As you probably know, the deadline for return your ballot is coming soon. It’s next Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Many of us here in Oregon have a routine when it comes to voting. We always drop it off in the same mailbox or drop box. For others, it might be an impulsive decision depending on what seems most practical.

Regardless, every voter expects – and deserves – to be able to vote without fear.

But this was not always the case. In 2020, Springfield police added patrols around drop boxes as Election Day approached after complaints that people attending a political rally near a drop box made threatening statements or blocked access to people trying to vote.

That possibility is on some people’s minds as this year’s elections approach. KLCC recently set up its mobile recording booth at the Eugene YMCA and asked visitors to record their questions or concerns about the voting process. Here is one of the questions:

Valley: “I’ve lived in Eugene for 45 years. And my concern about this year’s election is voter intimidation at the drop boxes. Because a lot of people – instead of putting a stamp on the envelope or putting it by mail – just That’s what I always do And I’ve heard in the past that there were people right there, not necessarily verbally, right there, looking harsh and mean consider. this as intimidation.

KLCC Morning Edition host Love Cross invited KLCC News Director Chris Lehman into the studio to discuss the issue.

Love: You heard Dale’s concerns. What is in place to protect voters when they cast their ballot?

Chris: This is certainly something that concerns many people during election time. In past election cycles, political rallies have been held near drop boxes and, in some cases, voters have complained of feeling threatened.

We asked Devon Ashbridge this question. She is a spokesperson for Lane County, including the elections office. And Devon told us that they get this question a lot…and their first response is that bullying is, simply put, illegal.

Devon: “The Oregon law actually has several provisions intended to help protect voters. So, there are laws that make it a crime to harass election workers, use or threaten force or violence to prevent a person from voting, or obstruct a designated place to drop off ballots. So this would include our official ballot drop boxes as well as the election office itself.

Love: Okay, so it’s clearly against the law to do anything that would prevent someone from voting, whether it’s a physical act or a verbal threat. But what about Dale’s concern about people hanging around who, in his words, are “tough and mean” but don’t say anything to you or block your access?

Chris: On the face of it, this probably wouldn’t be a crime. But there is obviously some subjectivity as to what constitutes a threat. And despite recent arsons At a few polls here in the Pacific Northwest, most polls will not have 24/7 uniformed security to protect voters, although the Eugene Police Department says that he is intensifying patrols and observation cameras at ballot box locations.

You may have heard of the concept of “making a plan” to vote. If this is a concern for you, perhaps your plan might be to find a few backup options if you don’t feel safe for some reason around your regular drop box. For example, Lane County offers 21 drop boxes 24 hours a dayincluding 10 in Eugene, 3 in Springfield and at least one in most other communities.

You can also drop off your ballot in any mailbox, as long as it is postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

That being said, the vast, vast majority of Oregon voters are able to vote securely in every election.

Love: Another tool available to Oregonians is the Voter Protection Hotlinewhich is administered by the Oregon Department of Justice. They invite people to call with questions about voting access, including potential instances of intimidation. This number is 971-673-4111.

To learn more about KLCC’s coverage of the 2024 elections, visit our Elections page.