Ballot machines certified, ready for election

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The ballot machines have been tested and certified for the upcoming election.

The elections department ran a test of the machines Monday morning, which is done before every election to certify they are counting properly.

According to Douglas County Clerk Patty Hitt, the test was successful.

Officials say they run 153 different ballot styles through the machines, and then hand count the results to make sure they add up.

Hitt says the test is done again after the election to make sure everything is still operating normally.

There is only a week left before the May primary, and officials want to remind people that if they wait until the last minute to turn in ballots, they need to take them to one of the drop boxes around the area, or to the elections office.

Hitt also wants to remind people that you need to remember to sign your return envelope for your ballot to be counted.

On Monday, the office said the ballot returns are at 22%.