(1.) What is Vote by Mail?

Vote by mail is a method of conducting elections. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast ballots on election day, a ballot is automatically mailed to each registered voter. The ballot is then voted and returned to the county elections official to be counted. Vote by mail is a method of conducting elections. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast ballots on election day, a ballot is automatically mailed to each registered voter. The ballot is then voted and returned to the county elections official to be counted.

(2.) As a voter, what do I have to do?

Your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you between October 17 and 21, 2008. Inside the packet you will find the ballot, a secrecy envelope and a return envelope. Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope. Be sure you sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. After that just return the ballot either by mail or at a designated dropsite.

(3.) What if I am uncomfortable voting my ballot at home?

Privacy booths are available for you to cast your ballot. There are privacy booths at your county elections office and there may be others at dropsite locations elsewhere in your county. For further information, call your county elections office.

(4.) What if my ballot doesn't come?

If you are registered to vote and have not received your ballot by October 22nd, call your county elections office. They will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, they will mail you a replacement ballot. You can also call 1-888-MY-OR-OBAMA (1-888-696-7622) to report a problem with your ballot.

(5.) What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?

If you were registered to vote by October 14 but now have a different address, call your county elections office for instructions on how to update your registration and receive a ballot.

(6.) Do I have to return my ballot by mail?

You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county elections office or any designated dropsite in the state. Click here to find the one closest to you. The times and locations of dropsites are also available at your county elections office.

(7.) How much postage is required to mail the ballot back?

Your voted ballot can usually be returned using a single 42¢ first-class stamp. In those instances where additional postage is necessary, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot materials.

(8.) When must the voted ballot be returned?

The voted ballot must be received in any county elections office or designated dropsite by 8pm on election night. Postmarks do not count!

(9.) How do I know if my ballot is received?

You can call your county elections office and ask if they received your ballot. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.

(10.) What if I forget to sign the return envelope? Generally, your elections office will either return it to you for signing or they will contact you, if possible, to come to the elections office to sign it. If the return envelope does not get signed before 8pm on November 4, the ballot will not be counted.

More Questions? See the Secretary of State's FAQs page by clicking here.

Ballots begin arriving in Oregon this Friday, October 17th. The best way to help Barack in this historic election is by mailing in your ballot as soon as you receive it -- and by encouraging others to do the same.

Voting takes only a few minutes. And when you vote within 24 hours of receiving your ballot, you allow volunteers and organizers to better focus their resources and spend more time helping thousands of other Oregonians get their votes in for Barack and Democrats up and down the ballot.

Official Ballot Drop Locations By County