One year and hundreds of millions of election dollars later, a long election season is drawing to a close.
Tonight, voters will finally be able to tune in and see their voices depicted in numbers and red and blue maps as the results pour in.
While politics and sports have their share of differences, tonight their similarities will shine. Bars, music venues, nonprofits and campaign headquarters will open their doors for voters to watch the returns.
The following is a list of a few places around Portland where students can watch the returns and cheer their elephant or donkey to victory. Most of the events are free.
Portland Mercury’s Election Night Party
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St.
6 p.m.
Free
The Portland Mercury is hosting its usual election-night party at the Doug Fir Lounge, with music, political analysis and games. This event is a short bus or bike ride from Portland State.
Basic Rights Oregon Election Night Party
Portland Hilton Hotel and Executive Tower
921 SW Sixth Ave.
Galleria North, ballroom level
7:30 p.m.
Free
Basic Rights Oregon, a nonproft that supports equal rights for gays and lesbians, will be streaming election results on a large screen in the ballroom. Just a short walk or MAX ride from PSU.
Make a Choice: Election Night Coverage and Voter Celebration
The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel
1022 SW Stark St.
5–11 p.m.
$10 (includes two “democracy-infused” drinks)
This event, held in The Cleaners, an event space on the corner of Southwest 10th Avenue and Stark Street, is a nonpartisan election-night party to raise money for a few Oregon nonprofits while “celebrating civic duty.” Just a short walk or streetcar ride from campus.
JustPortland Election Night Party
Northwest Health Foundation’s Bamboo Room
221 NW Second Ave.
6–10 p.m.
Free
JustPortland is a coalition of Portland citizens who want to empower and connect communities of color. The event is easily accessible by streetcar.
Oregon Republican Party Election Night Celebration
Embassy Suites
7900 NE 82nd Ave.
6–11 p.m.
Free
For Portland Republicans, this is the place to be on election night, though the journey to the Embassy Suites near Portland International Airport makes the location less than accessible for carless college students. Dedicated carless students can make the hour-long trip via the Green or Red MAX lines.
Think Out Loud: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Live Election Night Coverage
Rontoms
600 E Burnside St.
7 p.m.
Free
This event at the spacious Rontoms bar is a brief transit ride from Portland State. Think
Out Loud, an OPB current affairs program, will be broadcasting live with results of the local and regional races.
Democratic Party of Oregon Election Night Celebration
Portland Hilton, Grand Ballroom
921 SW Sixth Ave.
7:30 p.m.
Free
This event is hosted by the Democratic Party to celebrate its candidates, elected officials and volunteers. It will be open to the media. The event is a short streetcar ride or walk from campus.