November 3, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt release an Election Day video and statement. [Paragraph links to video.]
“Happy Election Day! I know that many of us are very excited – and very anxious – about what tonight’s election results will mean for the future of our community and our country. As with so many things, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many states conduct their elections and process results. So as we’re watching results come in from around the country, I’m urging everyone to be patient, look to trusted news sources, and be careful about what we’re sharing on social media.”
“As a pioneer of voting by mail, Oregon has a long history of conducting safe and secure elections. I know that the staff at the Multnomah County Elections office and the Oregon Secretary of State’s office have policies in place to protect the integrity of the vote and to ensure timely and accurate tallying of results. The Multnomah County Election website and the Secretary of State’s Elections Division website will be updated throughout the night with results as they are available, and I encourage people to use those resources.”
“Just as we value our right to vote, Oregonians also value our right to peacefully assemble and make our voices heard in the streets. In preparation for possible gatherings, my office is closely coordinating with local and state law enforcement partners to ensure that any election-related demonstrations remain peaceful and safe for all involved. In line with my office’s standing policy, we support the community’s freedom of speech and we do not prosecute based on individuals’ ideology or political affiliations. We do not support violence, theft, or destruction, and we will prosecute these cases when there is clear evidence to do so.”
“We are in a pivotal moment in history, and we must stand together as a community. We cannot let the fight for change to be hijacked by those seeking to harm others.”
“Thank you and be safe.”
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us