oregon ballots

Ballots for the Nov. 8 general election should be mailed today, Nov. 1, if voters want to be guaranteed that they will arrive in time to be counted, elections officials say. (The Oregonian/Staff)

(Ross William Hamilton, The Oregonian)

Elections officials have a short but pointed message for anyone who hasn't yet voted, but still plans to drop their ballot in the nearest mailbox: Today's the day.

If, that is, voters want to be absolutely certain that their ballots arrive in time for Tuesday's 8 p.m. voting deadline.

"The United States Postal Service has notified us that ballots could take up to 5-7 days to reach county elections offices once they are put in the mail," Oregon Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins said in a statement. "Given Oregon's geographic diversity, delivery schedules will vary across the state."

Officials in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, meanwhile are advising voters that Thursday represents the drop-dead day for making sure their votes are counted if they are relying on mail service in the metro area.

"The key is giving yourself plenty of time," said Tim Scott, Multnomah County's elections director. "Where ever you are and how ever you are planning on voting, make a plan now on how you're going to return your ballot."

Waiting past Thursday means voters will need to personally drop off their ballots, he said. That can be done at the county's elections headquarters, in drop boxes located in all 19 county library branches or at eight 24-hour drop sites spread around the county. Exact locations of all drop sites can be viewed on the county's website.

Similarly, the Secretary of State's website includes all drop sites across the state.

Voters who have lost their ballots and need replacements, meanwhile, can also visit their county's website to make arrangements to get new ones.

-- Dana Tims

503-294-7647; @DanaTims