HB 2226 Ballot postmark & harvesting on election day

This bill requires ballots be postmarked not later than date of election, allows 7 days for delivery. Allows “ballot harvesting” on election day. Requires county clerks to announce status of tally of ballots received after election date on third and eighth calendar days after date of election.

Personal Choice and Responsibility
Voter responsibility is to make sure ballots are received on time no matter the deadline. Changing the deadline doesn’t change the responsibility. Allows ballot harvesting: On the date of an election, an individual may collect and return the ballot of a different individual provided that the individual who collects the ballot deposits the ballot at the office of the county clerk, at any place of deposit designated by the county clerk or at any location described in ORS 254.472 or 254.474 no later than 8 p.m. on the date of the election.

Limited Government
It doesn’t matter what the date or time, a voter still has to plan accordingly to make sure the ballot is received. So moving the date for delayed postal service is just a delay in certifying the election, which has no benefit and adds to confusion. If the elector returns the ballot by mail, and the postmark is not present or legible, the ballot shall be considered to be postmarked on the date of the election and may be counted if the ballot is received no later than seven calendar days after the election. It extends the constitutional interpretation of voting being held on a certain date. This delays count certification for 7 days.