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Voter Information
Registration Cards
Where to Find Them
- Lincoln County Clerk's Office; 225 West Olive, Room 201, Newport 97365
- US Post Offices
- DMV offices
- Most banks
- Register to Vote Online
More Information
Call the Lincoln County Clerk's Office at 541-265-4131 if you would like to have a Voter Registration Card mailed to you or if you would like further information.
Voting in Oregon FAQ
In 1998 Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing elections be conducted by mail, commonly called vote by mail. This replaces traditional polling place elections.
- Do I have to re-register for each election?
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No. You only need to update your registration when:
- Your residence or mailing address changes
- Your name changes or
- You wish to change your party affiliation
- Do I have to register by party?
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No. If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box which states "Not a member of a party". You may not designate or change party affiliation after the 21st day before the primary election.
- How may I register?
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- Register to vote online or
- By mail-in registration or
- In person at your county elections office or at a designated state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and some public assistance agencies.
- May I transfer my registration from another state?
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No. If you wish to vote in Oregon, you must register in Oregon.
- What if a registered voter has moved and hasn't notified their election office by the 21st day before the election?
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In most cases, you will still be eligible to vote if you update your registration. Contact your county elections office to check your eligibility.
- What information is required?
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You are required to furnish your full name, signature, and residence address. You will also be asked to provide your date of birth and political party affiliation. You will also need to provide your Oregon Driver's License or Oregon ID number. If you do not have an Oregon Driver's License or Oregon ID, you will be asked to provide the last 4 digits of your social security number.
- What is a primary election?
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Major political parties (Democratic and Republican) nominate their candidates at a primary election, which is held on the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. Only a voter who is registered as a member of either political party may vote for that party's candidates at the primary election unless the party opens its primary to voters registered as Not a member of a party. If this is the case, voters who are Not a member of a party must request major party ballots from their county elections office.
Most nonpartisan offices are also on the primary election ballot. Any registered voter may vote for those candidates, regardless of the voter's political party affiliation.
- What must I do if I move?
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You must complete a new voter registration form.
- When may I register?
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You may register at any time. However, your voter registration card must be postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election at which you intend to vote.
- Who may register to vote?
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Anyone who is:
- A resident of Oregon
- A United States citizen and
- 18 years of age or older
You may register to vote before your 18th birthday or before you are sworn in as a U.S. citizen. You may register to vote any time after your 17th birthday. However, your voter registration card must be sent online, received in person, or postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election at which you intend to vote; you must be 18 and/or sworn in as a U.S. citizen to be eligible to vote at that election. Please call your county elections office for details if you believe you qualify for this registration process.
Related Documents
- I will be out of town when ballots are mailed. How do I get a ballot?
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Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. You may request an early absentee ballot from your county elections office either in person, by mail, or by fax.
You may apply in person, by mail, or by fax and must include:
- Your residence address.
- The address to which the ballot should be mailed.
- Which election, or if all elections you wish for an absentee ballot.
- Your signature.
Your voted ballot must be received by your Lincoln County Clerk or a designated drop site by 8 pm on election day.
Please note: Must have election day postmark on your envelope.
After the 5th day before the election, the county elections office is not required to mail absentee ballots. However, you may vote in person at your county elections office through election day.
- Who may apply for an absentee ballot?
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Any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot from their Elections Office.
- As a voter, what do I have to do?
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Your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you 18 to 14 days prior to the election. Each packet contains a secrecy envelope, ballot return envelope, and ballot. Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope. Be sure to sign the return envelope on the appropriate line after verifying that the return envelope has your name and current residential address.
- Can anyone find out how I've voted once I mail my ballot?
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No. All ballots are separated from the return envelope before the ballots are inspected. This process ensures confidentiality.
- Can I change my mind after I've returned the ballot?
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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?
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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 provided in each ballot packet. The drop sites are also listed on this website. The sites listed on this website are for countywide elections and may vary for smaller elections.
- How do I know if my ballot was received?
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You can always call your county election office and ask if they received your ballot. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.
- How much postage is required to mail the ballot back?
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Your voted ballot can be returned without extra postage. In those instances where additional postage is necessary, it will be clearly indicated on the ballot materials.
- What if I have more questions?
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Call your Lincoln County Clerk at 541-265-4131 and staff will assist you.
- What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?
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- If you are registered to vote by the 21st day before the election, but now have a different address and:
- If you have moved within the same county, contact your local county election office. They will instruct you on the process to follow to qualify for a replacement ballot or
- If you have moved to a different county, contact the election office in your new county.
- If you are registered to vote by the 21st day before the election, but now have a different address and: