ORS § 249.013 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.013
249.013 Candidacy for more than one office
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not be a candidate for more than one lucrative office to be filled at the same election.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A person may not file a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy for more than one lucrative office or more than one office of precinct committeeperson before the date of the election at which a person will be nominated or elected to each office unless the person first files a written withdrawal, under ORS 249.170 (Withdrawal of candidacy) , of the person’s initial filing.

(b) Notwithstanding ORS 249.170 (Withdrawal of candidacy) , if a person files a declaration of write-in candidacy for an office of precinct committeeperson under ORS 248.019 (Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson) , any prior declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson that was filed for that election by the same person is considered withdrawn.

(3) If at any time before the date of the election at which a person will be nominated or elected to each office it is determined that a person has filed two or more nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy for any lucrative office or two or more nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson without written withdrawal or withdrawals intervening, all such filings are invalid and any other filing made by the same person is void.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A person may not be a candidate for more than one position on the same district board to be filled at the same election.

(b) As used in this subsection, “district board” means the governing body of a district as defined in ORS 255.012 (“District” defined) .

(5) A person may not be a candidate for more than one city office to be filled at the same election.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, in the case of a vacancy to be filled by election, the same person is eligible for nomination and election to both the unexpired and the succeeding terms. The name of the candidate may be placed on the ballot in both places. [Formerly 249.750; 1991 c.971 §15; 1995 c.606 §6a; 1995 c.607 §14; 1999 c.318 §49; 2001 c.965 §3; 2013 c.702 §1; 2019 c.675 §29]

Source: Section 249.013 — Candidacy for more than one office; effect of filing petition or declaration for more than one office without prior withdrawal; district board and city offices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.175 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.175
255.175 Filing officer
Status: in_force

(1) An initiative or referendum petition relating to a district measure shall be filed with the elections officer for signature verification. The filed petition shall contain only original signatures.

(2) An initiative or referendum petition relating to a district measure shall not be accepted for filing if it contains less than 100 percent of the required number of signatures.

(3) For any petition requiring a number of signatures exceeding 4,500, the Secretary of State by rule shall designate a statistical sampling technique to verify whether a petition contains the required number of signatures of electors. A petition may not be rejected for the reason that it contains less than the required number of signatures unless two separate sampling processes both establish that the petition lacks the required number of signatures. The second sampling must contain a larger number of signatures than the first sampling.

(4) The Secretary of State may employ professional assistance to determine the sampling technique referred to in subsection (3) of this section. [1979 c.190 §296; 1989 c.68 §9; 1991 c.580 §1]

Source: Section 255.175 — Filing officer; filing requirements; verification of signatures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.006 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.006
249.006 Official dating of petitions and declarations
Status: in_force

Immediately upon filing, a nominating petition, declaration of candidacy, withdrawal, certificate of nomination or other document required to be filed under this chapter shall be dated and time stamped by the filing officer. [Formerly 249.130]

Source: Section 249.006 — Official dating of petitions and declarations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.075 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.075
248.075 State central committee
Status: in_force

(1) The state central committee shall consist of at least two delegates from each county central committee and other delegates from each county equal to the number of party members in the county registered on the date of the primary election divided by 15,000. If the remaining number exceeds 7,500, one additional delegate shall represent the county. The delegates and an equal number of alternate delegates shall be selected by the county central committee. When a delegate of a county central committee is unable to attend a meeting of the state central committee, an alternate delegate of the county central committee may attend the meeting.

(2) The organizational meeting of a newly elected state central committee shall be held on a date to be determined by party rule. The retiring state central committee shall send by postal mail or electronic mail notice of the meeting, not later than the sixth day before the meeting, to each member of the newly elected state central committee. If permitted by the bylaws of the state central committee, the state central committee may notify members by means other than by postal mail or electronic mail.

(3) The chairperson of the retiring state central committee shall send by postal mail or electronic mail a notice of the meeting to the county central committees not later than the 45th day before the meeting. The state central committee may not reorganize without the mailing of this notification.

