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Deadline Looms for Multnomah County Candidates; Officials Urge Voter Participation Ahead of Primary

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Published on March 05, 2024
Deadline Looms for Multnomah County Candidates; Officials Urge Voter Participation Ahead of PrimarySource: Multnomah County

Time's running out for candidates aiming to toss their hats into the political ring in Multnomah County and Metro, as the deadline to file for the May 2024 Primary Election is fast approaching. According to a news release by Multnomah County, the cutoff is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12. Hopefuls looking to partake in the upcoming election need to file promptly or risk being left out of the race. The same deadline applies to those stepping forward to serve as Precinct Committee Persons.

Ahead of Election Day on May 21, local election officials are urging voters to take action and make their voices heard. With a simple checklist, they're making sure voters are ready to smoothly navigate the voting process. "Register to VOTE and CHOOSE a party if you want. Get your ballot. VOTE your ballot. Return your ballot. Have a VOICE and make a difference," the county emphasized.  Voter registration must be completed by April 30, as per the Multnomah County.

Ballots will be mailed out starting May 1, and if voters haven't received theirs by May 9, they are advised to immediately contact the county elections office. A multitude of voter assistance options are on offer for those with disabilities or those who need language support—just another way officials are striving to make sure every vote can be counted. Details, including how to sign up for absentee ballots, are readily available for those planning to be absent from their residence during the election period.

Returning the ballot is made easy with no need for a stamp when mailing it back, provided it's postmarked no later than Election Day, May 21. Alternatively, dropping off the ballot at any of the more than 30 Official Ballot Drop Sites across the county is also an option. "Six Official Ballot Drop Sites have or will be moved due to library construction," the county advised, so prospective voters should check the Multnomah County website for the latest on where to return their ballots. The county reassures that despite these relocations, there are still ample opportunities to securely deposit ballots across the region, according to the Multnomah County.