LA GRANDE — Voters in Union County are getting ready to cast their ballots in the May 21 primary election. The last chance to register to vote is April 30, and ballots will be mailed to voters starting May 1.

Looking to register to vote?

If you have recently gone to the Oregon DMV, you are probably all set to go. Since January 2016, when Oregon’s voter registration law, known as Oregon Motor Voter, took effect, voter registration has been automatic for eligible Oregonians.

If you have been to the DMV then you probably received information in the mail from the Oregon Elections Division with details and options about your voter registration. The information includes the need to register with a political party if you want to vote for political party members in Oregon primary elections — otherwise you’ll remain registered as an unaffiliated voter.

If not, you can register online at the Oregon Secretary of State’s website, register by mail by filling out and sending an Oregon Voter Registration Card to your county elections office, or register in person at your local county elections office.

Key dates for voters in Eastern Oregon

Tuesday, April 30: Last day to register to vote

Wednesday, May 1: Ballots mailed to voters, and ballot drop sites open in Union County.

Friday, May 3: Ballot drop boxes open in Union County

Tuesday, May 21: Election Day

When is your ballot due?

On Election Day, Tuesday, May 21, all final ballots must be returned either in the mail or at a designated drop box.

All ballot return envelopes must be signed in order to be valid.

Drop-off ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

By mail, ballots must be received or mailed with a valid post mark by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Didn’t get your ballot?

Call your county election office. County clerk staff will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, they will mail you a replacement ballot if there’s time to mail it. Otherwise, you may pick up a replacement ballot in person at your county election office.

Union County Clerk: 541-963-1003

Questions about voting or ballots?

For any questions regarding the election, voters should contact the Union County clerk.

The Union County Clerk’s office at 1001 Fourth St., La Grande, can be reached at 541-963-1003.

Not sure what district or zone you’re in?

Find out by visiting the Oregon Secretary of State’s My Vote page, enter your first and last names and birthdate and click on the submit button.

Union County ballot drop boxes

The May 21 election will give Oregon voters a chance to weigh in on a number of ballot measures and candidates for the state Legislature, county commissions and president of the U.S.

Ballots can be returned via U.S. mail or dropped off at officially designated drop boxes across the region.

In Union County, ballot drop boxes are located at the following locations:

• Cove City Hall, 504 Alder St.

• Elgin City Hall, 790 S. Eighth Ave.

• Imbler City Hall, 180 Ruckman

• Island City City Hall, 10605 Island Ave.

• La Grande City Hall, 1000 Adams Ave.

• North Powder City Hall, 635 Third St.

• Union City Hall, 342 S. Main St.

• Union County Clerk’s Office, 1001 Fourth St., La Grande

When are Oregon’s elections held?

Oregon has four regular annual elections.

• The second Tuesday in March

• The third Tuesday in May

• The fourth Tuesday in August

• The first Tuesday, after the first Monday, in November

In even numbered years, the May election is a primary election and the November election is the general election. In odd numbered years, the May election is a special district (local boards) election.

For all other regular elections, there may or may not be anything to vote on, depending on whether local governments propose any ballot measures or there are any state ballot initiatives or referendums from the Legislature.

Special elections are held when a federal office becomes vacant, or when the Legislature schedules an election to vote on a ballot measure.