MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — Multnomah County Elections is replacing primary election ballots for up to 9,300 voters after the original versions omitted a measure that asks voters to continue funding the Oregon Zoo.
Officials learned that Measure 26-244 had been omitted on the morning that ballots began landing in voters' mailboxes, May 2. Those affected "received a version of the ballot designed for people who live outside Metro’s jurisdictional boundaries," according to Multnomah County Elections.
The mistake affects 1.6% of all registered voters, Multnomah County Elections said. Most of the 9,300 voters are located in two Gresham precincts, with the rest just south of the city.
New ballots for those affected were mailed out starting Thursday.
"I am glad to see the elections office has moved quickly to correct ballots for these voters. This after-action review will ensure that we can validate the complex, overlapping boundaries of dozens of special districts and zones present in the County. Our work to protect our fair, safe, and secure elections continues,” said County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson in a statement.
What should I do with my ballot?
Those affected will receive a letter, along with a new ballot. The letter will explain what to do if someone has already received their original ballot and how to process their replacement ballot. Affected voters can discard their original ballots.
If an affected voter has already returned the original ballot, the Multnomah County Elections office will hold onto the first ballot and wait for the second ballot to be returned.
Elections staff are also available to speak with anyone affected at 503-988-VOTE, Multnomah County Elections said.
"Because every ballot envelope has a unique identifier as a security measure, Elections will count only one ballot for each voter," the office reassured.
Primary election due date
Voters should return their ballots by 8 p.m. on May 21. Ballots postmarked on May 21 or sooner will also be counted.
Voters who do not receive a ballot by May 9 should contact Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE.
To find your nearest Official Ballot Drop Site, visit multco.us/dropsites.