VOTER REGISTRATION

You may register to vote for the May 21, 2002, Primary Election if:

1. You are a citizen of the United States;
2. You will be at least 18 years old by May 21, 2002; and
3. You are a resident of Oregon.

How To Register To Vote

To register to vote in the May 21, 2002, election, your completed voter registration card must be either:

• Postmarked by April 30, 2002;

• Delivered to a county elections office by April 30, 2002; or

• Delivered to any voter registration agency (e.g., DMV) by April 30, 2002.

If you are currently registered to vote in Oregon but your name, mailing address or party affiliation has changed since you last completed a voter registration card, complete a new voter registration card and mail it to your county elections office.

If Your Residence Address Has Changed

If you are currently registered to vote in Oregon but your residence address has changed since you last completed a voter registration card, complete a new voter registration card and mail it to your county elections office.

If you notify your county elections office of your change of residence address after April 30, 2002, you must request that a ballot be mailed to you or go to your county elections office to get your ballot.

Where to Obtain a Voter Registration Card

Voter registration cards can be obtained from the Secretary of State's Office, any county elections office, many state agencies, and most banks
and post offices, and are also in some telephone books. It is also available on-line at the Secretary of State's web page at http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/other.info/vreg.htm
 

VOTE BY MAIL

When are the ballots mailed to the voters?
Ballots are mailed between the 18th and 14th days before the election.

As a voter, what do I have to do?
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. Be sure you sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. After that just return the ballot either by mail or at a designated drop site.

What if I am uncomfortable voting my ballot at home?
Privacy booths are available for you to cast your ballot. There are privacy booths at your county elections office and there may be others at drop site locations elsewhere in your county. For further information, call your county elections official.

What if I make a mistake or need a new ballot?
If your ballot is lost, destroyed, damaged or you make a mistake in marking your ballot, you may call your county elections office and request a replacement ballot. One will be mailed to you as long as you request it by May 16. After that, you may pick it up at the elections office. If you have already mailed your original ballot before you realize you made a mistake, you have cast your vote and will not be eligible for a replacement ballot.

What if my ballot doesn't come?
If you are registered to vote and have not received your ballot within a week after they are mailed, call your county elections 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 were registered to vote by April 30 but now have a different address, call your county elections office for instructions on how to update your registration and receive a ballot.

Do I have to return my ballot by mail?
You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county elections office or any designated drop site in the state. The times and locations of drop sites are listed in the Voters' Pamphlet and are also available at your county elections office.

How much postage is required to mail the ballot back?
Your voted ballot can usually be returned using a single 34¢ stamp. In those instances where additional postage is necessary, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot materials.

When must the voted ballot be returned?
The voted ballot must be received in any county elections office or designated drop site by 8:00 p.m. on election night. Postmarks do not count!

How do I know if my ballot is received?
You can call your county elections 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.

What if I forget to sign the return envelope?
Generally, your elections office will either return it to you for signing or they will contact you, if possible, to come to the elections office to sign it. If the return envelope does not get signed before 8:00 p.m. on May 21, the ballot will not be counted.

Can the public watch the election process?
All steps of the process are open to observation by the public. Contact your county elections official to make arrangements.

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.

VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES

A cassette edition of the Voters' Pamphlet is available for Oregonians who cannot read standard print due to a visual or physical disability. To order a cassette of the Voters' Pamphlet, please contact Independent Living Resources at 503-232-7411.
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