The Oregon Secretary of State's office recommends Washington County voters skip the mailbox and use a drop box to return their ballots.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, was the last recommended day to mail a ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, the office said in a press release, as reported by News in the Grove. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, the office recommends voters return ballots only at an official drop site.

A ballot must be inside a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within seven days after that. A test the Secretary of State's office ran with Oregon's 36 county elections officials found that a ballot returned at least a week before Election Day had a high likelihood of arriving on time. That window closed Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Voters who can only use the mail should visit a post office and ask for a manual postmark on their ballot envelope, according to the Secretary of State's office.

Beaverton-area drop boxes

Washington County has 21 official ballot drop locations, all accessible 24 hours a day, according to the county's elections page. Beaverton-area sites include:

  • Beaverton City Library, curbside on Hall Blvd. between 3rd St. and 5th St.
  • Beaverton Library-Murray Scholls, 11200 SW Murray Scholls Place, Suite 102
  • Bethany Library, 15325 NW Central Dr., Suite J-8
  • Cedar Mill Community Library, 1080 NW Saltzman Rd.
  • Washington County Service Center East, 3700 SW Murray Blvd.
  • West Slope Community Library, 3678 SW 78th Ave.

Voters can also return ballots in person at the Washington County Elections Office, 2925 NE Aloclek Dr. in Hillsboro. Elections workers pick up ballots from official drop boxes and deliver them directly to local elections offices.

Missing a ballot or need help?

Voters who have not received a ballot should contact Washington County Elections at 503-846-5800 or [email protected] for a replacement. Voters with disabilities or those who need help in a language other than English can reach the same number.

Voters can sign up for BallotTrax at OregonVotes.gov/Track, a free service that sends text, email or voice alerts when a ballot is mailed, received and counted.