CANYON CITY – So you want to vote in the May 20 Oregon primary election?

Prospective voters who aren’t already registered have until Tuesday, April 29, to do so. A postmark for that date is valid for registration, or the registration can be filed at the Grant County Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse in Canyon City.

That’s also the last day to change political parties, but for those changes, a postmark won’t cut it. The paperwork must be into the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. April 29.

Kathy McKinnon, county clerk, said one new rule this year could affect voters whose signatures have changed over time. The Oregon Secretary of State’s office is requiring clerks to verify signatures only with the most current voter registration card on file.

That means the clerk can’t check back through previous cards to see if earlier signature variations match up with the ballot.

McKinnon said people who are concerned that their signature might differ from the registration card can file an updated voter registration card with the clerk’s office.

If the signature on the ballot doesn’t seem to match the card, it could be challenged. The voter would be notified and would have 10 days after the election to update the signature card so the ballot can be counted.

Ballots for the May 20 election will be mailed to registered voters on May 2. They must be returned no later than 8 p.m. on election day to be verified and counted.

Grant County voters who do not receive a ballot by Thursday, May 8, should call the clerk’s office, 575-1675.

The state will mail Voter Pamphlets to Oregon households about April 30.