Voting Instructions

For all elections, the voters of Polk County will cast their votes on the ballot, as illustrated.

• To Vote: You must blacken the oval completely with a black pen.
• To Write-In a Name: Blacken the oval to the left side of the dotted line and write-in the name on the dotted line

How to Complete Your Ballot

1. Examine the ballot(s). Locate the candidates for each office and the YES or NO choice for each measure.
2. Following the instructions on the ballot, mark the oval next to the candidate or response of your choice for each office or measure. USE A BLACK PEN.
3. To vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot, mark the oval next to the space provided on the ballot and write in the full name of the candidate.

Ballot marking checklist 

1. Check your ballot for instructions about whether you can use pen or pencil, black ink or blue.
2. Be sure to completely fill in the ovals or boxes next to your choices.
3. You don't have to vote in all contests. Your other votes will still count.
4. You cannot change you vote once you've mailed or dropped off your ballot.

Returning the Ballot

1. SIGN the voter's statement on the back of the return envelope. Your ballot will NOT be counted if the envelope is not SIGNED.
2. Place only YOUR voted ballot in the return envelope and seal the return envelope.
3. Mail or deliver the signed and sealed return envelope as soon as possible.
4. Official Oregon Ballot Drop Boxes are available until 8:00 PM on Election Day.
5. Ballots being returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than the seventh day after Election Day.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Polk County Clerk's Office at 503-623-9217.