Ballots mailed today

The county has 13,761 registered voters, which is 260 more than it had on April 1. Since then, 269 voters registered as Democrats, bringing the total to 5,054, and 115 registered as Republicans, bringing that total to 4,472. There are 636 Independent, 338 in other parties, and 3,261 non-affiliated, 168 of which have chosen to vote the Independent Party ballot this primary.

County Clerk Lisa Gambee noted anyone who changed their party affiliation after April 7 will likely get two ballots.

“We have tried to notify people by mail that this could occur, and have also added a sticker to the outer envelope that says ‘Vote this ballot only,’ Gambee said. “When in doubt, make sure the ballot has the correct party title at the top, and that the blue return envelope says ‘Reissue’ by the barcode.”

The ballots, processed in Portland, should arrive in Wasco County mailboxes Saturday, April 30 through Tuesday, May 3.

Since ballots must be turned in to the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. May 17 – being postmarked by that day does not count – voters are encouraged to mail them no later than May 12.

Voters can put their ballots in drop boxes located at the Wasco County Courthouse on Fifth Street or Maupin City Hall up until May 17 at 8 p.m. The Dalles Rotary Club will also be collecting ballots outside of the courthouse the day of the election from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.