Considering a party switch? Be sure to check the ballot

A new party will be listed on Oregon’s May 17 primary election ballots.

The Independent Party of Oregon has its own ballot, giving voters three major parties to choose from for the primaries.

“We want people to be aware of what’s on their ballots, or what’s not on their ballots and not be surprised,” Deschutes County Clerk Nancy Blankenship said Monday.

Ballots were mailed to military and overseas voters last Friday, 45 days before the election. Ballots will be mailed to voters living outside Oregon, such as students or snowbirds, 29 days before election. For those living in Deschutes County, ballots will be mailed out April 27.

Some half-million Oregon voters not affiliated with a political party got mailers recently, indicating their options. But checking to see who’s running (or not) in the prospective party you’re interested in is a good idea, before making that change.

Blankenship said it’s important for voters to note that the last day to register to vote or to change your registered party is April 26. After ballots go out, voters won’t be able to switch parties for the May primary, so it’s important to educate yourself ahead of time.

For more information or to change your party visit: www.deschutes.org/clerk to view sample ballots for each party before deciding whether to change your party.