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Time’s running out to register to vote
Author: Susan Harding, KATU
Posted: October 13, 2010

View video: http://www.katu.com/news/local/104744869.html?tab=video

PORTLAND, Ore. - The deadline to register to vote in Oregon for this November’s election is Tuesday at midnight, and on Monday volunteers were taking their get-out-the-vote message to college students.

Portland State University student Emily Taylor seemed to confirm the importance of running the get-out-the-vote effort on her campus but acknowledged she wasn’t sure if she was going to vote.

“(I) haven’t paid enough attention yet … being so busy with your present-day stuff and your school and your applications and studying for the GRE and trying to work, I think overtakes all of that stuff,” she said. Even though I know it’s important.”

About 40 percent of those age 25 and under vote in Oregon, which is higher than most other states. But that’s still low compared to those over 60 where 90 percent typically turn out.

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown shared her own experience from her first campaign.

“I literally won the race by seven votes,” she said. “I know firsthand it does make a difference.”

She said she hopes changes this year will encourage more people to register. You can now register online at oregonvotes.org, and for the first time there’s some online reassurance that your mail-in vote gets to its destination. The website will now allow you to track your ballot online.

Also, if you have changed your name or address, you’ll need to update your registration.

In the state of Washington, the deadline to register online and by mail has passed, but if you aren’t registered you can still do so in person at your county election office until Monday, Oct. 25.

Ballots in the state of Oregon will begin to be mailed to voters this Friday, Oct. 15.