Vote by Mail

Voters' Pamphlet

A state Voters' Pamphlet is mailed to every household in Oregon about 3 weeks before each statewide election. It includes information about each measure and candidate in the upcoming election.

If you do not receive a Voters' Pamphlet, you can order or pick one up from:

• Any County Elections Office
• The Secretary of State's Office
• Your local Post Office

Some counties may print a voters' pamphlet with local measures and candidates. These may be included with the state pamphlet or mailed separately.

An audio Voters' Guide is also available for each statewide election. Call 1 866 ORE VOTE for more information.

County Voter's Pamphlet

Ballot mailing

Ballots are mailed to every registered voter 18 to 20 days before the election.

• If you do not receive your ballot at least 2 weeks before the election, call the Elections Office for help.
  
• If you move or change your mailing address you need to update your voter registration information to get a ballot. The post office will not forward your ballot!
  
• An active or inactive status voter has until 8pm on the day of the election to make any updates.

Ballot package

When your ballot package comes in the mail, it will include

• Ballot
• Signature Return ID Envelope

Your ballot Signature Return ID Envelope has an area for you to sign. You must sign your Signature Return ID Envelope in order for your ballot to be counted. An Elections Official will compare the signature on your Signature Return ID Envelope to the signature(s) on your voter registration record to verify your identity. You must sign your own ballot Signature Return ID Envelope. Signing another person's name is illegal.

You may also receive supplemental information such as:

• Locations of ballot drop sites
• Website/Results information
• Special Election information

Call 1-866-ORE VOTE or the County Elections Office for more information.

Ballot Instructions

How to Mark Your Ballot

To ensure your vote counts

• Use a blue or black ink pen.
  
• Completely fill in the oval to the left of the response of your choice.

To write-in a candidate whose name is not on the ballot

• Fill in the oval to the left of the write-in line for the contest you wish to cast a write-in vote.
• Write the candidate's first and last name on the write-in line.​​​​

Keep in mind

• Any abbreviation, misspelling, or minor variation shall be disregarded in determining the validity of the write-in vote as long as the intended candidate can be determined.
• Writing the last name only will be considered invalid (unless the individual is registered with a single name).
• ORS 254.505 states "an elector may not place on the ballot a sticker bearing the name of a person or use any other method or device, except writing or using a voting machine, to vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot. Any ballot that has a sticker or other device is void and may not be counted."
• Failure to fill in the oval for the write-in will not invalidate the vote for the candidate.

Check your ballot carefully

• Make sure you have completely filled in the ovals next to your choices.
• The ballot may have contents printed on front and back.
• You do not have to vote on all contests. Those you do vote on will still count.
• You cannot change your vote once you have returned your ballot.

Don't overvote

If you vote for more candidates than allowed, or if you vote both Yes and No on a measure, it is called an overvote. Your vote will not count for that candidate or measure.

If you overvote or make a mistake on your ballot, contact the Elections Office to request a replacement ballot.

Any person who, by use of force or other means, unduly influences an elector to vote in any particular manner or to refrain from voting is subject to a fine. (ORS 254.470)

Returning Your Ballot

Prepare your return envelope

1. After you have completed your ballot and checked it for accuracy, place it in the Signature Return ID Envelope and seal it.
2. Check to make sure that your name and address are printed correctly on the back of the ballot Signature Return ID Envelope.
   • If either your name or address is not correct, contact your County Elections Office for help.
   • If they are both correct, go to step 4.
   • If you have a disability and cannot physically sign your name on the ballot , you may submit an SEL540 Signature Stamp Attestation Form and an SEL500 Voter Registration Form to the County Elections Official.
3. Read the Voter's Statement printed on the Signature Return ID Envelope. If all of the statements are true, sign the Signature Return ID Envelope.
   • You must sign in order for your ballot to be counted.
   • Signing another person's name is illegal.
   • You must sign your own ballot Signature Return ID Envelope.

Return your ballot

You can return your ballot by using any of these methods.

• Mail it back it through the United States Postal Service. (Postage is prepaid, no stamps needed!)

• Drop it off at any County Elections Office.​​​

• Drop it off at a designated Official Ballot Dropsite.

Tracking your ballot

You can track your ballot or find out if your ballot was received by the following methods.

• Sign up for BallotTrax
• Visit the My Vote website
• Call 866-ORE-VOTE
• Call your County Elections Office

Your ballot must be received in a County Elections Office or a Official Ballot Dropsite by 8pm on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within 7 days to be counted.

Postmarks now count! Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day will be honored. Ballots delivered to the Elections Office or Official Dropsites must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.

Educational Videos

To learn more about elections in Washington County please view our Elections Videos page.