Ore. secretary of state urges primary participation
Secretary of State Kate Brown challenged voters Thursday to improve Oregon’s low turnout for primary elections by making sure to register and take part in the upcoming May 20th election.
“In the last primary with a gubernatorial race, less than 42% of registered voters cast ballots,” said Brown. “I know we can do better because three counties cleared the 60 percent threshold in that election. I’m challenging voters to help earn their county the distinction of having the highest turnout in the state.”
In the 2010 primary, Lake County led the state with 64 percent turnout. Harney and Gilliam counties also cleared the 60 percent threshold.
The 2012 primary featured a presidential race, but turnout was even worse: just 39 percent of Oregon voters participated.
In order to vote, you need to be registered. The deadline to register for the upcoming Primary is April 29 . Paper registration forms must be receivedby 5 p.m. You can register online or go to Oregonvotes.gov.You need an Oregon Driver’s License or official state ID. You can register online until 11:59 p.m.
The Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet went into the mail this week.
Next week, county clerks across the state begin sending out ballots to registered voters. Election Day is May 20 th.
“As Oregon’s s ecretary of s tate , sometimes I have to tell hard truths,” said Brown. “And the truth is, we need to do a better job participating in our democracy. I know we can do better. The voters of Lake, Harney and Gilliam counties are pro of that the rest of us can do better. So, vote! Be heard! Help your county earn the honor of being No. 1.”