(4) If a county central committee fails to organize before the organizational meeting of the state central committee, the appointed temporary chairperson of the county central committee may act as the sole delegate from that committee to the state central committee.

(5) If the retiring state central committee does not mail notice of the organizational meeting under subsection (2) of this section, the meeting may be called by a petition signed by at least 19 chairpersons of the county central committees. The petition shall state the time, date and place of the organizational meeting. A copy of the petition shall be sent by postal mail or electronic mail to each newly elected chairperson and vice chairperson of the county central committees not later than the sixth day before the meeting. A copy of the petition shall be filed with the Secretary of State. [1965 c.407 §13; 1975 c.779 §10; 1979 c.190 §85; 1981 c.862 §3; 1987 c.267 §14; 1995 c.712 §23; 2005 c.506 §2; 2019 c.299 §3]

Source: Section 248.075 — State central committee; organizational meeting; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.046 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.046
258.046 Payment of costs, disbursements and attorney fees
Status: in_force

(1) The prevailing party in the contest proceeding shall recover costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal against the losing party. However, if the cause of the contest is a mistake in the canvass of votes and the contestant prevails, the cost of any recanvass of votes shall be paid by:

(a) The county for a contest of a state or county nomination, office, recall election or measure;

(b) The city for a contest of a city nomination, office, recall election or measure; or

(c) Any other political subdivision or public corporation for a contest of such a subdivision or corporation nomination, office, recall election or measure.

(2) In a contest under ORS 258.016 (Grounds for contest) (7), costs, disbursements and attorney fees may not be assessed against the county clerk unless the court makes a specific finding of fault against the county clerk. [Formerly 251.060; 1981 c.897 §44; 1991 c.331 §50; 1995 c.607 §53a; 1997 c.541 §313c; 2009 c.511 §16]

Source: Section 258.046 — Payment of costs, disbursements and attorney fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.545 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.545
253.545 County clerk duties upon receipt of application
Status: in_force

(1) Upon receipt of an application made under ORS 253.540 (Application for ballot by military or overseas elector) , the county clerk, without regard to whether the applicant is an elector of the county, shall mail the materials prescribed in ORS 253.065 (Delivery of out-of-state ballots) to the applicant.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapter 247, the completed and signed application submitted under ORS 253.540 (Application for ballot by military or overseas elector) shall constitute a valid registration for the applicant.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the county clerk receives an application from a military or overseas elector after the fifth day before an election, the county clerk need not mail the ballot for that election but may deliver the ballot by making it available in the office of the clerk. [1979 c.190 §221; 1981 c.485 §2; 1993 c.493 §27; 2013 c.520 §9]

Source: Section 253.545 — County clerk duties upon receipt of application; application as registration , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.056 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.056
260.056 Written loan agreements
Status: in_force

(1) A loan made by or to a candidate, political committee or petition committee must be by written agreement.

(2) A candidate, political committee or petition committee shall keep a copy of any written loan agreement with the detailed accounts of the candidate or committee required under ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) .

(3) Notwithstanding ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) , a candidate, political committee or petition committee shall preserve a written loan agreement for at least two years after the statement of the loan is filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or until the loan is repaid, whichever is later. [2005 c.809 §19; 2009 c.818 §27; 2011 c.652 §8]

Source: Section 260.056 — Written loan agreements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.315 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.315
248.315 Selection of delegates to national convention
Status: in_force

(1) After a presidential preference primary election, each major political party whose national affiliate holds a convention to select its nominee for President of the United States shall select delegates to the national convention of that party.

(2) Delegates to the national convention of a party shall be selected in the manner provided by party rules, which shall provide all electors registered as members of the party equal opportunity to participate in the selection of delegates.

