ROSEBURG, Ore. (KMTR) -- This election, voter turnout has definitely risen in
Douglas County. The number of voters is typically up, during any presidential election, but this year's turnout is even topping the 2008 numbers.
Currently, about 29% of Douglas County voters have already turned in their ballots, up from the 27% at this point in 2008. Over 17,000 ballots are already in, and the elections office says the last few days are their busiest. If you haven't returned your ballot yet, there are some important dates to remember.
"It definitely needs to be in our office by 8 p.m. on November 6th, or in a drop-box," says Patricia Hitt, the Douglas County Clerk. "If someone's going to mail their ballot back, they need to do it by this Friday [November 2, 2012], to make sure it gets to us on time."
Double-check that your return address is correct, and of course sign your envelope. Hitt says, if you forget to use the secrecy envelope, that's okay. Also, if you accidentally mix up your envelope with someone else's in your household, just call your local elections office and they can help you straighten things out.
Another question the Douglas County Elections Office has been getting a lot is whether it's okay to leave some votes blank, and the answer is yes. If you only want to vote for a couple of the races, or measures, your votes will still count.
