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While there are no major changes for the general election in 2012, you should watch for the new Voter's Pamphlet in the mail. If you do not receive yours, call the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division at 503-986-1518. In the meantime, here's what you need to know if you're voting in Oregon in 2012:
VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS
Do I need ID to register to vote?
You do need to prove your identity to register to vote. If you have a valid Oregon driver's license, permit or ID, you must write the number on your voter registration form. If you don't have one, you can write the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you don't have either of these, you can attach a copy of one of the following documents if it includes your name and current address:
- Valid photo identification;
- A paycheck stub;
- A utility bill;
- A bank statement;
- A government document; or proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEH).
Where can I register to vote?
You can register to vote online at www.oregonvotes.org/. You also may register to vote at any county elections office, the office of the secretary of state, any DMV office or by downloading the registration form online and sending it to your county elections office. The deadline to register to vote is 21 days before Election Day. If you have questions, you can call 866-673-VOTE (8683).
VOTING IN 2012
How do I vote?
Your ballot packet will be mailed to you automatically. Inside the packet you will find the ballot, a secrecy envelope and a return envelope. Once you fill out your ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope. Be sure you sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. After that just return the ballot either by mail or at a designated drop site.
What if my ballot doesn't come?
If you are registered to vote and do not receive your ballot, call your county elections office. They will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, they will mail you a replacement ballot.
What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?
If you were registered to vote by the deadline, but now have a different address, call your county elections office for instructions on how to update your registration and receive a ballot.
Do I have to return my ballot by mail?
You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county elections office or any designated dropsite. You can find your nearest dropsite along with a map of how to get there by going to: www.oregonvotes.org or you may contact your county elections office.
When must the voted ballot be returned?
The voted ballot must be received in any county elections office or designated drop site by 8 p.m. on election night. Postmarks do not count!
How do I know if my ballot is received?
You can track the status of your ballot by going online to My Vote at www.oregonvotes.org or you can call your county elections office and ask whether they received your ballot. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.
For more information, call the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division at 503-986-1518.