(3) Delegates to the national convention of the party shall be selected so that the number of delegates who favor a certain candidate shall represent the proportion of votes received by the candidate in relation to the other candidates of that party at the presidential preference primary election. Each person selected as a delegate shall sign a pledge that the person will continue to support at the national convention the candidate for President of the United States the person is selected as favoring until:

(a) The candidate is nominated at the convention;

(b) The candidate receives less than 35 percent of the votes for nomination at the convention;

(c) The candidate releases the delegate from the pledge; or

(d) Two convention nominating ballots have been taken. [1975 c.779 §15; 1979 c.190 §88; 1979 c.748 §1; 1987 c.267 §15; 1993 c.797 §28]

Source: Section 248.315 — Selection of delegates to national convention , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.065 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.065
251.065 Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, not sooner than the 120th day and not later than the 68th day before the primary election, a candidate or agent on behalf of the candidate for nomination or election at the primary election to the office of President or Vice President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress or a state office as defined in ORS 249.002 (Definitions) may file with the Secretary of State a portrait of the candidate and a statement of the reasons the candidate should be nominated or elected. A candidate or agent on behalf of the candidate for nomination or election to a county or city office, or to an elected office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, may file a portrait and statement under this subsection if permitted under ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) .

(b) A portrait and statement may be filed not later than the 63rd day before the primary election in the event of a vacancy described in ORS 249.037 (Time for filing petition or declaration) (2).

(2) Not sooner than the 120th day and not later than the 70th day before the general election, a candidate or agent on behalf of the candidate for election at the general election to the office of President or Vice President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress or a state office as defined in ORS 249.002 (Definitions) may file with the Secretary of State a portrait of the candidate and a statement of the reasons the candidate should be elected. A candidate or agent on behalf of the candidate for election to a county or city office, or to an elected office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, may file a portrait and statement under this subsection if permitted under ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) .

(3) In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy as described in ORS 251.022 (Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress) , the Secretary of State by rule shall set the deadline for filing with the secretary a portrait of the candidate and a statement of the reasons the candidate should be nominated or elected.

(4) All portraits and statements described in this section must be filed using the electronic filing system adopted by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.014 (Electronic filing system) .

(5) Subject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary of State by rule shall establish the format of the statements permitted under this section.

(6) A portrait or statement filed under this section must be accompanied by a telephone or electronic facsimile transmission machine number where the candidate may be contacted for purposes of ORS 251.087 (Secretary of State review of candidate portrait and statement) . [Formerly 255.031; 1981 c.375 §1; 1983 c.567 §13; 1985 c.808 §30; 1987 c.267 §25; 1989 c.503 §9; 1993 c.493 §§92,93; 1995 c.550 §6; 1995 c.712 §36; 1999 c.318 §10; 1999 c.999 §40; 2011 c.646 §2a; 2011 c.652 §2; 2013 c.518 §1; 2017 c.749 §25]

Source: Section 251.065 — Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.168 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.168
250.168 Determination of compliance with constitutional provisions
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the fifth business day after receiving a prospective petition for an initiative measure, the county clerk shall determine in writing whether the initiative measure meets the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution.

(2) If the county clerk determines that the initiative measure meets the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution, the clerk shall proceed as required in ORS 250.175 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain county measures) . The clerk shall include in the publication required under ORS 250.175 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain county measures) (5) a statement that the initiative measure has been determined to meet the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution.

(3) If the county clerk determines that the initiative measure does not meet the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution, the clerk shall immediately notify the petitioner, in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the determination.

(4) Any elector dissatisfied with a determination of the county clerk under subsection (1) of this section may petition the circuit court of the judicial district in which the county is located seeking to overturn the determination of the clerk. If the elector is dissatisfied with a determination that the initiative measure meets the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution, the petition must be filed not later than the seventh business day after the ballot title is filed with the clerk. If the elector is dissatisfied with a determination that the initiative measure does not meet the requirements of section 1 (2)(d), Article IV, and section 10, Article VI of the Oregon Constitution, the petition must be filed not later than the seventh business day after the written determination is made by the clerk.

