May’s Special District Election approaches

 

The May 20th Special District Election is significant because it directly impacts the services and governance of important local entities that provide a wide range of community services. Held in odd-numbered years alternating with primary elections, special district elections include board members for the school board, education service district, port, parks and recreation, fire protection, transportation, library, sanitary, and water districts, as well as community college positions.

Special districts provide essential services to specific communities, and elections allow local voters to choose their governing representatives. The governing board makes key decisions regarding services, budgets, and expansions. These districts are typically funded through property taxes or service fees.

“The impact of special district elections on a community can be significant; however, in special district elections, we often see some of the County’s lowest voter turnout,” said County Clerk Brian Beebe. “We encourage participation in all elections, especially those elections that can affect the decisions made locally.”

Several important dates are attached to the upcoming Special District Election.

The deadline for voter registration to participate in the May 20th election is April 29th. This deadline also applies if you need to update your registration information, such as your address, name, or party affiliation. New voters in Oregon can register online at oregonvotes.gov. Other options include mailing a voter registration form or registering in-person at the County Elections Office. If you are changing your name, you must submit a paper form to create a new signature record. 

On April 30th, local ballots will be mailed to voters. If your original ballot is lost or damaged, the last day for elections officials to send replacement ballots is May 15th.

Call the Hood River County Elections Office at 541-386-1442 if:

• you do not receive a ballot by May 8th
• 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

The Hood River County Elections Office encourages voters to return ballots early whenever possible. According to County Clerk Brian Beebe, about half of the received ballots come into the County Elections Office during the last two days of an election period. Postage-paid ballots can be mailed as long as they are postmarked on or before election day and received at the County Clerk’s office within seven calendar days after the election date. While the U.S. Postal Service ensures proper handling and prompt delivery of election mail, the County Clerk recommends that voters use official drop boxes on Election Day.

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.

Official Ballot Drop Sites

Hood River County also has THREE official ballot drop sites for voter convenience. Please drop ballots off by 8 pm on Election Day at one of these sites located at:

County Election Office/Administration Bldg.
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