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In 1998 Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing elections be conducted by mail, commonly called vote by mail. Visit Secretary of State to see Oregon's vote-by-mail implementation and history.
Vote by mail is a method of distributing ballots for an election. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast ballots on election day, a ballot is mailed to each registered voter. The ballot is then voted and returned to the county election office to be counted.
Every county provides privacy booths where you can mark your ballot. Usually, you can drop off your completed ballot at the same location.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are elections conducted by mail? • Increases voter participation • Removes barriers that can keep people from getting to the polls • Allows more time for people to study issues and candidates before marking the ballot • Has built-in safeguards that increase the integrity of the elections process • Saves taxpayer dollars
As a registered voter, what do I have to do? If your registration is current, your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you. Inside the packet you will find the ballot, a secrecy envelope and a return envelope. Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope. After verifying that the return envelope has your name and current address, sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. Then, simply return the ballot either by mail or at a designated drop site.
When are the ballots mailed to the voters? In Oregon, ballots will be mailed any time between the 14th and 18th days before an election.
I will be out of town when ballots are mailed. How do I get a ballot? Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. You may request an early absentee ballot from your county election official either in person, by mail, or by fax. You will need to include your name, residence address and, if different, your mailing address. An Absentee Ballot Request Form is available on our website under Voting Absentee or Registering to Vote.
What if my ballot doesn't come? If you have not received your ballot within a week after they are mailed, call your county election office. They will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, they will mail you a replacement ballot.
What if I have moved and have not updated my registration? If you are registered to vote by the 21st day before the election but now have a different address, you may contact the county election office. They will instruct you as to available options.
How do I get information about the candidates and issues? You will receive a voters' pamphlet from the Secretary of State for statewide elections. Many counties also produce a local voters' pamphlet which is either included with the state pamphlet or mailed separately. In special elections, the county may include the pamphlet with the ballot.
What if I do not vote on all measures and/or candidates? If you do not vote on all measures and/or candidates your ballot will still count. Your vote will be counted as an under vote for that specific measure or candidate race.
What if I make a mistake? If you make a mistake, you may call your county election office and request a replacement ballot. One will be mailed to you provided the request is received with sufficient time for mailing. Otherwise, you may pick up a replacement ballot in person at your county election office.
Your ballot has been cast as soon as you deposit it in the mailbox or at a drop site. After that, you cannot receive a new ballot to re-vote.
Do I have to return my ballot by mail? You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county election office or any designated drop site in the state. The hours and locations of drop sites are published by and available from your county election official.
How much postage is required to mail my ballot back? Your voted ballot can usually be returned without extra postage. In those instances where additional postage is necessary, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot materials.
Can I mail multiple ballots in one return envelope? A return envelope (contains the signature) can only contain one secrecy envelope and one ballot. Do not save postage by including two or more secrecy envelopes with ballots in one return envelope as they will not be counted.
When must the voted ballot be returned? The voted ballot must be received in any Oregon county election office or one of their designated drop sites by 8:00 p.m. on election night. Postmarks do not count. The ballot must be received by that date and time in order to be counted.
How do I know if my ballot is received? You may call your county election office and ask if your ballot has been received. A record is kept of each voter whose ballot has been returned.
What if I have difficulty signing my name? Registered voters that have difficulty signing their name may complete an attestation form which is available upon request. The attestation shall be completed and filed before a voter may use a signature stamp or other indicator of the voter's signature on any election document. A new voter registration card with the signature stamp or other indicator must be completed and filed too.
What if I did not sign my return envelope? If you do not sign you return envelope, it will be returned to you for your signature unless there is not time to return it by mail. If your ballot is received on the Friday before the election or after, you will receive a call from our office telling you that your ballot is not signed. You may come into our office and sign your envelope prior to 8:00 p.m. on election day so your ballot can be counted.
Can I sign someone else's ballot? No one can sign the return envelope on behalf of a voter, even if there is a power of attorney in place. The ballot will not be counted.
What if my signature has changed? Complete a new voter registration form and submit it to the County Clerk's Office.
Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope? Yes, the ballot will still be counted.
Why don't all candidates appear in the voters' pamphlet? Although not required, each candidate has the opportunity to submit a picture and statement regarding his or her candidacy. The text of the statements are printed as submitted.
Can the public watch the election process? All steps of the process are open to observation by the public. The major steps include: • Preparation for mailing (about one month before the election). • Ballot reception and signature verification (during the two weeks before the election). • Opening envelopes and preparing ballots for counting (may start 7 days before election day). • Counting ballots (election day).
When will election results be known? All ballots are counted on election day - none are counted before. No results can be announced until 8:00 p.m. on election night.
Can anyone find out how I've voted once I mail my ballot? No. All ballots are separated from the return envelope before the ballots are inspected. This process ensures confidentiality.
What type of voting assistance does Deschutes County offer?
What if I have more questions? Call the Deschutes County election office at 541-388-6547.
County Clerk's office Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm Deschutes Services Building 1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 202 (upper floor), Bend, Oregon 97701 Telephone: 541-388-6546 | Fax: 541-383-4424 | Email Elections |
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Voting in Oregon