Clackamas County residents are being nudged to keep a close eye on their ballots for the upcoming May 21 primary. The Clackamas County Clerk's Office is promoting its "Track Your Ballot" feature, which allows voters to monitor the status of their mail-in ballots from the moment they're dispatched to when they're tallied, according to an announcement posted on the county website. Free of charge, voters can get notifications by text, call, or email.

Facing everyday commitments, not every voter is diligent with their mail, as noted by Clackamas County Clerk Catherine McMullen on the county's official news page. "Signing up for Track Your Ballot alerts you that an important piece of mail - your ballot, is on its way," McMullen expressed the convenience of the system in ensuring voters don't miss their chance to have their say due to overlooked mail. Voter registration and party affiliation deadline looms on April 30, she reminded.

Oregon operates closed primary elections, meaning voters need to be registered with either the Democratic or Republican party to participate in the nominating process. Clackamas citizens intending to switch parties or first-time registrants have until the end of April to make it official at oregonvotes.gov. After the cut-off, only those aligned with a major party will see party-specific candidates on their ballots.

McMullen pointed out that those registered as a minor party member or unaffiliated with any party will receive ballots listing only nonpartisan positions and issues. Mailed from May 1, these ballots ensure participation remains broad, encapsulating the choices of a community not bound by party lines. McMullen told the county news that the array of tools, including Track Your Ballot, is their commitment to a "secure, hassle-free voting experience."