There is good news coming on this front from an unexpected corner. According to a really interesting article by the local Daily Emerald written by Jack Forrest:

Voters in Oregon may be able to mail their ballots for free beginning in 2020, thanks to a recent senate bill passed by Oregon legislators at the end of an eventful 2019 legislative session. The bill’s supporters say it will provide better access to young voters, disabled voters and Oregonians living in rural areas, but the cost has made some lawmakers pause.

Senate Bill 861 would increase voter turnout for young voters, according to testimony supporting the bill from the League of Women Voters — in Washington, where the state paid postage for one election, voter turnout increased by 8 percent. A statement released by the Oregon Secretary of State said the free return envelopes would encourage first-time voters and young people to vote as they “don’t usually keep stamps in their home.”

There is a ballot drop box located directly outside the Erb Memorial Union at the University of Oregon where students can drop their ballots in a convenient location, but mailing in a ballot may make it even easier for some students.

See full story here.