Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's elections officials say ballots are being returned more slowly than expected.   So far, thirty-seven percent of registered voters have turned in ballots.

At this point in 2004, forty-five percent of voters had cast ballots.

Don Hamilton is a spokesman for Oregon's Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury. He says several factors are different this year. Voters have more initiatives to sort through, and there's a tight Senate race.

Don Hamilton:  "It's important to remember that in 2004 we had a contested Presidential race. Both President Bush and John Kerry were both in Oregon several times. But, interestingly, also we have seen a greater trend the last couple of years with voters waiting to turn in their ballots til the end."

Hamilton says the ballot-counting can't begin until Tuesday. 

Ballots are being stacked at county election bureaus, and in many cases, kept under lock and key.

Secretary of State Bill Bradbury has said he believes voter turnout in Oregon may ultimately set another record this year.