FAQs

How do you choose what candidates go on the ballot, because I don't know anything about any of the candidates?: All candidates are placed on the ballot when they file an application with our office stating their intention to run. We do not check background, criminal history, education, or work history for any of the candidates. It is the responsibility of the voter to research the candidates to make an informed decision on the candidate that they wish to vote into an elected position. The voter's pamphlets do contain information on the candidate, but on local elections the state of Oregon does not usually publish a voter's pamphlet. On these elections it is the responsibility of the candidate to distribute information.

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Elections

1. 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.

2. Can I change my mind after I've returned the ballot?: 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.

3. Can I place other household member's ballots in the same return envelope?: No, each ballot must be returned separately in its own envelope. This is so that each envelope contains the signature of the voter whose ballot is cast.

4. Can I vote for more candidates than there are open positions (i.e. vote for two when the race states Vote for One)?: No, all votes for the race(s) in which you vote for more candidates than open positions will only be tallied as over-votes. These will not count toward any candidate race.

No. You only need to update your registration when:

6. Do I have to register by party?: No. If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states not a member of a party. You may not designate or change a party affiliation after the 21st day before the primary election.

7. 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 and available from our office.

8. Do I have to vote on all of the measures / candidates?: No, your ballot will be counted even if you do not vote for every measure / candidate. The measure(s) / candidate(s) that you do not vote for will be counted as an under-vote.

9. 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.

10. How do I know if my ballot is received?: You can track your ballot online. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.

11. How do you choose the order of the candidates names on the ballot?: According to ORS 254.155, the Secretary of State completes a random ordering of the letters of the alphabet no later than the 69th day before the date of any election. This list is mailed to the county clerks no later than the 68th day before any election. The county clerk then arranges the candidates by surname according to that random alphabet order.

12. How do you choose what candidates go on the ballot, because I don't know anything about any of the candidates?: All candidates are placed on the ballot when they file an application with our office stating their intention to run. We do not check background, criminal history, education, or work history for any of the candidates. It is the responsibility of the voter to research the candidates to make an informed decision on the candidate that they wish to vote into an elected position. The voter's pamphlets do contain information on the candidate, but on local elections the state of Oregon does not usually publish a voter's pamphlet. On these elections it is the responsibility of the candidate to distribute information.

By mail-in registration form
In person at our election office or at a designated state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and some public assistance agencies
Online at oregon.gov (must have an Oregon DMV Driver's License / ID number).

14. 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 either in person, by mail, or by fax an early absentee ballot from our election office. You will need to include your name, residence address and, if different, your mailing address.

15. Is postage required to return the ballot?: No, Oregon has pre-paid postage. You can also deposit your ballot in one of the official ballot drop sites.

16. What does the measure on my ballot effect or change?: Our office does not provide interpretations of the measures on your ballot. You can read the voter's pamphlet or the text of the measure on the ballot. It is your responsibility as a voter to research and understand the measures that you are voting on.

If you are registered to vote by the 21st day before the election but now have a different address and:

You have moved within the Klamath county, contact our election office. We will instruct you on the process to follow to qualify for a replacement ballot
You have moved to a different county, go to the election office in your new county

18. What if I make a mistake on my ballot?: If you make a mistake, you may call our 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 our election office.

19. What if my ballot doesn't come?: If you have not received your ballot within a week after they are mailed, call our election office. We will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, we will mail you a replacement ballot.

20. What information is required?: You are required to furnish your full name, residence address, mailing address, date of birth, signature, and your Oregon DMV Driver's License / ID number (if you do not have a Driver's License / ID number then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number). You will also be asked to provide your political party preference.

Major political parties (Democratic and Republican) nominate their candidates at a primary election, which is held on the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. Only a voter who is registered as a member of either political party may vote for that party's candidates at the primary election unless the party opens its primary to voters registered as Not a member of a party. If this is the case, voters who are Not a member of a party must request major party ballots from our office.
All nonpartisan offices (i.e. judges and district attorneys) are also on the primary election ballot. Any registered voter may vote for those candidates, regardless of the voter's political party affiliation.

22. When are ballots counted?: Per ORS 254.478 all ballots are counted no sooner than seven days before election day. No results can be announced before 8 p.m. on election night.

23. When will election results be known?: Initial results are released shortly after 8 p.m. election night and will continue to be updated throughout election night until all ballots have been counted.

24. Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope?: Yes, the ballot will still be counted.