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Here's How Clackamas County Voters Can Make Sure Their Votes Count in the Upcoming Election

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Published on October 23, 2024
Here's How Clackamas County Voters Can Make Sure Their Votes Count in the Upcoming ElectionSource: Unsplash/ Element5 Digital

If you're a voter in Clackamas County and you haven't seen a ballot in your mailbox just yet, you may want to get in touch with the local elections office. Ballots were sent out on October 16 for the upcoming general election, and by now, they should have landed in registered voters' hands. Any voters who are missing ballots as of today, should reach out to Clackamas County Elections for a status update or to request a new one – just in case something went awry. Information on how to contact the elections office can be found on their website, as reported by the Clackamas County website.

There are a couple ways that Clackamas County voters can go about ensuring they get to exercise their franchise rights. Voters can go old-school and pick up the phone to call 503-655-8510, or they can send an electronic inquiry to [email protected] if that's more their speed. For those who'd rather handle things face-to-face, voter service locations are conveniently open in Oregon City and Happy Valley. According to the county's official page, these sites offer voter assistance, including providing replacement ballots if your old one's gone missing or has been damaged.

The Happy Valley Vote Center, located inside the Happy Valley Library, and the Oregon City elections office on Red Soils Campus both have sworn election officials on hand. These officials can assist with a variety of situations, including updating registration information and providing assistance to voters with disabilities or those needing help in a language other than English. The locations are open until Election Day, with extended hours scheduled for the Saturday before and on Election Day itself.

In the event that you fumble your ballot or change your mind, don’t fret; you can correct it. Likewise, if your envelope falls victim to Oregon's damp weather and seals prematurely, a little tape will secure your precious vote. The county reminds us that signing the ballot return envelope is critical; unsigned or mismatched signatures will prompt a notification for you to rectify, ensuring your vote counts. To get your vote in on time, think ahead and mail it by November 1, or take it to an Official Ballot Drop Site, especially if the clock is ticking closer to the 8 p.m. shutdown on November 5, as per the county government's announcement.

Finally, for those of us who appreciate digital confirmation to calm our nerves, the county offers a 'Track Your Ballot' service. Sign up, and you’ll know when your ballot is safely in the hands of the folks at Clackamas County Elections and on its way to being counted. With these measures in place and accessible solutions available, Clackamas County is doing its best to ensure its citizens' voices are heard loud and clear come Election Day.