This information is intended to help you understand how to mark your ballot so that your vote counts. It is not intended to tell you which candidate to vote for or how you should vote on any measure or issue.
1. Examine your Official Ballot - Locate the candidate of your choice for each contest. To vote, you must completely darken the oval to the left of the response of your choice with a black ballpoint ink pen or pencil.
2. Write In a Name – To vote for a candidate whose name does not appear on the Official Ballot, completely darken the oval to the left of the dotted line provided for the office using a ballpoint ink pen or pencil and write the full name of the candidate on the dotted line.
3. Voting on a Measure - Locate the measure response (YES or NO) of your choice for each contest. Completely darken the oval next to the yes or no response of your choice using a black ballpoint ink pen or pencil.
The ballot may have contests printed on the front and back. Remember to check both sides.
If you vote for more than the number of candidates allowed for an office, or if you vote both YES and NO on a measure, it is called an overvote, and your vote for that candidate or measure will not be counted.
If you choose not to vote a particular race or measure, it is called an undervote. This only affects the race or measure not voted. It does not invalidate your ballot.
If you make a mistake on your ballot, spoil it in any way or lose it, contact the Elections Office at 503-325-8511 for a replacement ballot.
If you have a disability or are otherwise unable to mark your ballot, you may contact the Elections Office at 503-325-8511 for assistance.
Returning Your Ballot
Place your voted Official Ballot in the return identification envelope (with colored edge) and seal it.
Remember: Read and sign the Voter's Statement on the return identification envelope. Your ballot will not be counted if the return identification envelope is not signed.
! New this year, Postmarks Count !
By mail: Ballots received from the USPS after election day will be accepted if they are postmarked on or before election day and received by the 7th day after the election and you have signed the envelope. Your return envelope is postage paid, so there is no need for a postage stamp.
In person: Deliver the signed and sealed return identification envelope to any official drop site location no later 8 pm on Election Day. Postage is no longer required.
Using an Official Ballot Drop site is still encouraged, faster and guarantees your ballot will reach us.