Who is eligible to vote?

Only those who are registered may vote.  If you are under 18 years of age or are a non-citizen, you cannot vote in your state's primary or caucus, general election or other local election.  This applies in every state.  In some states, convicted felons cannot vote.  In others, such as Oregon, only those felons who are incarcerated cannot vote.

How do I register to vote?

In Oregon, Voter Registration Cards can be obtained at any U.S. Post Office, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) local office or County Court House.  In many areas a voter registration form can be found in a local phone directory.  After filling out the card, you can either mail it to the appropriate address listed on the back of the card or deliver it in person to that same address.  Access your Secretary of State's online address for information relative to your state.

Can I register 'Online'?

You cannot register online in Oregon.  But you can download a registration card form from the Oregon Secretary of State's web site, fill it out and return it by mail. The Oregon Secretary of State's web site is http://www.sos.state.or.us/.

What if I have moved?

You should fill out a new Voter Registration Card and submit it to the appropriate address listed on the back of the card either by mail or in person.

Is there a "Last Day" that I can register to vote?

April 27th, 2010 is the last day Oregonians who are eligible to vote in the May 18th Oregon Primary may register to vote. October 12th, 2010 is the last day Oregonians who are eligible to vote in the November 2nd General Election may register to vote. Remember that for newly registered Oregon voters, their mailed registration card must be postmarked by the 21st day prior to the final day of an election in order for them to vote in that election.

How and when will I receive my ballot?

Oregon is a Vote-By-Mail state.  Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters a few days after the above voter registration deadlines.  Whether by mail or by hand delivery, ballots must be placed at designated drop sites or received by County Clerks no later than 8 PM, the day of the election.

Where do I obtain larger quantities of Voter Registration Cards?

In Oregon, larger quantities may be obtained at each County Court House and at the Office of the Secretary of State in Salem.  For other states check with your Secretary of State's office.

Does each state differ in its requirements?

Each state has its own voter registration deadlines and requirements.  To access your state's site just replace the two letter state abbreviation below with your own state abbreviation.

Example:  Texas = http://www.sos.tx.us

Am I allowed to set up a 'Voter Registration Table' at my church?

Yes.  State elections Officials encourage voter registration in churches.  It must be non-partisan.

Can a pastor talk about political issues or candidates for public office from the pulpit?

Yes.  A pastor does not relinquish his/her First Amendment free speech rights when he becomes a pastor.  A pastor can speak out on political and moral issues as well as initiatives, even if those moral positions mention or touch upon a political campaign or candidate.

Can a Pastor or Elder endorse a candidate from the pulpit?

A pastor can endorse candidates and make such announcements from the pulpit as long as they do so in their capacity as a private citizen.  Current law prohibits pastors as employees of a 501(c)(3) non-profit church from endorsing a candidate directly or indirectly from the pulpit on behalf of the church.

Is it permissible for churches and 501(c)(3) organizations to distribute Christian Voters' guides?

Churches and other exempt organizations under IRS 501(c)(3) regulations are permitted to engage in non-partisan voter education and registration activities.  They may publish news stories about campaigns and candidates.  They may also publish or distribute voters' guides in an attempt to educate their members, provided the voters' guides are nonpartisan under regulations established by the IRS.  Generally, this requires that the voters' guides not directly or indirectly endorse or oppose any particular candidates.  Churches and organizations are advised to consult an attorney before distributing any particular voters' guide, because this is now an area receiving high scrutiny by the IRS, which has threatened to revoke the tax exempt status of some churches and 501(c)(3) organizations for distributing voters' guides it has determined to be partisan.