updated website featuring improved user navigation, clearer access to essential services and online appointment booking.

In September, the department launched its free Property Recording Alert System. Through PRAS, subscribers get email notifications any time documents containing specified names are recorded and indexed. PRAS gives property owners an early heads‑up on potentially unauthorized filings, adding an extra layer of transparency and peace of mind.

Now, Records is opening its Digital Research Room. Most useful for titling and recording companies, realtors and contractors, the Digital Research Room is the newest service to receive the modernization treatment. For $150 a month, users get on-demand, flat-rate access to records that previously needed to be accessed, reviewed and shared by a Records employee for a one-time, calculated fee. This expansion of service supports industry professionals by allowing them direct access to documents, reduces staff workload and sets a more straightforward rate for “power users,” improving public records access overall. Those who need one-off support do not need to subscribe to the platform and may make requests over the counter or via email, and certified copies must still come from the Records team directly.

“With each phase of this project, our goal has been to make our services easier to access, book and use,” said Benton County Clerk and director of the Records and Elections Department, Darla Rush. “This digital modernization helps us streamline services and improves access for those unable to make a call or visit mid-day or wait for staff support.”

While the Records team will continue modernizing its services, Elections operations remain in line with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. Voting and voter registration processes follow the statewide standards that have kept Oregon’s vote-by-mail system secure and accurate for two decades.

Community members and industry professionals can visit the updated website and learn more about new digital services at re.bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Agriculture And Wildlife Co-Existence Program Accepting Grant Applications Through Nov. 30 (Photo) - 10/01/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) will be open for general applications from Benton County farmers Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. The grant program for farmers promotes agriculture and wildlife co-existence by funding non-lethal wildlife deterrents to prevent losses to livestock, crops and property.

Agricultural operations of all sizes and income levels may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursements for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents. These may include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.

Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round for installation of proven methods to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.

The AWPP also provides resources for farmers about non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can help guide interested community members in creating successful deterrent plans.

Grant applications and instructions may be downloaded from the AWPP website. Grant awards will be announced in early January, Successful applicants will have until April 30, 2027, to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, AWPP has provided 50 awards totaling $168,048. Awards are made based upon the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases.

The AWPP funds deterrents for wild predator species and beavers, but does not fund deterrents for deer, turkey or elk.

Find more information and application instructions on the Benton County website.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Affairs Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Elections To Host Town Hall On October 8 - 09/24/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. — With the General Election approaching Nov. 3, Benton County invites the community to learn about their voting rights and best practices at a Town Hall. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. in the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

People can also participate remotely with a virtual meeting option. A Zoom link will be posted on the County’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

The Town Hall is an opportunity for community members to ask questions and talk about voting concerns with a panel of Elections staff.  Following a short presentation about election processes and timelines, the remainder of the two-hour meeting will be dedicated to Q&A.

Recent federal attempts to change voting practices have left voters with questions about what to expect from this election and how to ensure their vote is counted. Benton County Clerk Darla Rush and her staff have received more questions in recent weeks than they would normally get before an election.

“For weeks, the local and national news have been filled with conflicting information about vote-by-mail, and people are understandably concerned,” said Rush. “At the Town Hall, they can get facts about voting and be confident that their ballot will be received and counted.”

Benton County recommends voters take these steps:

1. As soon as possible (no later than Oct. 13), check voter registration status and mailing address on the MyVote webpage.

2. Use the Official Voters’ Pamphlet to research candidates and measures before ballots are mailed.

3. When a ballot is received, don’t wait to fill it out! Complete and return it early in case questions arrive during processing.

4. Return ballots in secure drop boxes whenever possible. If you must mail it, drop it in the mailbox 7-10 days before Election Day.

5. To confirm your ballot was received, check the MyVote webpage or call the Benton County Elections Office at 541-766-6756.

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