Oregon officials say turnout looks low so far in Tuesday's election, even with some competitive races. Clackamas and Lane Counties are deciding several contested commission seats. In Multnomah County, Portland voters are choosing among primary candidates for Mayor. But that doesn't appear to have boosted returns much yet.
Henry Stern is a spokesman for Multnomah County. He says about 22 percent of registered voters had returned ballots as of Monday. Stern says that's about what elections officials would expect to see in a non-presidential primary year. But Stern says election workers are ready if there's a boom today.
Stern said, "About half of the ballots returned come back in the last four days. Then about 35% of the ballots returned can come back on Election Day."
Elections officials in Lane County say returns are running around 25 percent so far. That's also comparatively low.
Deschutes County Republican voters are taking part in a hotly contested primary for Oregon Senate District 27. Incumbent Chris Telfer faces an in-party challenge from Tim Knopp.
Turnout in Deschutes County is also down so far.
