In the community, Local government

Deadline nears for voters to register for November election

New voters and voters who have relocated need to register by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, to be able to cast ballots in the November election.

Gayle Trotter, Malheur County clerk, said registration cards are available at her office in the Malheur County Courthouse in Vale and at area post offices. People can also register online at www.oregonvotes.gov if they have an Oregon DMV number.

As with ballots, postmarks do count in the registration process. Mailed cards must be postmarked no later than Oct. 18.

Current voters who have changed their address or name need to submit a new registration card, as ballots sent to an old address will not get forwarded, Trotter noted.

The county will mail out ballots for the Nov. 8 general election between Wednesday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 25. Trotter said registered voters who don’t receive a ballot can contact the clerk’s office at 541-473-5151, but she asked that they wait until Friday, Oct. 28, before calling.

Malheur County voters will pick mayors and city councilors and fill some county offices. They also will weigh in on state contests including the Oregon gubernatorial race and candidates for U.S. Senate and the state District 60 House seat.

Voter pamphlets go in the mail to local households between Oct. 12 and Oct. 14.

Completed ballots must be returned to an official drop site by 8 p.m. on Nov. 8, or by mail with a postmark no later than Election Day.

EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM – Available for $7.50 a month. Subscribe to the digital service of the Enterprise and get the very best in local journalism. We report with care, attention to accuracy, and an unwavering devotion to fairness. Get the kind of news you’ve been looking for – day in and day out from the Enterprise.