As an Oregonian, the only thing that kept Lloyd Allen from voting was incarceration. Like millions of other citizens, Allen was convicted of a non-violent drug offense – a felony that sent him behind bars for over a year. But after her release from prison on felony charges, Denise Welch, a resident of Washington State, was forced through a maze of requirements so complex, even local elections officials didn't know how it worked....

What's happening for you in Portland this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

What's happening for you in Seattle this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

No! It's Superman William Oliver Philips Nichols, 4, who is getting ready to leap the tallest building in a single bound at the Garfield Community Center Campus Creepy Crawl Friday, Oct. 24. The Halloween event included a haunted house, a variety of fun games and lots of candy and prizes....Click here to read about Halloween Treats in Columbia City

Next week's general election is expected to have the highest turnout on record for King County. Officials are already testing voting machines and making final preparations to ensure the process runs smoothly.
King County conducted logic and accuracy tests during the week of Oct. 13 on machines used to count and record votes at the polls.
On Oct. 31, the county will perform similar tests on the equipment used to count absentee ballots. Officials said once the tests are completed, the machines are locked in a secure location until the morning of Nov. 4.
"We have conducted 21 successful elections and implemented more than 300 reforms since 2005, and we are ready for the November election," said Elections Director Sherril Huff in a statement. "While many of the improvements will go unnoticed, voters should remain confident in the open, transparent and accessible environment that has been created as a result."
"It is a standard pre-election test to ensure that the equipment is calibrated and working," said Bobbie Egan, communications manager for King County Elections. "So far we haven't had a problem."....

Read our endorsements, election coverage and post your comments on The Skanner blog.
For our Oregon endorsements click here.
For the Skanner Blog click on the "Share your thoughts BLOG" button above right

The Skanner News Group this week unveils a special community service project to help law enforcement officials find tips on unsolved murders in the Portland area. Just click this button on our home page ....

Catharine Blaine K-8, Madison Middle School, Salmon Bay School, Washington Middle School, and Garfield High School, have been named as five of the 98 "Schools of Distinction" by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for dramatic improvements in student reading and mathematics over the past several years....

Multnomah County today advised voters that Friday, October, 31 should be considered the last day for voters in Multnomah County to rely on timely USPS delivery of ballots in time for the presidential election. Ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4 to be counted. Postmarks do not count....

A Benefit for Dante....
Eyewitness History Election Watch...
Voters League Dinner...
Dr. Cornel West Speaks...