(5) The review by the circuit court shall be the first and final review, and shall be conducted expeditiously to ensure the orderly and timely circulation of the petition. [1991 c.719 §34; 2005 c.797 §40]

Source: Section 250.168 — Determination of compliance with constitutional provisions; notice; appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.085
248.085 Transfer of property
Status: in_force

(1) At the organizational meeting of the state central committee:

(a) The officers of the retiring state central committee shall deliver to the newly elected committee the property, records and funds owned or controlled by the retiring committee.

(b) The committee shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and other officers the committee considers necessary. The persons elected to the offices need not be members of the state central committee. The committee shall determine the term of each office.

(c) The committee shall adopt, amend or repeal bylaws or rules for the government of the state central committee.

(2) At any meeting of the state central committee, the committee, by bylaw or resolution, may select an executive committee and delegate powers to it. The persons selected as the executive committee need not be members of the state central committee. In no event may the central committee delegate, or the executive committee exercise, the power to elect a person to fill a vacancy in state committee offices. However, the central committee may provide in its bylaws for the appointment by the executive committee of a temporary officer to fill a vacancy. [1965 c.407 §14; 1975 c.779 §11; 1979 c.190 §86]

Source: Section 248.085 — Transfer of property; election of officers; bylaws or rules; executive committee functions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.064 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.064
249.064 Information required on petition
Status: in_force

(1) A nominating petition of a candidate seeking the nomination of a major political party shall contain a statement that each elector whose signature appears on the petition is a member of the same major political party as is the candidate.

(2) A nominating petition of any candidate shall contain the number of signatures of electors required by ORS 249.068 (Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing partisan petitions) or 249.072 (Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing nonpartisan petitions) and the residence or mailing address and name or number of the precinct, if known, of each elector whose signature appears.

(3) Pursuant to ORS 249.008 (Verification of signatures by county clerk or Secretary of State) , the county clerks or the Secretary of State shall certify the signatures contained in the nominating petition for genuineness. [1979 c.190 §112; 2007 c.155 §4; 2007 c.881 §3; 2017 c.749 §44]

Source: Section 249.064 — Information required on petition; certification of petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.478 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.478
254.478 Preparation for counting ballots
Status: repealed

(1) Subject to ORS 260.705 (Premature release of vote tally) , upon receipt of ballots, the county clerk may:

(a) Begin opening return identification envelopes of ballots and any used secrecy envelopes of ballots; and

(b) In accordance with a security plan approved by the Secretary of State under ORS 254.074 (County elections security plan) , begin scanning ballots into a vote tally system.

(2) The county clerk may take any other actions that are necessary to count ballots. [1999 c.1002 §2; 2001 c.965 §15; 2009 c.592 §1; 2021 c.473 §15; 2021 c.551 §22]

Note: Sections 1 and 2, chapter 589, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 1. Pilot program for live video feed of ballot tally; rules. (1) The Secretary of State may apply to the federal government for grant moneys to fund a pilot project for the purpose of providing a live video feed that may be publicly accessed over the Internet of:

(a) Rooms in which ballots are tallied; and

(b) Official ballot drop sites.

(2) The secretary may adopt rules that establish the requirements for the location and operation of any video cameras installed or operated under this section. The rules shall ensure that a video camera is not installed or operated in a manner that would:

(a) Violate an election security plan adopted under ORS 254.074 (County elections security plan) ; or

(b) Identify the manner in which any individual elector cast the elector’s ballot for or against any candidate or ballot measure. [2023 c.589 §1]

Sec. 2. Section 1 of this 2023 Act is repealed on July 1, 2026. [2023 c.589 §2]

Source: Section 254.478 — Preparation for counting ballots; scanning ballots into vote tally system , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.474 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.474
254.474 Voting booths for primary and general elections
Status: in_force

(1) At each primary election and general election, the county clerk shall maintain voting booths in the county as follows:

(a) In each county with 35,000 or more electors in the county, the county clerk shall maintain a number of voting booths equal to at least one voting booth for every 20,000 electors in the county; and

(b) In each county with fewer than 35,000 electors in the county, the county clerk shall maintain at least one voting booth.

