Ballots have been mailed to voters in Oregon and Washington for the midterm election, which takes place on Nov. 6.
For those new to Oregon and Washington, or for voters who just need a reminder, here’s what you need to do make sure your vote is counted.
Oregon
The voter registration deadline in Oregon was Oct. 16. Registered voters received their ballots in the mail two to three weeks before the election.
Once you receive your ballot, fill it out, place it in the return envelope you received with your ballot and sign the envelope. You do not have to vote in every race to have your ballot counted.
You can submit your ballot by buying a stamp and mailing it. You can also drop it off, without a stamp, to any official drop box across the state.
Now that we're past Oct. 31, you must drop off your ballot at a drop box to ensure its counted. Ballots must be received at a drop box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 6.
For more information, visit the Oregon Secretary of State website.
Washington
The deadline for online and mail-in voter registration was Oct. 8. The deadline to register to vote in-person was Oct. 29.
Oct. 19 was the start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Voters should have received their ballots no later than Oct. 25. If you didn't receive your ballot, contact your county auditor’s office.
Similarly to Oregon, once you receive your ballot in the mail, fill it out, place it in the return envelope you received with your ballot and sign the return envelope. You do not have to vote in every race to have your ballot counted.
If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than Nov. 6 (Election Day).
If you return your ballot to a drop box, it must be returned by 8 p.m. on Nov. 6. Visit your county’s website to find ballot drop off box locations.
There is also still an option to vote in-person in Washington. Each county has a voting center open during business hours from Oct. 19 to Nov. 5. It’s also open on Nov. 6 until 8 p.m. You can find your county’s voting center by contacting the elections department.
For more information, visit the Washington state Secretary of State website.
More elections coverage:
- Oregon Election Guide: A look at several key races and measures
- Ballots go out to Oregonians for midterm election
- Measure 103 and grocery taxes: What it means if you vote yes or no
- Measure 104: Campaigns argue protecting tax deductions, maintaining working legislature
- Measure 105: Voters will decide whether to keep Oregon a sanctuary state
