Lane County, Oregon   eGovernment 

Election Tips Archive

Nov 4: What should I do if I receive a letter saying my signature did not match my voter registration?   Read the entire letter addressing the problem. If unsure what action you should take, call Lane County Elections. It is to your benefit to resolve the matter promptly.

Nov 3: Can I vote another ballot if I change my mind on how I wanted to vote?  

No. Once a voter has returned their ballot they cannot vote another ballot, whether they made an error or changed their mind. Prior to sending back their ballot, a voter can come to Lane County Elections and request a replacement ballot.

Nov 2: What is the most common last minute voting errors?  

Take time to read and follow instructions carefully to ensure your ballot can be counted.

Nov 1: Where does my ballot need to be received to be valid?   All ballots must be received at an Oregon County Elections office or Official Ballot Drop Site location listed on the additional insert with your ballot no later than 8:00 pm Election Day. Postmarks do not qualify

Oct 30: What happens if it says (Vote for 1), but I complete two arrows for that contest?   Any votes within a contest that exceed the number of votes allowed will be counted as an overvote for that contest. If the voter made an error, they can either ask for a replacement ballot or follow the instructions provided on the secrecy envelope.

Oct 29: When does my ballot need to be received to be valid?   Your ballot must be received by 8:00 pm Election Day or the ballot will not be counted. We recommend that ballots returned by mail are mailed not later than Friday October 31st when mailing locally.

Oct 28: What am I qualified to vote on? And do I have to vote every contest and measure for my ballot to be counted?  You qualify to vote all the contests and measures listed on both sides of your ballot.  All ballots have two sides, so be sure to vote both sides! You do not have to vote every contest and measure for your ballot to be counted.

Oct 27: Can I return my ballot in the secrecy envelope without the return ballot envelope with my information and signature on it? No, your ballot will not be counted if only returned in a secrecy envelope. You must return the voted ballot in the return ballot envelope with your own name on it. Remember to seal and sign your own return ballot envelope in the same manner you signed your most current voter registration card.

Oct 25:  Do I have to use the secrecy envelope provided with the ballot?  No, the secrecy envelope is optional, but the ballot must be sealed and retuned in the retun identification ballot envelope with the voter's name on it, and with the same voter's signature, to be compared to the most current voter registration card signature.

Oct 24: Can I include my spouse's ballot inside my return ballot envelope to save on postage?  No! Not if you want your ballots to be counted. Elections cannot count multiple ballots returned in one return ballot envelope. Each voter has to separately complete and return their own voted ballot in their own return ballot envelope. If concerned about postage, refer to the multiple ballot drop sites listed on the measure insert included with your ballot.

Oct 23: I am registered to vote, but I haven't received a ballot. What should I do?  Call Lane County Elections to have them validate your registration. You may just need to update your registration.  Your prompt action is important!

Oct 22: I am a voter with a disability. What voting options do I have?  Voters with disabilities can request an alternative format ballot (html) by email, or schedule a time to vote on the Accessible Computer Station located at lane County Elections.

Oct 21: What can I do if I, or a family member, have difficulty signing a registration card and ballot envelope?  If an elector has difficulty signing their voter registration card and ballot envelope, either on a temporary or permanent basis, they can complete a voter registration card and signature attestation form allowing for a signature stamp or other indicator to be used by the voter.

Oct 20: Who is qualified to sign my return ballot envelope? Only you are qualified to sign your own return ballot envelope with your name on the label. Oregon Law does not permit a spouse, caretaker, or someone with a power of attorney to sign or vote on behalf of another voter. The voter has to be able to convey their choices to any person(s) assisting and the voter has to make their own signature mark with will be compared to the voter registration signature.

Oct 19: Am I required to sign the return ballot envelope?  Yes! Your signature is required on the return ballot envelope issued to you with your name on it. Returned ballots without a signature cannot be counted. Every returned ballot envelope is compared to the voter's current registration card, and the signature must match multiple characteristics to be counted.  Keep you signature consistent and current!

Oct 18: How much postage do I need to mail back my voted ballot? 59 cents.  As an option to mailing back your ballot, refer to the many official ballot drop sites available listed on the measure insert included with your ballot.

Oct 17: When should I receive my ballot in the mail? Ballots will be in the mail October 17. If you have not received your ballot by Wednesday, October 22nd call Lane County Elections to validate your election information and to receive further direction. 

Oct 16: What can I do if I didn't receive a state voters' pamphlet? Call the following toll free number and advise the person answering you did not receive a state voters' pamphlet: 1-866-ORE-VOTES (1-866-673-8683)

Oct 15: I have moved and/or changed my mailing address, what do I need to do to still receive a ballot? Ballots are not forwardable by law, so you need to submit a newly completed registration card to update your information. If temporarily away, you may need to submit an absentee ballot request. Updates to registration will continue to be processed and ballots mailed to voters through October 30 provided you are currently registered and have not yet voted. Act promptly to avoid having to come down to the elections office and face potentially long lines in the 5 days prior to the election.

Oct 14: What is the registration deadline to vote in the November 4, 2008 General Election?The voter registration deadline is 5:00 pm October 14 .   You can download a registration card from the following website:   www.lanecounty.org/elections/voterregform.htm  Mail or drop off the completed registration card to:  Lane County Elections, 275 West 10th Avenue, Eugene 97401, or Lincoln Street drop box outside the elections office by 5:00 pm on the 14th.  Mailed registration cards must have a postal date of October 14 to be meet registration deadline requirements.

Oct 13: How can I check if I'm registered to vote?   Visit canivote.org.  Pick your state and be sure to enter the required information.  If your registration is not found, or not at your current residence address, complete a new registration card. You can download a registration card from the following website:  www.lanecounty.org/elections/voterregform.htm

Oct 11: I will become a United States citizen after the registration deadline of Oct 14, but sworn in as a US citizen by Election Day, how can I qualify to vote?   Submit a completed registration card by 5:00 pm October 14 including a note that you will be sworn in as a US citizen by Election Day.  Upon obtaining your citizenship, bring in that official document to Lane County Elections to obtain your ballot for the election.

Oct 10:  What happens to my registration card when submitted to a voter registration drive?  Registration drive groups collecting cards are required to deliver the completed cards to Lane County Elections within 5 days of signing your card, but not later than 5:00 pm October 14, the registration deadline.    You can validate your voter registration has been processed on canivote.org

Oct 9:  I am a convicted felon. Can I still vote?   Convicted felons in the custody of the Department of Corrections cannot vote. Once you have completed your sentence or have been paroled, you may resume your voting rights, which may require completing a new registration card.

Oct 8:  I am currently 17 years old, but will turn 18 years old by Election Day, how can I qualify to vote?  Submit a completed registration card not later than the 5:00 pm October 14 registration deadline and you will automatically qualify to vote in the first election you reach 18 years old.