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Ballot Drop Off Locations and Increased Postage

This is a press release courtesy of Lane County
This May primary election presents several unique situations that may impact what postage is required if returning a ballot by mail. 
First there is a U.S. postage increase in the middle of the two weeks prior to Election Day. The first class postage rate is 41 cents through Sunday, May 11, with an increase to 42 cents effective Monday, May 12.
Second, there are variations of ballot styles and weights based on how voters are registered. Democrats and Republicans will each receive two ballots; one that includes all federal, state, county, and city contests, along with a ballot that only includes Precinct Committee People. The return weight of both voted ballots does exceed 1 oz and will require 58 cents postage through May 11, and 59 cents postage through May 12.
How do I know how much postage to put on my return ballot? 
You are required to include a first class postage stamp. To avoid confusion for Lane County voters trying to figure out whether they need 41 cents, 42 cents, 58 cents, or 59 cents, the U.S. postal service has been notified by Lane County Elections to deliver all ballots to Lane County Elections that include a First class postage stamp, regardless of postal rate increases or ballot weight difference. Lane County Elections has agreed to pay the difference for this specific election to ensure that voters’ ballots are not returned for insufficient postage.
Are there options to mailing back my ballot? 
Lane County voters have historically returned more than half their ballots at one of the many official ballot drop sites available throughout Lane County. These drop site locations will be listed on the blue insert included with every ballot mailed to voters. This list is also available on our website:  www.co.lane.or.us/Elections/DropOff.htm. For a map of ballot locations, KVAL.com prepared a Google map of drop box locations.
Important! All voted ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Election Day, May 20, 2008 for your ballot to be counted. Postmarks do not qualify your ballot.
If you have any questions call Lane County Elections at (541) 682-4234. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Election Day, May 20 the office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Free Pizza and Pastries? Where do I sign up? - May 10

“Free pizza and pastries? Wow! Where do I sign up???” you may be wondering.

The answer is right here and right now.

Just sign up for one three-hour shift of phone banking or canvassing over the next three weeks to help Basic Rights Oregon keep our champions, Mayor Kitty Piercy and City Councilor Andrea Ortiz, in office.

But don’t do it for the free food, the opportunity to make memories with your friends in the LGBTQ community, or the chance to meet your future partner (do not doubt me on that point) -- do it because Kitty and Andrea have spent thousands of hours fighting to make Eugene a more safe and welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ community. They have got our backs, now we need to get theirs.

Please reply to this email to let me know if you can take one or more of the following actions:

* Join us on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm to knock on doors in the Whiteaker neighborhood, asking folks to vote for Kitty and Andrea. Meet at the BRO office in the Whiteaker School at 21 North Grand Street. We will feed you yummy pastries AND you can work on your tan while you walk!
* If you are not available on either of the dates above, let me know if you are willing to phone BRO supporters after May 10th. We will set up another phone bank before Election Day. Yes, there will be food.

Yeah, I know, we are all buried with work and are hankering for a chance to enjoy the spring weather. BUT, spring isn’t going to feel quite so sunny if we wake up on May 21st to find out that Jim Torrey is going to be our mayor or that Andrea has lost her seat.

Please reply now to let me know you can give three hours to the cause.

Thanks!

Becky Flynn
Regional Director
Basic Rights Oregon
21 North Grand Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Cell: 541-513-9012
www.basicrights.org

BRO Endorsements - State, County, Local

VoteEquality is the online voter's guide of the Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC (political action committee), which seeks to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon by electing fair-minded and candidates to local, legislative, and statewide offices in Oregon.

The Equality PAC does not make endorsements in all races. In the primary election, we issue endorsements in selected races where our support can make a critical difference, or when a candidate has a proven track record of supporting GLBT equality.

Can’t find your district on our list? It can mean one of a few things: either no candidate filled out a questionnaire, or there was no compelling reason to endorse one candidate over another, or the race is uncontested, or this seat is not up for reelection this year.

VoteEquality Statewide Endorsements
VoteEquality Oregon State House Endorsements
VoteEquality Oregon Local Endorsements
The Basic Rights Eugene-Springfield volunteer team, in collaboration with our staff and Equality PAC Board make the following endorsements. “Green Light” means that the candidate is good on GLBT issues and has demonstrated some leadership on GLBT issues.

VoteEquality Local Green Light Ratings