Turnout for Current Election (Yes, There is One) Light So Far

Most Multnomah County voters have ballot for PCC bond measures sitting unreturned in their homes.

A week after ballots started coming in, fewer than 14 percent of Multnomah County voters have bothered to participate in the Nov. 7 election.

That may be because voters are distracted by the unusually good weather or are simply not engaged in the single issue on most county voters' ballots—Measure 26-196 a $185 million bond for Portland Community College.

Related: Read WW's endorsement pick for Measure 26-196

Odd-year November elections of any substance in Multnomah County are rare. PCC put its bond on this year's ballot because the 2016 ballot included large school bond measures, which could be seen as competing with PCC's bond. The current PCC measure replaces a 2000 bond, which is now expiring, so if it passes, it will not result in a tax increase.

Ballots are due at official drop spots, including the Multnomah County elections building, by 8 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

For voters who choose to mail their ballots, elections officials say the last day to safely do so is Nov. 2.

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