As Election Day approaches, it is important for Benton County residents to be well-prepared for voting. 

Whether you are an Oregon resident dropping off your ballot in-person, voting by mail or voting absentee from out of state, it is important that your voice is heard.

Here is a comprehensive guide to ensure your vote for Oregon and out-of-state residents: 

Oregon Residents:

1. Register to Vote:

Prior to casting a ballot, residents and non-residents need to make sure they are registered to vote. Oregon allows for online registration, which is available through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website. 

Voters must register three weeks prior to the national election day, according to David Bernell, an associate professor of Political Science in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

“This year that means the deadline for registration is October 15, and all ballots have to (be) submitted or postmarked by November 5 at 8:00 PM,” Bernell said.

Be sure that you register at least 21 days prior to Election Day. 

 2. Check Your Voter Status:

If you are already registered, make sure you verify your voter status. You can do this online through your local county registration to ensure your registration is up-to-date and that you are within the correct county to vote! 

It is important to check your voter registration status if you have changed locations recently. An example would be a freshman student residing primarily in an out-of-state location. If you have moved within the past few months, it would be a good idea to check that registration is in the correct location. 

 3. Receive Your Ballot by Mail:

The state of Oregon is a vote-by-mail state, which means that all individuals registered to vote will receive a ballot in the mail. You should expect that your ballot will arrive around two to three weeks prior to Election Day. 

If you do not receive the ballot, reach out to Benton County Elections to request a replacement through this link .

4. Choose How to Submit Your Ballot:

Once that ballot itself is complete, you have a few options of return! The first option is through the mail. In which case it will be postmarked by Election Day and no stamp is needed. The envelope will be provided with your ballot.

You can also drop off your ballot in-person. Benton County has several official drop-off locations throughout the county that are available 24/7 until 8 p.m. on Election Day. The list of locations can be found here https://re.bentoncountyor.gov/elections/.

You can use the Oregon Drop Box to find the closest near you (available 20 days prior to the election). 

This is the only mail drop-off box on campus. It is located at Gill Coliseum. 

5. You Can Track Your Ballot: 

You can track your ballot online to make sure that it is received and counted! Oregon offers a tracking service that allows you to verify the processing status of your vote. There will be instructions on your ballot for how to track.

6. Final Deadline for Election Day:

If you are dropping off your ballot on Election Day, Nov. 5, be sure that you get the vote to the drop box by 8 p.m. Ballots that are submitted past then will not be counted towards the election. 

By following these steps, Benton County voters can ensure their vote is counted and their voices are heard. Every vote matters and your participation in the election can shape the future of your community. 

Out-of-State Residents:

For university students that are studying out of their home state, voting in your election might seem complicated, but it is still important to ensure your voice is heard no matter where you are currently located! Here is a step-by-step for how to vote as an out of state student:

1. Check Voter Registration Status:

Before any other step, you need to make sure that you are registered to vote in your home state. Many states allow you to check your voter registration online, through the county’s local senate.

Be sure to check the deadline for registration, as these dates vary by state and are often closed weeks before Election Day. 

2. Request an Absentee Ballot:

Most out-of-state individuals will need to request an absentee ballot from their home state. The process involves filling out an absentee ballot request form, which can be found through your state’s election website. 

“There are some states that I understand that require an absentee ballot online. So, everybody needs to go to their own Secretary of State that handles campaigns,” said Anne Backus, a candidate for Tennessee’s House of Representatives.

Some states allow you to submit absentee ballot forms online, while others may require you to submit a paper form. Again, make sure that you complete this as early as possible as ballot requests end weeks before Election Day.

3. Know the Deadline:

Deadlines vary by state, so it is incredibly important to make sure that you know the deadlines in your state. Missing a deadline could result in your vote not counting, so be sure that you avoid any last-minute issues beforehand.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, which means procrastinating mailing the ballot will not be in your best interest. 

4. Confirm Mailing Address:

When requesting your absentee ballot, double-check that you have it sent to the correct address—this could be your dorm, apartment, or a different form of off-campus housing. If you are moving within the next few months, ensure that the ballot itself will arrive prior to you leaving and provide an alternate address to make sure you receive the ballot. 

5. Submit Your Ballot:

After receiving your ballot, depending on your home state, mail the ballot back or drop it off at a designated location. 

If you are mailing the ballot, check to see if the postage is required (some states will provide individuals with prepaid postage). Mail the ballot prior to the deadline, found on all forms, to ensure the ballot will arrive by Election Day. 

Many states have made their voting processes easier for out-of-state voters, so it does not need to be a challenge. By keeping yourself informed about absentee ballot deadlines and registration, you can ensure that your vote is counted. 

For more information, Backus recommends League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization.

According to Backus, it is important for students to vote absentee, and to ask someone that they trust back home about what is going on in the community. 

Voting is one of the most important responsibilities that we hold as citizens of the United States of America. By remaining informed, understanding your individual options and following these steps, you can ensure that your voice is heard on Election Day. 

Every vote counts—be sure to cast your vote accurately and on time!  

Additional Helpful Links: 

Oregon State University’s website https://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/election-resources provides students with accurate information about Election Day reminders and Ballot Drop Box Locations.