No Kings: Vote Early Event Happening Saturday, Oct. 17

Americans across the country to participate in No Kings: Vote Early. The goal of this event is to mobilize people to vote early and turn out in historic numbers for the November Midterm Election.

In Corvallis, people will gather at the Benton County Courthouse, 120 NW Fourth Street, from 12 to 3 pm for the event.

But hey, it’s not just about voting, you can expect some fun too. Plans include a Boogie for Ballots Dance Party, sidewalk chalk art, an I Voted Early! photo booth, get-out-the-vote rock painting, bracelet making, a food drive and more. Attendees also will have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of get-out-the-vote and election protection activities taking place in the coming weeks. All are welcome to participate in No Kings: Vote Early, regardless of political affiliation.

Benton County election officials are urging voters in Benton County to vote early and use the ballot drop box instead of the postal service, since the local post office recently stated that it could take up to ten days to process ballots submitted through the mail.

Voters who receive their ballots by October 17 are encouraged to fill them out and drop them in the ballot box at the courthouse as part of this event. Ballots were mailed to voters on October 14.

“We plan to mobilize an unprecedented level of voter participation in the upcoming Midterm Elections,” stated event organizer George Stevens. “Power does not belong in the hands of billionaires, strongmen or politicians, it belongs in the hands of the people, and we exercise our power through our votes. Our democracy is strongest when everyone who is eligible to vote knows their options for voting, makes a plan, and then follows through on that plan and votes.”

If you haven’t received your ballot by mail, you only have until October 30 to get a replacement.

The No Kings organizers say any registered voter who hasn’t received their ballot by October 26 should contact the Benton County Elections Office at 541 766-6756. Voters can check their voter registration and track their vote through the Benton County Elections Office website at re.bentoncountyor.gov.

No Kings: Vote Early events across the country are being organized by a broad-based coalition of many groups including Indivisible, American Civil Liberties Union; 50501; American Federation Teachers; Black Votes Matter Fund; Move-On; Public Citizen; and Voto Latino.

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