October 22, 2024 3:40 a.m.

Ballots are beginning to be returned for the November 5th Presidential General Election.

Douglas County Clerk Daniel Loomis said 2,112 ballots or 2.35 percent of ballots have been received as of late Monday afternoon. Loomis said that lags 4.42 percent behind the participation rate for the same point in the previous 2020 November Presidential General Election.

For comparison, the number of Douglas County voters has increased 7.26 percent or 6,068 voters since the last presidential election.

Loomis provided some reminders for voters:

*Ballots must be cast no later than 8:00 p.m. on November 5th

*County voters can use either the U.S. Postal Service or any official ballot drop site in Oregon, to cast their ballot

*Voters can always use of the 15 official Douglas County ballot drop sites to return ballots

*Voters have eight drive-up locations to drop off their ballots

*Before turning in a ballot, make sure to review and complete both sides of the ballot.

*Make sure to sign the voter statement on the ballot return envelope.

Voters may obtain a replacement ballot if the ballet was destroyed, spoiled, lost or not received by the voter. Simply contact or visit the Douglas County Election Office. If a ballot has been replaced, the previous ballot’s identification code has been inactivated and will not be accepted.

Complete county election information is available at: https://douglascountyor.gov/178/Elections