Every two years voters have the opportunity to participate in the Oregon Primary Election, held in the even-numbered year on the third Tuesday in May. Last day to register to vote is Tuesday, April 26. This year Oregon’s Primary Election is May 17, 2016. The Primary Election always brings interesting questions. Below is information on some popular topics about the upcoming Primary Election:
Will anyone in Oregon receive ALL the candidates on their Primary ballot?
No. Voters who are registered as a member of the Democrat, Independent or Republican Party will receive a ballot that includes all nominating candidates for that specific party, along with all nonpartisan contests. Voters registered in any of the minor parties or as a non-affiliated voter (not a member of a political party) will receive a ballot for the primary election that includes the nonpartisan contests ONLY. Sample ballots are available online at Deschutes.org/clerk or www.oregonvotes.gov.
The Independent Party, now a major party in Oregon, opened their nomination process to non-affiliated voters giving them the opportunity to request an Independent Party ballot for this Primary Election only. The Oregon Secretary of State’s office sent postcards out to all non-affiliated voters with this information notifying them to request this ballot in writing from the local election office by April 26, 2016.
April 26, 2016 is the deadline for any political party changes and for registrations for those electors new to the state of Oregon. One can register to vote or update their current registration by returning a voter registration card to the Election office or online at oregonvotes.gov.
When will ballots be mailed in Deschutes County?
Deschutes County ballots will be delivered to the Bend Post Office on Wednesday, April 27th. Voters who do not receive a ballot through the mail by Wednesday, May 4 should call the Election office at 541-388-6546.
Ballots are NOT FORWARDABLE. Therefore, if an elector has moved or changed a mailing address without notifying us it is likely their ballot will be returned to us as undeliverable. It is important that electors update their voter registration with their current address or for a name change.
When will Voters’ Pamphlets be delivered?
The Oregon Secretary of State’s office produces and prints their Voter’s Pamphlet as does Deschutes County. Deschutes County’s Voters’ Pamphlet is inserted into the center of the State Voters’ Pamphlet and will be delivered, one per residential household, between April 20th – 22nd. If one is not received, the post offices have additional copies or available online at oregonvotes.gov and Deschutes.org/clerk. It is the candidate’s choice whether or not to be submit a statement in the Voter’s Pamphlet for a fee.
Why do some voters receive two ballots?
If a voter changes their party close to the registration deadline, they may receive two ballots. Ballot packets are assembled for mailing prior to the registration deadline because of volume. Only one ballot will count. The first ballot is inactivated when the second ballot is issued.
When are write-In votes tallied?
Write-in votes will not be tallied on Election Day. The abstracting process for determining all the various write-in names will begin after Election Day and continue until completed. It is anticipated that those results will be released at the same time the election is certified on June 6th.
When there is a candidate listed on a contest, the write-in votes are only abstracted for names if the total number of write-ins equal or exceeds the votes for the listed candidate.
Per OAR 165-007-0030, the Vote By Mail Manual, misspelling or abbreviations of the names of candidates are disregarded by the Election Board if it cannot be ascertained from the ballot for which the vote was intended. A first initial is not sufficient, but an abbreviated version of a first name is allowed (example: Bob for Robert).
Other notable items and reminders:
Last day to register to vote is Tuesday, April 26. To be valid, the voter registration card must be postmarked by April 26. Or, go online to oregonvotes.gov. The online registration must be submitted by April 26 at 11:59 pm. Voter registration cards available at DMVs, city halls, libraries, post offices and the County Clerk’s office.
Election Day is Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Ballots must be returned to the election office either through an official drop box or through the mail by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Last day to mail ballots is Wednesday, May 11th. If a voter has not mailed their ballot by May 11, they should delivery their ballot to a drop site to ensure their ballot is received by the deadline. POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT.
Official Deschutes County drop sites locations are listed in the Deschutes County Voters’ Pamphlet and online at Deschutes.org/clerk.
New drop site location in Bend. It is located in the Old Mill District at 459 SW Bluff Dr (box located on the knoll above the cinemas south of Hilton Garden Inn – look for the signs and banners).
Remember to sign your return envelope. Voters must sign their return identification envelope before submitting your ballot. A ballot will not be counted unless the return envelope is signed and the signature matches the signature in the voter’s record.
Celebrating Deschutes County’s 100 Years. To celebrate, a student art contest was held. The winner and runner up’s art is featured on the first and last page of the Deschutes County Voters’ Pamphlet.
Public Certification test in Deschutes County will be held Thursday May 5 at 8:30 am, at the County Clerk’s office. The public certification test if of the County’s optical scan vote counting system. The test is conducted prior to each election.
Contact: Nancy Blankenship, Deschutes County Clerk, 541-388-6544