(2) The county clerk may determine the location of the voting booths required under this section. [1999 c.1002 §4; 1999 c.999 §54b; 2007 c.154 §41]

Source: Section 254.474 — Voting booths for primary and general elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.375 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.375
251.375 Exception to ORS 251.365 for certain districts
Status: in_force

ORS 251.365 (Cost of pamphlet preparation) does not apply to any special district for which the county clerk is required to hold elections if the special district demonstrates to the satisfaction of the county clerk that the special district is unable to pay the apportioned expenses of the voters’ pamphlet as determined under ORS 251.365 (Cost of pamphlet preparation) . If the special district is unable to pay, the expenses apportioned to that district may be apportioned among the other electoral districts participating in the election. [1989 c.1031 §9]

Source: Section 251.375 — Exception to ORS 251.365 for certain districts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.180 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.180
249.180 Withdrawal of candidacy by nominee
Status: in_force

Any person who has been nominated at a primary election, or any person who has been nominated to fill a vacancy as provided in ORS 188.120 (Filling vacancy in election or office of United States Representative or Senator) or 249.190 (Filling vacancy in nomination of major party) and 249.200 (Nomination by major party to fill vacancy in partisan office) , may withdraw from nomination by filing a written statement declining the nomination and stating the reason for withdrawal. The statement shall be signed by the candidate and filed not later than the 67th day before the general election with the officer with whom the candidate’s declaration of candidacy or nominating petition was filed. [Formerly 249.680; 1985 c.471 §6; 1987 c.267 §21; 1995 c.712 §30; 1999 c.318 §3]

Source: Section 249.180 — Withdrawal of candidacy by nominee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.298 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.298
247.298 Extension of time for automatic updates under ORS 247.292
Status: in_force

If there are fewer than 22 days between the date of an election and the registration deadline for the next succeeding election, the county clerk may update registrations as required under ORS 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) after the next succeeding election. [1993 c.713 §17e; 1999 c.410 §13]

Source: Section 247.298 — Extension of time for automatic updates under ORS 247.292 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.176 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.176
247.176 Request for delivery of registration card
Status: in_force

(1) During the period extending from the 250th day before the primary election to the date of the primary election and the period extending from the day after the primary election to the 250th day before the next primary election:

(a) Any person may request delivery from the Secretary of State of not more than an aggregate total of 5,000 registration cards prepared under ORS 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) ; and

(b) Upon receiving a request under this subsection, the Secretary of State shall deliver to the person the number of registration cards requested that does not exceed an aggregate total of 5,000.

(2) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules describing when the Secretary of State will honor requests for delivery of more than 5,000 registration cards prepared under ORS 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) . [1989 c.173 §7; 1995 c.712 §7]

Source: Section 247.176 — Request for delivery of registration card; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.174 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.174
247.174 Determining if person qualified to register or update registration
Status: in_force

(1) The qualifications of any person who requests to be registered or to update a registration shall be determined in the first instance by the county clerk or official designated by the county clerk to register persons as electors from the evidence present.

(2) The county clerk or official designated by the county clerk to register persons as electors may reject any registration or update of a registration if the clerk or official determines that the person is not qualified or that the registration card is illegible, inaccurate or incomplete. The clerk or official shall promptly notify the person of the rejection.

(3) A person whose registration or update to a registration is rejected may apply to the county clerk not later than the 10th day after the rejection for a hearing on the person’s qualifications to register or update the registration. Not later than the 10th day after the date the county clerk receives the application, the clerk shall notify the applicant of the place and time of the hearing on the qualifications. The hearing shall be held not sooner than the second nor later than the 20th day after notice is given. At the hearing the applicant may present evidence of qualification. If the county clerk, upon the conclusion of the hearing, determines that the applicant is qualified, the county clerk shall register or update the registration of the applicant. [Formerly 247.141; 1983 c.83 §28; 1985 c.471 §2; 1985 c.833 §4; 1987 c.719 §12; 1987 c.733 §4; 1993 c.713 §11]

Source: Section 247.174 — Determining if person qualified to register or update registration; hearing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.049 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.049
260.049 Reports to be filed by certain corporations
Status: in_force

(1) If the major source of revenue of a corporation is paid-in-capital and the primary purpose of the corporation is to support or oppose any candidate, measure or political party, and the corporation has made a contribution or an expenditure for that purpose, the corporation shall report to the Secretary of State the names, addresses and occupations of its shareholders and shall report the amount of paid-in-capital attributable to each shareholder.

