We on the north coast are hardy and engaged in our communities … and often fairly remote. Only having PO Box mail delivery is often a nightmare, but we roll!
Open Elections and Free Speech are key to that valued life. To support those freedoms, I wondered about our ballot boxes … our County Clerk advised me that dropping off your ballot At Any Ballot Box In The State Is Allowed!
Hunting, fishing, working in another part of the state? Vote There! Usually pass through a different city than your own? Vote There! Is a more convenient drop box on your commute? Vote wherever your commute takes you. Rockaway Beach’s drop box is on Hwy 101 in front of City Hall – just pull over going north! Tillamook Co. Library has one in back – so easy! Astoria drive-up at Exchange and 9th, and at most City Halls in Clatsop and Lincoln Counties!
Having worked the 2020 Census from Tilly Co. to Clatsop Co. (yes – pandemic times), my awareness of how rural and spread out we are is real. Many are also concerned about our slowing mail service … No worries – Any Ballot Box in Oregon Will Work 24/7!
Ballots are being mailed Oct. 14 … if you don’t receive yours by Oct. 21, contact your county clerk (Tillamook 503 842-3402, Clatsop 503 325-8511, Lincoln 541 265-4131.) If you do mail your ballot – no postage is ever required – please do so no later than Oct. 27. (The law states “must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within 7 days” – that risk prevented 13.1% rejection this Spring!)
The Official drop box deadline is by 8 pm Nov. 3 – no matter where you drop it. Oregon is even funding additional ballot drop box locations due to public concerns.
Please Vote – remind friends, family and coworkers, too!
Nancy Lanyon, Rockaway Beach
