As an expert in the field of voting and elections, I have closely observed the changes in voting procedures in Multnomah County, Oregon. With the upcoming 2020 presidential election and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the topic of voting has become a hot button issue. In response to these unprecedented circumstances, the state of Oregon has implemented changes to their voting methods, specifically with regards to early voting and mail-in ballots.
The Importance of Early Voting
Early voting, also known as in-person absentee voting, has become an integral part of the voting process in Multnomah County. This method allows registered voters to cast their ballots before Election Day at designated polling locations.In Multnomah County, early voting is available starting 18 days before the official election date. This gives voters ample time to cast their ballots and avoid long lines on Election Day. It also provides more flexibility for those who may have work or personal commitments on November 3rd. The popularity of early voting has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more states adopting this method. In fact, in the 2016 presidential election, over 40% of all votes were cast through early voting.
This trend is expected to continue in the 2020 election, especially with concerns about the safety of in-person voting during the pandemic.
The Convenience of Mail-in Ballots
Mail-in ballots, also known as absentee ballots, have been used for decades by those who are unable to physically go to a polling location on Election Day due to reasons such as illness or travel. In Multnomah County, all registered voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot for every election. This means that voters do not have to request a ballot or provide a reason for voting by mail. This convenience has led to a significant increase in the use of mail-in ballots in recent years. During the 2016 presidential election, over 70% of all votes in Multnomah County were cast through mail-in ballots.This number is expected to be even higher in the 2020 election due to the pandemic and the state's decision to conduct the election entirely by mail.
The Impact on Voting Campaigns
The use of early voting and mail-in ballots has a significant impact on voting campaigns in Multnomah County. With early voting, candidates have to adjust their campaign strategies to target voters who may have already cast their ballots. This means that campaigns have to start earlier and be more aggressive in their efforts to reach potential voters. Mail-in ballots also change the dynamic of voting campaigns. With voters receiving their ballots weeks before Election Day, campaigns have to work harder to maintain momentum and keep their supporters engaged.This can be challenging, as voters may cast their ballots early and then lose interest in the campaign. Furthermore, with the majority of votes being cast through mail-in ballots, campaigns have to focus more on direct mail and digital advertising instead of traditional methods such as door-to-door canvassing and rallies. This shift in strategy can be costly for campaigns, as direct mail and digital advertising tend to be more expensive than traditional methods.
The Controversy Surrounding Mail-in Ballots
While early voting has been widely accepted and used by both political parties, mail-in ballots have become a controversial topic in recent months. President Trump has repeatedly made claims that mail-in ballots are susceptible to fraud and has even suggested that the election should be postponed due to concerns about mail-in voting. However, there is no evidence to support these claims. In fact, numerous studies have shown that voter fraud is extremely rare, and there are strict security measures in place to prevent it.Additionally, Oregon has been conducting elections entirely by mail since 1998, and there have been no significant issues with fraud. Despite the controversy, mail-in ballots are still expected to play a significant role in the 2020 election in Multnomah County. The state has a long history of successful mail-in voting, and the process has been proven to be secure and efficient.
The Future of Voting in Multnomah County
As the use of early voting and mail-in ballots continues to increase, it is likely that these methods will become the norm in Multnomah County and other states across the country. The convenience and safety of these options make them appealing to voters, and they have proven to be successful in increasing voter turnout. However, it is essential to continue to monitor and improve these processes to ensure that all eligible voters have equal access to casting their ballots. This includes addressing any concerns about fraud and making sure that all voters have access to early voting locations and secure drop-off locations for mail-in ballots.In Conclusion
The role of early voting and mail-in ballots in voting campaigns in Multnomah County cannot be underestimated.These methods have become crucial in ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots safely and conveniently. As we approach the 2020 election, it is essential to recognize the impact of these options and continue to improve and expand upon them for future elections.