(2) The information required under subsection (1) of this section, including information on the nature and amount of all expenditures of money and in-kind contributions made by the corporation, shall be filed not later than seven calendar days after the contribution or expenditure is made.

(3) The secretary shall adopt by rule a form for the filing of the information required under this section. [1991 c.911 §3; 2005 c.809 §30]

Source: Section 260.049 — Reports to be filed by certain corporations; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.048 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.048
249.048 Unsuccessful candidate not eligible as candidate
Status: in_force

A candidate for nomination of a major political party to a public office who fails to receive the nomination may not be the candidate of any other political party or a nonaffiliated candidate for the same office at the succeeding general election. The filing officer may not certify the name of the candidate. [Formerly 249.420; 2005 c.797 §62]

Source: Section 249.048 — Unsuccessful candidate not eligible as candidate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.500 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.500
253.500 Construction of military or overseas elector law
Status: in_force

ORS 253.500 (Construction of military or overseas elector law) to 253.640 (Coordination with federal authorities) shall be liberally construed so that all military or overseas electors may be given an opportunity to fully exercise their voting rights. [Formerly 253.670; 2013 c.520 §4]

Source: Section 253.500 — Construction of military or overseas elector law , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.125 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.125
250.125 Estimate of financial impact of state measures
Status: in_force

(1) When a state measure involves expenditure of public moneys by the state, reduction of expenditure of public moneys by the state, reduction of state revenues or raising of funds by the state by imposing any tax or incurring any indebtedness, the financial estimate committee created under this section shall estimate:

(a) The amount of direct expenditure, direct reduction of expenditure, direct reduction in state revenues, direct tax revenue or indebtedness and interest that will be required to meet the provisions of the measure if it is enacted; and

(b) The aggregate amount of direct expenditure, direct reduction of expenditure, direct reduction in revenues, direct tax revenue or indebtedness and interest that will be required by any city, county or district to meet the provisions of the measure if it is enacted.

(2) For a state measure for which an estimate is required to be prepared under subsection (1) of this section, the financial estimate committee may estimate the aggregate amount of direct expenditure, direct reduction of expenditure, direct reduction in revenues, direct tax revenue or indebtedness and interest that will be required by any federally recognized Native American or American Indian tribal government to meet the provisions of the measure if it is enacted.

(3) If the Legislative Assembly has enacted a law that will apply only if the measure for which an estimate is required to be prepared under subsection (1) of this section is not enacted, the financial estimate committee may also estimate the amount of direct expenditure, direct reduction of expenditure, direct reduction in revenues, direct tax revenue or indebtedness and interest that will result for the state, any city, county or district or any federally recognized Native American or American Indian tribal government if the measure is not enacted.

(4) For a state measure for which an estimate is required to be prepared under subsection (1) of this section, the financial estimate committee shall consult with the Legislative Revenue Officer to determine if the measure has potentially significant indirect economic or fiscal effects. If the committee determines that the indirect economic or fiscal effects of the measure are significant and can be estimated, the Legislative Revenue Officer shall prepare on behalf of the committee an impartial estimate of the indirect economic or fiscal effects of the measure. The Legislative Revenue Officer shall use the best available economic models and data to produce the estimate. The financial estimate committee shall incorporate relevant parts of the estimate prepared by the Legislative Revenue Officer into the estimate prepared by the committee under subsection (1) of this section.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the estimates described in subsections (1) to (3) of this section shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet and on the ballot. The estimates shall be impartial, simple and understandable and shall include the following information:

(a) A statement of the amount of financial effect on state, local or tribal government expenditures, revenues or indebtedness, expressed as a specific amount or as a range of amounts;

(b) A statement of any recurring annual amount of financial effect on state, local or tribal government expenditures, revenues or indebtedness;

(c) A description of the most likely financial effect or effects of the adoption of the measure; and

(d) If an estimate is made under subsection (3) of this section, a description of the most likely financial effect or effects if the measure is not enacted.

