Ore. secretary of state issues voter turnout challenge

Secretary of State Kate Brown on Friday challenged voters in Oregon’s 36 counties to earn the distinction of having the highest voter participation rate in the November General Election.

“Every county should strive to have the highest voter participation rate,” said Secretary Brown. “And it’s up to each and every voter to do their part by voting.”

Four years ago in Oregon’s last gubernatorial election, Wheeler County led the state with an 84.5% turnout. Not far behind were Wallowa with 82.5% and Harney with 81.4% turnout. All three counties significantly outperformed Oregon’s overall turnout rate of 71.9%.

The Oregon Elections Division next week will begin tracking ballot returns that can be viewed on the Secretary of State’s website .

Brown issued the same challenge before the 2014 May Primary, and Grant County voters won that challenge with 60.5% turnout.

“Congratulations to Grant County voters,” said Brown. “The rest of Oregon should follow the example of rural counties like Wheeler, Wallowa, Harney and Grant.”

Counties began sending out ballots this week. If you have not received your ballot by early next week, go to Oregonvotes.gov and confirm that you are registered to vote. If you confirm that you are registered, you should contact your county elections office about getting a ballot.

Election Day is Nov. 4. Your ballot must be received by elections officials no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks do not count. If you are unable to put your ballot in the mail by Oct. 31 (the friday before Election Day), Secretary Brown recommends dropping it off at your county elections office or an official drop box to be certain that it will be received in time to be counted.