BEND-MADRAS-PRINEVILLE, OR -- Central Oregon ballots are coming in slowly, as Tuesday’s election day approaches. Crook County stands at 22% returned as of May 11th, where Clerk Cheryl Seely credits contested races for the relatively high number of ballots so far, “School District is probably one of the biggest draws. Parks and Rec is too, but Parks and Rec boundaries aren’t county-wide, and the cemetery district as well, and that’s county-wide. Usually, district elections you don’t see very many contested races, but this year we’ve got lots of them.” Seely hopes to see voter turnout reach 30%.
Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison tells KBND News while Special District elections are generally a lower turnout, there is a good reason to fill out the ballot. “The majority of the voters in the county have a money measure, so these are going to be taxes we’re going to be paying one way or another. Whether you’re for or against it, getting out and exercising your right to vote on it is important,” Dennison said the 15% as of May 11th early return rate has been the standard, “Two years ago we were right around the same pace. Then we had over 13,000 ballots returned on election day. I’m hoping for that same type of late turn-out.”
Jefferson County Clerk Kate Zemke reports 11% of ballots are in as of May 11th. “Most of those races with the exception of two are uncontested. I think that explains our numbers,” she said.
Ballots must be turned in or postmarked by 8 pm Tuesday the 16th.