(6) If the financial estimate committee determines that the measure will have no financial effect on state, local or tribal government expenditures, revenues or indebtedness or that the financial effect on state, local or tribal government expenditures, revenues or indebtedness will not exceed $100,000, the committee shall prepare and file with the Secretary of State a statement declaring that the measure will have no financial effect or that the financial effect will not exceed $100,000. The statement shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet and on the ballot.

(7) If the financial estimate committee determines that the measure will have a financial effect on state, local or tribal government expenditures in excess of $100,000 and that the measure does not include a dedicated funding source to pay for the new expenditures required, the committee shall prepare and file with the Secretary of State the statement “MEASURE SPENDS MONEY WITHOUT IDENTIFYING A FUNDING SOURCE.” A statement prepared under this subsection shall be printed in bold in the voters’ pamphlet immediately following the printing of the estimates described in subsections (1) to (3) of this section.

(8) In addition to the estimates described in subsections (1) to (3) of this section, if the financial estimate committee considers it necessary, the committee may prepare and file with the Secretary of State an impartial, simple and understandable statement explaining the financial effects of the measure. The statement may not exceed 500 words. The statement shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet with the measure to which it relates.

(9) The Legislative Policy and Research Committee shall provide any administrative staff assistance required by the financial estimate committee to facilitate the work of the financial estimate committee under this section or ORS 250.127 (Preparation and filing of estimates and statements of financial impact of state measure) .

(10) The financial estimate committee is created, consisting of the Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the Director of the Department of Revenue and a representative of a city, county or district with expertise in local government finance. The representative of a city, county or district shall be selected by the four other members of the financial estimate committee and shall serve for a term of two years that begins on March 1 of the odd-numbered year. [Formerly 254.180; 1987 c.724 §6; 1991 c.971 §1; 1993 c.493 §15; 1999 c.844 §1; 2005 c.633 §1; 2013 c.47 §1; 2016 c.88 §11; 2019 c.603 §1]

Source: Section 250.125 — Estimate of financial impact of state measures; financial estimate committee; application to Native American or American Indian tribal governments; notice in voters’ pamphlet if no funding source identified , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.048 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.048
250.048 Registration and training for paid petition circulators
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not pay money or other valuable consideration to another person for obtaining signatures of electors on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated, and a person may not receive money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated, unless the person obtaining the signatures:

(a) Registers with the Secretary of State in the manner prescribed by this section and by rule of the secretary; and

(b) Completes the training program prescribed by rule of the secretary.

(2) A person may apply to the secretary for a registration required under subsection (1) of this section. The application shall include:

(a) The full name and any assumed name of the applicant;

(b) The residential street address of the applicant;

(c) An example of the signature of the applicant;

(d) A list of the prospective petitions on which the applicant will gather signatures;

(e) A list of the initiative, referendum and recall petitions on which the applicant will gather signatures;

(f) If the applicant has been convicted for a criminal offense involving fraud, forgery or identification theft, information relating to the circumstances of the conviction as required by the secretary;

(g) A statement signed by the applicant acknowledging that the applicant has read and understands Oregon law applicable to the gathering of signatures on state initiative, referendum and recall petitions and prospective petitions for state measures to be initiated, as the law is summarized in the training program established by the Secretary of State;

(h) Evidence indicating that the applicant has completed the training required by the secretary by rule;

(i) A photograph of the applicant;

(j) A statement signed by a chief petitioner of each petition or prospective petition, or a person designated by a chief petitioner under this paragraph, upon which the applicant will gather signatures acknowledging that the chief petitioner is liable for violations of law or rule committed by the person obtaining signatures as provided in ORS 260.561 (Liability of certain chief petitioners for violations committed by persons obtaining signatures on petition) . A chief petitioner may designate a person to sign a statement described in this paragraph on behalf of the chief petitioner; and

(k) A copy of the applicant’s criminal records check.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If an applicant complies with subsection (2) of this section, not later than five business days after the applicant applies, the secretary shall register the applicant and assign the applicant a registration number.

