Having a mail-in ballot is something Oregonians are enjoying for the second presidential election in a row. It is a great idea, but one that requires a certain amount of personal responsibility.

There have been reports of people representing various political groups offering to pick up your ballots. They may even come to your house.

It is The Advocate’s recommendation that you be responsible for your own ballot. Your postal carrier will take it where it needs to go.

Those people who may be trying to swing the vote one way or another might not even turn your ballot in if you didn’t vote a certain way. You want to be heard, that is why you registered and why you filled out your ballot. Don’t trust some stranger to finish the job for you.

You can turn in your ballots on Monday in the Main Mall from noon to 1 p.m., where you will also get an opportunity to meet several candidates, including United States Sen. Ron Wyden.

A non-partisan group called the Oregon Student Vote Coalition will be collecting and turning in the ballots. This group has the endorsement of many on campus, and The Advocate as well.

This election is one of the most important ever. Most people have an opinion about at least one aspect of it. It will be your chance to be heard and your chance to make a difference.

The Advocate has done our best to encourage you all to vote, and do so in an informed manner. We encourage you to make your own choices and be responsible with them. Your vote is your power.

There have also been reports of multiple ballots going out to the same voters.
You can only vote once. Make it count.