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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you are all enjoying crisper mornings and beautiful fall foliage. As we near the end of October, that means we are also approaching Election Day next Tuesday, November 3.
Of the more than 2.9 million Oregonians who are registered to vote, local reporting shows that nearly 1.2 million Oregonians have already cast their ballots. If you have not yet returned your ballot, I am urging you to do so. As I've written in my latest op-ed, it's more than a vote – it's an opportunity to make our values known. The stakes are too monumental to not participate.
After Tuesday, October 27 (today), voters should use an official ballot drop box (the Secretary of State has a drop-box locator, but check with your county elections office for the most up-to-date list of official sites near you). Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum wants Oregonians to know they can call the Attorney General’s Voter Protection Hotline at 971-673-4111 with non-emergency questions and concerns about voting and election security.
Staff at the Oregon Department of Justice review hotline messages regularly and return most calls within 24 hours on business days and on Mondays following the weekend. The hotline currently offers recorded instructions in English and Spanish, but messages can be returned in other languages upon request.
As the weather turns and we start spending more time inside, it’s important to make sure that you’re up to date with the latest statewide guidance on face coverings.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says it is not advisable to wear a face shield instead of a mask or face covering whenever you are within six feet of someone who does not live in your same household. Take a look at OHA’s guidance to learn about the limited instances in which a face shield could be used alone, and familiarize yourself and your household with proper mask, face covering and face shield usage.
Let’s continue to keep each other safe by wearing masks and let's be kind when doing so. Face covering use may pose more challenges to some of our neighbors than others.
As the days get shorter and we start to see more rain in the forecast, it can be more challenging to take care of yourself physically and mentally. This year has required patience and sacrifice. I am proud to be a member of a community that looks out for each other like we do here in District 19 and across Oregon.
Be sure to check in with yourself, take breaks, connect with loved ones and ask for help if you need it. I make certain to set aside time to cook meals for my family and go on walks each day. See the graphic below for more tips and resources.
Did you know that experts say that October is the ideal time to get your flu shot? Flu shots can help keep you and your community healthier this winter. This is more important than ever as we want to ensure we do not overwhelm our medical facilities and health professionals warn of an influenza/COVID-19 “twindemic.”
Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering rain or shine drive-thru and walk-up vaccination clinics through October 30. You can also use VaccineFinder to locate another provider near you.
Flu vaccination is no laughing matter – but sometimes your teenagers make fun of your tattoo. Photo credit: Alex Wagner, age 14
Halloween is just around the corner, and I’m looking forward to enjoying a little bit of spooky fun with my family. Even though the pandemic makes it too risky to participate in our usual neighborhood trick-or-treating activities, there are still plenty of great ways to celebrate!
If you need some help brainstorming, the Oregon Health Authority has come up with a list of low, medium and high risk activities that will help you decide how you can be smart and safe for Halloween. Plus, if you costume up, you can enter the Governor’s costume contest by posting on Instagram with the hashtag #spookyandsafe!
As always, please let me know if you need any assistance. My office and I are available and ready to help.
Sincerely,
 Oregon Senate Majority Leader
Senate District 19
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1719
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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