Primary election ballots set to go out — and no longer require a stamp

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Wednesday, about 177,000 ballots for the May 19 primary election will be mailed to voters in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. And for the first time, you won't need a stamp to return them.

County clerks encourage voters to vote early and take advantage of new pre-paid postage for ballots.

“Oregon’s vote-by-mail elections allow voters to stay at home, stay safe, and vote early,” said Deschutes County Clerk Nancy Blankenship. “We encourage all voters to take advantage of new prepaid postage and return their ballots by mail.”

The last day to safely return a ballot by mail is Tuesday, May 12, a week before they are counted. After that date, ballots should be returned using official ballot drop boxes. Find a ballot drop box near you.