Election Day is Tuesday. Have you voted and returned your ballot? 

Statistically, probably not. As of Friday, just 18.7% of Deschutes County voters had returned their ballots. Statewide, that number was at 14%. Crook County is bucking the trend with 22% turnout so far. Jefferson County as at 16%. 

While voting in primary elections — as opposed to general elections — is typically low, we at The Bulletin encourage you to read up on the issues and cast your ballot. 

You can read our full election coverage at bendbulleitn.com/elections. We have stories on the four-way (and newly nonpartisan) race for Deschutes County Commissioner, the tax increase proposed by Bend-La Pine Schools to raise money for education al improvements, proposed changes to the Redmond city charter, plus articles on state and federal races in which party candidates are being chosen for the November general election.

You cal also visit bendbulletin.com/opinion for editorials on the issues on the ballot. The Bulletin did not endorse candidates or choose positions on ballot measures for this election cycle, but our editorial board has thoughtful comments about the decisions voters are being asked to make. 

Finally, stay tuned on Tuesday night, when The Bulletin’s news staff will be covering election results at bendbulletin.com. 

Your ballot is due by 8 p.m. Tuesday at one of many drop boxes in Central Oregon, a county clerk’s office, or it can be dropped in the mail as long as it is postmarked by election day.

— Julie Johnson, city editor