Tuesday, January 23rd, is Election Day and the last day to return a ballot for Oregon’s Special Election. KLCC reports that as of today, turnout in Lane County is at 33%.
There’s one issue on the ballot; measure 101, which decides how the state pays for its Medicaid program. Cheryl Betschart, Lane County Elections Manager, says turnout is low for this time considering special elections in the past.
“We just want to encourage people to get those ballot materials open, and cast that ballot. Certainly an important issue for the citizens of Oregon, and we want to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.”
Betschart says that ballots tend to flood in last minute, and they expect an increase in turnout on Election Day.
To be counted, all voted ballots must be received at County elections offices or in official drop sites by 8:00 pm Tuesday. It is too late to mail them.