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.