Douglas County Voters Can Expect Ballots Soon for November 3 Election

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Registered voters throughout Douglas County should begin receiving their ballots in the mail soon for the November 3, 2026, General Election, according to Douglas County Clerk Dan Loomis.

With Election Day approaching, the Douglas County Clerk's Office is reminding residents to watch their mailboxes, review their ballots carefully, and make sure they are returned on time.

Ballots returned to an official ballot drop site must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Voters may also return their ballots through the U.S. Postal Service, provided they meet Oregon's postmark and receipt requirements.

The Clerk's Office recommends mailing completed ballots at least one week before Election Day to allow sufficient time for delivery. Those mailing ballots closer to November 3 are encouraged to ask postal employees about obtaining a hand-cancellation postmark to ensure the mailing date is clearly recorded.

Voters who prefer to return their ballots in person can use any official ballot drop site in Oregon, regardless of the county where they are registered.

A list of locations is available on the Douglas County Official Ballot Drop Site Locations webpage.

One change voters should be aware of this year is the relocation of the ballot drop site at Umpqua Community College. The drop site is now located near the UCC library.

What Voters Should Know Before Returning Their Ballots

The Douglas County Clerk's Office has provided several reminders to help voters avoid common mistakes and ensure their ballots can be processed.

Residents should make sure their voter registration information is current. Oregon voters can update their registration information through 7:59 p.m. on Election Day, although registration deadlines for new voters may differ.

Some voters who recently updated their registration may receive more than one ballot. According to the Clerk's Office, this can happen when registration changes are processed after ballots have already been printed. If a second ballot arrives with a blue slip of paper, voters should use that ballot rather than the previously issued version.

Voters are also encouraged to carefully review both sides of their ballots before placing them in the return envelope.

One of the most important steps is signing the ballot return envelope. Ballots cannot be processed without the required signature. Voters should sign in the designated area near their printed name and address, using a signature consistent with their most recent voter registration record.

The Clerk's Office notes that a signature from an Oregon driver's license or identification card may serve as a reference.

What to Do If Your Ballot Doesn't Arrive

Voters who have not received their ballots by Friday, October 23, should contact or visit the Douglas County Clerk's Office.

The Elections Division can assist residents with missing ballots, registration questions, and other election-related concerns.

Voters can also review the candidates and measures appearing in the November election by visiting the Douglas County Elections webpage.

Important Election Dates

• Friday, October 23: Contact the Clerk's Office if your ballot has not arrived.
• Tuesday, October 27: Recommended date to mail completed ballots, based on the county's guidance to mail at least one week early.
• Tuesday, November 3: Election Day. Official ballot drop sites close at 8 p.m., and registration updates must be completed by 7:59 p.m.

Where to Get Election Assistance

Douglas County voters with questions about their ballots or the voting process can contact the Douglas County Elections Division at 541-440-4252 or email elections@douglascountyor.gov.

Additional election information, including statewide voter resources, is available through the Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE.

With ballots beginning to arrive, election officials are encouraging residents to take time to review their choices, follow the return instructions, and submit their ballots ahead of the November 3 deadline.