Voting booths are available at the County Elections Office if voters would prefer to use one.
May's Primary Election Postmark Rule Change
The May Primary Election is upon us. Ballots were mailed on April 27. Please call the Hood River County Elections Office at 541-386-1442 if:
- you did not receive a ballot (by May 3rd)
- you make a mistake on your ballot
- your ballot is damaged or destroyed
- you lose your ballot
- you have any other ballot or voting issues
Mail-In Ballots
Oregon has the longest history of voting by mail than any other state in the country. The State has exclusively used Vote-by-Mail for all elections since 1998, after a decade of allowing it for local elections led to the discovery that voter turn-out increased. Still, Oregon consistently ranks as a national leader in voter turnout.
This Primary Election is Oregon’s first with the new State law known as the “postmark rule” (HB 3291 effective January 1, 2022). This new rule says that any ballot postmarked on or before Election Day is considered on time as long as it’s received at the County Clerk’s office within seven calendar days after the election date. This guarantees votes will be counted without concern for postal delays. The U.S. Postal Service ensures proper handling and timely delivery of Election Mail with a tested process.
Official Ballot Drop Sites
Hood River County also has THREE official ballot drop sites for voter convenience. They are located at:
County Election Office
601 State St.
Hood River, OR 97031
Outside drop 24 hours/day 7 days/week
Cascade Locks City Hall
140 Wa Na Pa St.
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Outside drop 24 hours/day 7 days/week
Parkdale Elementary School
4880 Van Nuys Dr.
Mount Hood Parkdale, OR 97041
Outside drop 24 hours/day 7 days/week
Hood River County Elections Office encourages voters to return ballots early when possible. According to County Clerk Brian Beebe, about half of received ballots come into the County Elections Office in the last two days of an election period. The new postmark rule may delay election results for close races if extra time is needed for all votes to be counted. Our County Elections Office will make sure elections are accurate and that only votes cast on time will count.
Your VOTE counts! Always know you may reach out to the Hood River County Elections Office with questions or issues by emailing elections@hoodrivercounty.gov or calling 541-386-1442.