Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division

Vote by Mail Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you need a private, secure place to mark your ballot, contact your county election office. Every county provides privacy booths where you can mark your ballot. Usually, you can drop off your completed ballot at the same location.

Why are elections conducted by mail?

The major reasons to conduct an election by mail include:

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. Be sure to sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. After verifying that the return envelope has your name and current address, 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.

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 all 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 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 times 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.

When must the voted ballot be returned?

The voted ballot must be received in any county election office or designated drop site by 8pm on election night. Postmarks do not count.

How do I know if my ballot is received?

You may 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.

Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope?

Yes, the ballot will still be counted.

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 to be counted (usually starts 5 days before the election date).
Counting ballots (election day).

When will election results be known?

Ballot counting cannot begin until election day. Initial results are released at 8pm election night and will continue to be updated through the evening until all ballots have been counted.

What if I have more questions?

Call your county elections official. Each office will be more than happy to assist you.