Important deadlines you should know before Election Day

(KPTV) – While Election Day is still several weeks away, local election offices want to remind voters that important deadlines are quickly approaching.

“We understand that we are part of the foundation of democracy,” said Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey. “We take our responsibility seriously and want to do everything we can to strengthen and maintain people’s trust in this process.”

If you live in Washington state, you have until Election Day on November 5 to register to vote. Voters can update existing registrations online until October 28th. Voters must then appear in person at the election office by 8 p.m. on election day.

However, Kimsey recommends not waiting until the last minute.

“If you come here on Election Day, you’re going to have to wait in a very, very long line,” he said. “On Election Day it could take a few hours, maybe even three hours.”

SEE ALSO:

If you live in Oregon, the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 15th. Residents with an Oregon driver's license have until midnight to register online.

If you do not have a valid Oregon driver's license, permit, or ID card, or it has expired, you must complete a paper Oregon voter registration card. Voters must mail the card to their county election office and postmark it no later than November 5th.

To check your voter registration status in Oregon, click here.

In both Washington and Oregon, ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters beginning Wednesday, October 16th. If you don't receive your ballot by Oct. 24, Kimsey recommends calling your county's elections office to find out what the problem is.

Once you have filled out your ballot, don't forget to sign it.

“We are finding a number of ballots that are not being processed,” Kimsey said. “They are being challenged because the signature doesn’t match or is missing.”

For Washington residents, you can track your ballot here.

SEE ALSO:

After your ballot is signed, you can return it to your county elections office. You can send it by post. However, make sure it is postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Kimsey said using an official ballot box is the faster and more reliable option.

“Your ballot will be stored very securely,” he said. “(I am) 100% confident that if you put your ballot in a ballot drop box, it will arrive here at the election office.”

For Washington residents, click here to find a ballot drop box near you. For Oregon residents, click here.

While many voters like to take their time, Kimsey suggested not waiting until Election Day to mail it in.

“The more ballots we receive early, the more ballots will be included in the provisional election results on election night,” Kimsey said.

This is the busy season for elected office. But Kimsey said they are ready to go and are encouraging people to cast their votes in this year's general election.

“This is how our government is responding to our concerns,” Kimsey said. “(We) definitely want to encourage people to vote in this election.”

Copyright 2024 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.