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VOTING YOUR BALLOT

(Updated February 1, 2008)

In 1998 Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing elections be conducted by mail, commonly called vote by mail. This replaces traditional polling place elections.

WHAT IS VOTE BY MAIL?

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 automatically mailed to each registered voter. The ballot is then voted and returned to the county election office to be counted.

At the May primary and November general elections, privacy booths are provided at some official ballot drop boxes where you can mark your ballot. Call your county election office if you need to locate and use a privacy booth.

AS A VOTER, WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

Your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you 18 to 14 days prior to the election. Each packet contains a secrecy envelope, ballot return identification envelope and ballot. Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope.  Be sure to sign the return envelope on the appropriate line after verifying that the return envelope has your name and current residential address.  If you incorrectly sign an envelope for another member of your household, call Lane County Elections prior to returning your ballot to receive directions on how to correct the problem.

WHEN MUST THE VOTED BALLOT BE RETURNED?

The voted ballot must be received in any county election office or designated drop site by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.  Postmarks do not count. All county election offices are considered poll locations on election day and are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Your Lane County elections office is:

WHAT IF I HAVE MOVED AND HAVE NOT UPDATED MY REGISTRATION?

If you are registered to vote anywhere in Oregon by the 21st day before the election, but now have a different address, you can update your registration through election day and still receive a ballot.  It is extremely important to complete a new registration card and promptly submit to your county elections office.  Registration card updates will be processed and a ballot mailed up to the 5th day prior to the election.  

WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE WHEN VOTING?

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.

WILL MY VOTE STILL COUNT IF I  DO NOT VOTE ON ALL THE CONTESTS AND/OR MEASURES ON THE BALLOT?

Yes, the ballot will still be counted for those contests you have voted on.

CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I'VE RETURNED THE BALLOT?

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.

WILL MY VOTE STILL COUNT IF I FORGET TO PUT MY BALLOT INTO THE SECRECY ENVELOPE?

Yes, the ballot will still be counted.  The secrecy envelope is optional, but you do have to seal the return identification envelope.

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 times and locations of drop sites are provided with each official ballot. The drop sites are also listed on the elections website. The sites listed on the website are for countywide elections and may vary for smaller elections.

HOW MUCH POSTAGE IS REQUIRED TO MAIL THE BALLOT BACK?

Your voted ballot needs to include first class postage.  In those instances where additional postage is necessary, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot materials.

HOW CAN I HELP ENSURE MY BALLOT WILL BE COUNTED?

1. You must sign the return identification envelope that has your name and current residence address.
2. Your signature must match your most recent voter registration signature.
3. • Printing is not a signature unless that is how you sign your legal documents.
   • If your signature has changed or you are having difficulty signing, please call Lane County Elections to assist you with available options.
4. You must return your ballot sealed and enclosed in the return identification envelope.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BALLOT IS RECEIVED?

You can always call your county election office and ask if they received your ballot. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.

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.

WHEN ARE BALLOTS COUNTED?

All ballots are counted on election day - none are counted before. No results can be announced until 8:00 p.m. on election night. County election officials may begin preparing the ballots for counting by opening the return identification envelope and the secrecy envelope as early as the 7th day prior to Election Day. The ballots are kept in a secure location throughout the election processes.

WHEN WILL ELECTION RESULTS BE KNOWN?

Ballot counting cannot begin until election day. Initial results are released at 8:00 p.m. election night and will continue to be updated through election night until all ballots have been counted.  The election results are also made available on the county website.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Call Lane County Elections, 541-682-4234 and staff will assist you.

Lane County Elections Voting System Instructions