Multnomah County is gearing up for its Special District Election on May 20, making a concerted effort to support all voters, including those with disabilities and who need assistance in languages other than English. As revealed in a news release from Multnomah County, the voter registration deadline is set for Tuesday, April 29, and Multnomah County Elections will start mailing ballots to registered voters the next day.
With a commitment to inclusivity, Multnomah County Elections is going out of its way to ensure that all residents can vote privately and independently using Independent Voting Units (IVUs). These cutting-edge tablet systems enable users to easily listen to their ballot read aloud or adjust the touchscreen settings according to their needs. As reported on Multnomah County website, the units offer features like adjustable font sizes, contrasting color sets, and Braille markings to cater to diverse voter requirements.
For those needing language support, the county isn't holding back either. Assistance is ready to be deployed in a voter’s preferred language. This includes the availability of multilingual staff and the provision of interpreters for telephone or video interpretation, free of charge, in any language including American Sign Language (ASL). Evidently, voters who plan to be out of town around Election Day can already start to request absentee ballots as early as this coming Monday, which can be done in person or by completing an online application at multco.us/absentee.
Real-time ballot tracking isn't getting left behind in this stream of voter assistance. Multnomah County offers its 'Track Your Ballot' service in multiple languages, allowing voters to continue to receive critical updates about their ballot's journey - all the way from their mailbox to being counted. In an initiative to further help voters, the county encourages people to 'Make a Plan to VOTE', following a simple five-step process designed to ensure every vote is counted. This process includes registering, obtaining the ballot, voting, returning the ballot, and ultimately, making one's voice heard.
The local government body is playing a critical role in creating a more inclusive environment for this election cycle. Voters’ Pamphlets will be mailed out by April 24, and the Gresham Voting Center Express is set to open its doors on April 28. According to Multnomah County’s official news release, the aim is clear—every voter should have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, with final election results to be certified to special districts by June 16.
