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How To Mark Your Ballot

Understanding how to correctly mark your printed ballot is very important to make sure your vote counts.

To ensure your vote counts

  • Use a blue or black ink pen.
     
  • Completely fill in the oval to the left of the response of your choice.
Fill in the oval

To write-in a candidate whose name is not on the ballot

  • Fill in the oval to the left of the write-in line for the contest you wish to cast a write-in vote.

  • Write the candidate's first and last name on the write-in line.​​​​

Keep in mind

  • Any abbreviation, misspelling, or minor variation shall be disregarded in determining the validity of the write-in vote as long as the intended candidate can be determined.
  • Writing the last name only will be considered invalid (unless the individual is registered with a single name).
  • ORS 254.505 states "an elector may not place on the ballot a sticker bearing the name of a person or use any other method or device, except writing or using a voting machine, to vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot. Any ballot that has a sticker or other device is void and may not be counted."
  • Failure to fill in the oval for the write-in will not invalidate the vote for the candidate.
Filling in the oval and write-in vote

Check your ballot carefully

  • Make sure you have completely filled in the ovals next to your choices.
  • The ballot may have contents printed on front and back.
  • You do not have to vote on all contests. Those you do vote on will still count.
  • You cannot change your vote once you have returned your ballot.

Don't overvote

If you vote for more candidates than allowed, or if you vote both Yes and No on a measure, it is called an overvote. Your vote will not count for that candidate or measure.

If you overvote or make a mistake on your ballot, contact the Elections Office to request a replacement ballot.

Overvote

Any person who, by use of force or other means, unduly influences an elector to vote in any particular manner or to refrain from voting is subject to a fine. (ORS 254.470)

Educational Video

Location

Elections

2925 NE Aloclek Drive
Suite 170
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
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