Frequently Asked Questions

How may I register?

Do I have to re-register for each election?

What information is required?

You are required to furnish your full name, residence address, mailing address, date of birth, signature, and your Oregon DMV Driver's License/ID number (if you do not have a Driver's License/ID number  then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number).  You will also be asked to provide your political party preference.

Do I have to register by party?

No.  If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states Not a member of a party.  You may not designate or change a party affiliation after the 21^st day before the primary election.

What is a primary election?

How do I get information about the candidates and issues?

You will receive a voters' pamphlet from the Secretary of State for all statewide elections. 

I will be out of town when ballots are mailed.  How do I get a ballot?

Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election.  You may request either in person, by mail, or by fax an early absentee ballot from our election office.  You will need to include your name, residence address and, if different, your mailing address.

What if my ballot doesn't come?

If you have not received your ballot within a week after they are mailed, call our election office.  We will check that your voter registration is current.  If it is, we will mail you a replacement ballot.

What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

If you make a mistake, you may call our election office and request a replacement ballot.  One will be mailed to you provided the request is received with sufficient time for mailing.  Otherwise, you may pick up a replacement ballot in person at our election office.

Do I have to vote on all of the measures/candidates?

No, your ballot will be counted even if you do not vote for every measure/candidate.  The measure(s)/candidate(s) that you do not vote for will be counted as an under-vote.

Can I vote for more candidates than there are open positions (i.e. vote for two when the race states VOTE FOR ONE)?

No, all votes for the race(s) in which you vote for more candidates than open positions will only be tallied as over-votes.  These will not count toward any candidate race.

How do you choose what candidates go on the ballot, because I don't know anything about any of the candidates?

All candidates are placed on the ballot when they file an application with our office stating their intention to run.  We do not check background, criminal history, education, or work history for any of the candidates.  It is the responsibility of the voter to research the candidates to make an informed decision on the candidate that they wish to vote into an elected position.  The voter's pamphlets do contain information on the candidate, but on local elections the state of Oregon does not usually publish a voter's pamphlet.  On these elections it is the responsibility of the candidate to distribute information.

How do you choose the order of the candidates names on the ballot?

According to ORS 254.155, the Secretary of State completes a random ordering of the letters of the alphabet no later than the 69^th day before the date of any election.  This list is mailed to the county clerks no later than the 68^th day before any election.  The county clerk then arranges the candidates by surname according to that random alphabet order.

What does the measure on my ballot effect or change?

Our office does not provide interpretations of the measures on your ballot.  You can read the voter's pamphlet or the text of the measure on the ballot.  It is your responsibility as a voter to research and understand the measures that you are voting on.

Can I change my mind after I've returned the ballot?

Your ballot has been cast as soon as you deposit it in the mailbox or at a drop site.  After that, you cannot receive a new ballot to re-vote.

Do I have to return my ballot by mail?

You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county election office or any designated drop site in the state.  The times and locations of drop sites are published and available from our office.

Is postage required to return the ballot?

If the ballot is mailed back, postage is required.  Postage is not required if the ballot is deposited in one of the official ballot drop sites.

How do I know if my ballot is received?

You can always call our election office and ask if we have received your ballot.  A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.

Can anyone find out how I've voted once I mail my ballot?

No.  All ballots are separated from the return envelope before the ballots are inspected.  This process ensures confidentiality.

Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope?

Yes, the ballot will still be counted.

Can I place other household member's ballots in the same return envelope?

No, each ballot must be returned separately in its own envelope.  This is so that each envelope contains the signature of the voter whose ballot is cast.

When are ballots counted?

All ballots are counted on election day — none are counted before.  No results can be announced before 8:00 p.m. on election night.   No more than seven days before election day, county election officials begin preparing the ballots for counting by opening the return identification envelope and the secrecy envelope and securing the ballots until election day.

When will election results be known?

Ballot counting cannot begin until election day.  Initial results are released shortly after 8:00 p.m. election night and will continue to be updated throughout election night until all ballots have been counted.

How many registered voters are in Klamath County?

As of 04/29/08 there were 34,492 registered voters in Klamath County.

What parties are the voters of Klamath County registered in?

As of 4/29/08 the number of voters registered in the political parties were:

10,026   Democratic Party

16,866 Republican Party

6,462  Nonpartisan 

1,138    Other minor political parties

What is the percentage turnout in Klamath County?

November 2008- General Election - 56.71%                                      May 2008-Primary Election - 56.47%                                                 May 2007-Special District Election   22.32%
November 2006-General Election - 68.31%
May 2006 - Primary Election - 38.4%
May 2005 - Special District Election - 20.94%
November 2004 - General Presidential Election - 86.19%
May 2004 - Primary Election - 52.21%
February 2004 - Special Election - 60.84%
September 2003 - Special Election - 33.10%
May 2003 - Special District Election - 20.08%
January 2003 - Special Election - 65.98%
November 2002 - General Election - 64.60%
September 2002 - Special Election - 42.01%
May 2002 - Primary Election - 41.68%
November 2000 - General Presidential Election - 76.11%

Any additional questions can be directed to our election office.  We will do our best to address concerns or answer any questions you may have. 

Klamath County Clerk's Office
Klamath County Government Center
305 Main Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
Telephone: 541-883-5157
Facsimile: 541-885-6757