With Election Day less than two weeks away, Deschutes County is seeing a strong early voting response. County Clerk Steve Dennison announced that more than 40,000 ballots have already been returned, putting early turnout above the 20% mark.

Early turnout and expectations

Dennison said the current pace suggests a “robust turnout so far,” noting that the upcoming gubernatorial race is the only contest that historically draws more voters than a presidential election in the county. The clerk expects overall voter participation to land between 60% and 70% once all ballots are counted.

How to vote

Deschutes County offers 13 official ballot drop boxes, including a new drive‑through location at Central Oregon Community College’s Bend campus. Voters who prefer to mail their ballots should do so by Tuesday, October 27, and request a hand‑postmark at a post office if they are sending them close to Election Day. All mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10 to be counted.

For those who wish to drop off a ballot in person, the county’s drop boxes remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

What this means for the community

The early surge reflects a community eager to have its voice heard in the upcoming statewide contests, including the governor’s race, U.S. Senate seats, and numerous local offices. By encouraging early voting and providing convenient drop‑box options, the county is helping families and individuals fulfill their civic duty without long lines on Election Day.

County officials continue to monitor the ballot‑processing timeline to ensure all returned votes are counted promptly. Residents are urged to verify their registration status and to double‑check that their ballots are completed accurately.

Reminder for voters

• Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10.
• Drop‑off ballots can be placed in any of the 13 official drop boxes until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• Check your voter registration status online or at your local clerk’s office.
• Consider using the new drive‑through drop box at COCC Bend for a quick, contact‑less submission.

As the November 3 general election draws near, Deschutes County’s early voting numbers signal a community ready to participate fully in the democratic process.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.