The deadline to vote in the primary is approaching.
Here in Oregon, where we vote by mail, officials say the election is on-track and going smoothly. Lane County Elections Manager Cheryl Betschart says because of the coronavirus, her office has not been open to walk-ins. But they’re available by phone for questions or concerns. She says they’ve made adjustments for 6 foot social distancing.
“We do have masks.” Betschart says, “We do have gloves. We certainly are handwashing more frequently. So, we have adjusted some of our processes internally. But that should not show any impact to the voters and in releasing results. Everything is going as planned.”
Betschart says she expects results to be available by 8 p.m. election night. To ensure ballots are received by the 8 p.m. deadline on May 19th, the post office recommends they are mailed no later than Wednesday. Oregon no longer requires postage on ballots.
After that, they can be taken to an official ballot drop site.
Betschart says the Lane County Elections office will be open this Friday and on Monday and Tuesday, Election Day, with masks and social distancing required.
Oregon Elections website: oregonvotes.gov
