the following are frequently asked questions about voting in oregon.
what is voting by mail?
In 1998, voters approved a ballot measure mandating that all elections be held by mail, commonly called a vote-by-mail. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast their ballots on Election Day, a mail-in ballot is mailed to each registered voter. the ballot is then returned to the county elections office and counted on Election Day.
With voting by mail, how do I vote?
You must be registered to vote to receive a ballot. A ballot is automatically mailed to all registered voters who are eligible to vote in the election. once you cast your ballot, simply place it in the ballot return envelope and seal it. be sure to sign the ballot return envelope. then return the ballot return envelope and mail it (no postage needed), or use one of Oregon’s official ballot drop-off sites (an updated list of official ballot drop-off sites is available 20 days in advance). of each statewide election). Official Multnomah County Drop Sites are listed at multco.us/dropsites. remember to return your ballot by mail on or before Election Day or return to an official ballot drop-off site by 8:00 p.m. on election day. ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
What happens if my ballot doesn’t arrive?
If your ballot does not arrive within 5 days after it is mailed to voters, call your county elections office. after verifying the status of your voter registration, the county elections office will send you a replacement ballot.
What happens if I make a mistake on my ballot?
If you make a mistake, clearly erase the incorrect mark and then mark the correct oval. If you make a mistake that cannot be corrected, you can call your county elections office and request a replacement ballot. one will be mailed to you as long as the request is received in time to mail it. otherwise, you can pick up a replacement ballot in person at your county elections office.
Will my vote still count if I don’t vote for all measures and/or candidates?
yes, the ballot will still be counted.
Can I change my mind after I return the ballot?
not. your ballot has been cast as soon as you drop it in the drop box or at an official ballot drop off site. after that, you will not be able to receive a new ballot to vote again.
Do I have to return my ballot by mail?
not. You have the option of mailing in your ballot or returning it to any county election office or official ballot drop-off site. the location of each official ballot drop off site in multnomah county can be found in the voter pamphlet and on our website.
How do I know if my ballot was received?
You can sign up to track your ballot to find out where your ballot is in the voting process and whether it was received by Multnomah County Elections. You can also check MyVote at the Oregon Secretary of State’s office to see the status of your ballot. In addition, you can call your county elections office and ask about the status of your voted ballot. they can tell you if your ballot was received and if the signature was verified.
Can someone find out how I voted?
not. all ballots are separated from the ballot return envelope prior to inspection. this process guarantees confidentiality.
Can someone find out if I have returned my ballot?
yes. that information is public record.
When will the election results be known?
Initial results are posted at 8 p.m. m. on election night and will continue to update throughout election night until all ballots have been counted.
What if I have more questions?
Call Multnomah County Elections, 503-988-8683 or leave a comment, and our election staff will be happy to help.