Secure Your Ballots
Lane County Elections reported a break-in at the Marcola Post Office overnight, where a key for two USPS mailboxes in Marcola was stolen. While this does not affect the Florence Post Office, election officials urge voters to stay vigilant. In Marcola, voters are asked to avoid the affected mailboxes and instead use the official ballot drop box at Mohawk Marketplace. Florence voters can use the secure election drop box on 9th Street at the Justice Center. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is investigating the break-in.
ASUA To Assist Oregon Elections
U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Knight will lead Oregon’s role in the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5 general election. Knight, head of the Cyber and National Security Unit, will oversee complaints regarding voting rights issues, threats to election staff, and election fraud in Oregon. Wight emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting election integrity. The FBI will have agents on standby nationwide for election-related reports. To report concerns, the public can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov.
More Funds Allocated for Port of Coos Bay
Congresswoman Val Hoyle announced late last week that she along with senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have allocated another 30 million dollars for the port of Coos Bay. Hoyle says that most of the monies will go to engineering and planning, but that the money will go along with other recent allocations in the rebuilding and restructuring of the Port and the rail system that services the port.
“this investment is both needed and has been needed for a long, time regardless of the Port, but also is a critical part of how we can have the first container to rail port on the west coast.”
Congresswoman Hoyle says the plan also includes investing in electric engines to run the rail system to make the project cleaner and the container to rail system will also mean fewer diesel semi trucks on the interstates. She also says the project holds the support of many in Coos Bay.
“There are a lot of people who have worked together to fight for this, business and labor, people in transportation and I cannot say enough about the staff at the port of Coos Bay who have really, really just been unbelievable in how they’ve worked to make things better for the South Coast.”
Congresswoman Hoyle spoke in detail about the allocation and the project. You can hear the entire interview on the Coast Radio Website.