Update: Lane County arranges with U.S. Postal Service to avoid insufficient postage returns on May 20, 2008, ballots.

WARNING: Postmarks DO NOT QUALIFY your ballot to be counted. If not mailed by Friday prior to election, please use a ballot drop site. Google map of drop box locations.

Ballots MUST be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

This is a press release courtesy of Lane County

This May primary election presents several unique situations that may impact what postage is required if returning a ballot by mail. 

First there is a U.S. postage increase in the middle of the two weeks prior to Election Day. The first class postage rate is 41 cents through Sunday, May 11, with an increase to 42 cents effective Monday, May 12.

Second, there are variations of ballot styles and weights based on how voters are registered. Democrats and Republicans will each receive two ballots; one that includes all federal, state, county, and city contests, along with a ballot that only includes Precinct Committee People. The return weight of both voted ballots does exceed 1 oz and will require 58 cents postage through May 11, and 59 cents postage through May 12.

How do I know how much postage to put on my return ballot?
You are required to include a first class postage stamp. To avoid confusion for Lane County voters trying to figure out whether they need 41 cents, 42 cents, 58 cents, or 59 cents, the U.S. postal service has been notified by Lane County Elections to deliver all ballots to Lane County Elections that include a First class postage stamp, regardless of postal rate increases or ballot weight difference. Lane County Elections has agreed to pay the difference for this specific election to ensure that voters’ ballots are not returned for insufficient postage.

Are there options to mailing back my ballot?
Lane County voters have historically returned more than half their ballots at one of the many official ballot drop sites available throughout Lane County. These drop site locations will be listed on the blue insert included with every ballot mailed to voters. This list is also available on our website:  www.co.lane.or.us/Elections/DropOff.htm. For a map of ballot locations, KVAL.com prepared a Google map of drop box locations.

Important! All voted ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Election Day, May 20, 2008 for your ballot to be counted. Postmarks do not qualify your ballot.

If you have any questions call Lane County Elections at (541) 682-4234. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Election Day, May 20 the office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.