A penny short? Have no fear. Ballots will be delivered.
Kari Chisholm

All this week, I've gotten concerned emails from BlueOregon readers concerned about the forthcoming postal rate change on Monday -- when the price of a first-class stamp goes up one penny to 42 cents. Folks have been terrifically concerned about ballots getting returned, and people being disenfranchised... all for want of a penny.

I've checked in with my friends at the Secretary of State's office, and they've verified two things:

#1. The USPS will deliver ballots in Oregon that are a penny short.

#2. The County Elections offices will pick up the cost of an extra penny.

So, have no fear, folks. All is well.

Now, a couple of notes:

  • This probably doesn't apply if you're mailing in your ballot from out-of-state. Oregon post offices know all about our election, and they know what a ballot looks like. But that doesn't mean a mail carrier in another state will. Get your 42-cent stamp on there.

  • The counties are terribly concerned that a bunch of people will take advantage of their generous offer - and it'll cost 'em a bunch of money. If you're reading this post, then you know all about the postal rate change -- do the responsible thing and pony up your own damn penny.

(Of course, it's not that huge a budget hit. Even if we had 100% turnout of all two million Oregon voters - and nobody mailed a ballot until Monday, and they all did it a penny short... it'd cost $20,000 - split among 36 counties. We should be so lucky for turnout like that!)

May 9, 2008 | Kari Chisholm | Comments (6 so far)
Permalink: A penny short? Have no fear. Ballots will be delivered.

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Comments

Posted by: Jefffrane | May 10, 2008 8:38:07 AM

Damn. I knew I should have invested in "forever" stamps when I had the chance. I've still got a half roll of 41¢ stamps. How did I not know this was happening?

Posted by: James X. | May 10, 2008 1:11:50 PM

I can't remember the last time I needed a stamp. Even with ballots, I just walk a couple blocks to the library.

Posted by: Rick York | May 10, 2008 2:14:34 PM

One thing that should happen when the Dems get a bigger majority in Congress is free postage for ballots. It seems pretty elementary to me.

Posted by: James X. | May 10, 2008 3:05:57 PM

Seconded. It's a poll tax. If you're on a low income, you may not stock the extras around your house like postage stamps. It just adds another obstacle, especially for the homebound or those with limited mobility.

Posted by: air jordan | Nov 28, 2008 11:00:08 PM

It just adds another obstacle, especially for the homebound or those with limited mobility.

Posted by: sesLi,Görüntülü,Chat,muhabbet,mirc | Jan 11, 2009 6:25:42 AM

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