The Eugene Police Department is working to ensure people can safely exercise their right to vote in this year’s election.
Despite nationwide concerns of poll watching and voter intimidation, EPD chief Chris Skinner said they have not had any calls regarding election interference at ballot drop boxes, so far.
“We’re just hoping that it’s more of the same all the way through until next Tuesday. And so, we’ll be doing some drive-bys and checking on people and just being a little bit more visible this next week," Skinner said, "but it’s only as a precaution and just to let people know they can have faith in their police department and faith in the system with respect to feeling safe.”
Oregon laws prohibit blocking access todrop off sites, and no one can ask who you intend to vote for, or examine your ballot apart from an election official.
Skinner credits the lack of calls to Oregonians already having become accustomed to vote-by-mail.
“We want people to understand that we’ll intervene if we need to, but we’re very confident this community will conduct themselves in a respectful manner during this election season,” he said.
Suspicious activity can be reported by calling either EPD’s non-emergency line: 541-682-5111, or 911.
Copyright 2020 KLCC
