Drop-off ballot box installed by courthouse

OREGON — A secure ballot drop-off box is now in place at the Ogle County Courthouse for voters who wish to vote by mail and choose not to use Untied States Postal Service.

Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Laura Cook said the box was installed Thursday morning.

The drop-off box was requested because of the higher demand demand for vote by mail ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Installing the drop box at the courthouse is another step the County Clerk’s Office is taking to ensure the ballots are returned to our office before the election day deadline," Cook said. "Ballots placed in the drop box will be collected twice daily by the election staff and stamped as received.

"Before you drop your vote by mail ballot in the drop-box or place in the hands of the USPS, make sure you place your voted ballot in the 'certification' envelope, securely seal the 'certification' envelope and sign and date the 'certification' envelope," Cook said.

She also encouraged voters you apply for their ballot immediately to ensure adequate turnaround. The deadline for applying for a Vote by Mail ballot is Oct. 29. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, Nov 3 to be accepted, and properly postmarked ballots will be accepted through Nov. 17.

Options to cast a ballot in Ogle County include:

• Dropping your mail ballot in the new drop-off box, located by the west doors of the Ogle County Courthouse;

• Dropping your mail ballot at the County Clerk’s Office;

• Mail in your mail ballot via the USPS;

• Early voting at the Ogle County Courthouse;

• Election day voting at your designated polling place on Nov. 3.

Cook asks that voters be respectful of the polling facilities and election judges during early voting and on election Day. "Please wear a mask and social distance," Cook said.

For more information, contact the Ogle County Clerk’s Office at 815-732-1110.