Tobias Read visits Bend to discuss election security and ballot safety

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read met with Central Oregon residents during an hourlong event hosted by the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County to discuss election security, voting options and ballot handling. The presentation took place as the upcoming election approaches, approximately 61 days away.

The Bend gathering was part of a series of stops Read is making across the state to answer voter questions and explain election procedures.

Oregon Secretary of State Read emphasized the state's commitment to maintaining election integrity and protecting voter access. “Oregonians get to have their voices heard and hold politicians and government accountable. We run safe, accurate and fair elections in Oregon. We're going to continue to do that, defend our authority to do it and make sure that every legal vote is counted accurately,” Read said.

During a question-and-answer period, community members asked Read about ballot delivery through the U.S. Postal Service. Read noted that mail concerns stem from internal state mail distribution processes rather than federal operations, advising residents to submit their ballots using local drop boxes rather than mailing them.

Anne Goldner serves as the First Thursday coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County. She noted that Read directly addressed her questions regarding ballot handling. “And he said, okay, use the box. Don't put them in the mail only because of the uncertainty with the Post Office right now and what who they're going to follow. So I think that'll be quite easy, to be honest with you. And in Deschutes County, there's boxes easily assessed and that's what I'm going to do,” Goldner said.

Read stressed the importance of engaging directly with voters across Oregon during election season. “Be connected with people in person really matters. And to hear those concerns, to hear that enthusiasm, to hear the real commitment that exists here and everywhere to vote. You know, too many people sacrificed and fought and died to give us this ability and we should not take that lightly, especially in a year when there is so much to be decided,” Read said.