(b) A person who is registered to obtain signatures on a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated need not reapply for a registration under this section in order to obtain signatures on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition, except that the person shall submit a list of the initiative, referendum and recall petitions on which the person will gather signatures.

(c) A registration to obtain signatures on a state initiative petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated is valid until the date that is four months before the next general election.

(d) A registration to obtain signatures on a referendum or recall petition is valid until the date the petition is filed for signature verification.

(4) A person may not apply for registration under this section if, during the five-year period prior to the date of application, the person:

(a) Has been convicted for a criminal offense involving fraud, forgery or identification theft in any state;

(b) Has had a civil penalty imposed under ORS 260.995 (Civil penalties) for a violation of this section, ORS 260.262 (Accounts of chief petitioners) , 260.555 (Prohibitions relating to petitions) , 260.558 (Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition) , 260.575 (Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money) , 260.695 (Prohibitions relating to voting) (1) or (2) or 260.715 (Prohibited conduct) (1) or Article IV, section 1b, of the Oregon Constitution; or

(c) Has had a civil or criminal penalty imposed for violation of a statute subject to a criminal penalty under ORS 260.993 (Criminal penalties) .

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Upon request of the secretary, the Department of State Police shall furnish to the secretary any information that the department may have in its possession regarding an applicant, including but not limited to the Law Enforcement Data System established in ORS 181A.280 (Law Enforcement Data System established) , other computerized information and any other information to which the department may have access. Information obtained under this paragraph may be used to assist in determining the identity of an applicant or whether an applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense described in subsection (4) of this section.

(b) For purposes of receiving the information described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the office of the Secretary of State is a “criminal justice agency” under ORS 181A.010 (Definitions for ORS 181A.010 to 181A.350) to 181A.350 (Eligibility of towing business to be placed on department list) and the rules adopted under ORS 181A.230 (Establishment of procedures for access to criminal record information) .

(c) Upon submitting an application for registration described in subsection (2) of this section, an applicant is deemed to have given the consent necessary for purposes of this subsection.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A chief petitioner shall ensure that a criminal records check is conducted for each applicant seeking registration under this section to determine whether the applicant has been convicted of any of the crimes described in subsection (4)(a) of this section, or was subject to any of the penalties described in subsection (4)(b) and (c) of this section.

(b) The secretary by rule shall prescribe the scope of the criminal records check to be performed pursuant to this subsection. The applicant’s criminal records check may be conducted by either the chief petitioner or the applicant.

(c) An applicant seeking registration under this section is required to have only one criminal records check conducted for each period beginning the day the applicant registers with the Secretary of State under this section and ending four months before the next general election.

(7) If a person receives money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated and the person was not registered as required under this section at the time the signatures were obtained, the secretary may not include any signatures obtained by the person in a count under ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) (3) or 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) or ORS chapter 249 for purposes of determining whether the petition or prospective petition contains the required number of signatures of electors.

(8) A person registered under this section shall carry evidence of registration with the person while the person is obtaining signatures on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated. The evidence of registration shall contain the photograph and registration number of the person. The secretary by rule shall designate the form of the evidence of registration.

(9) A photograph of an applicant submitted under subsection (2) of this section shall:

(a) Be a conventional photograph with a plain background;

(b) Show the face or the face, neck and shoulders of the applicant; and

(c) Be prepared and processed for printing as prescribed by the secretary.

(10) A person registered under this section may not obtain signatures on a petition or prospective petition for which the person is being paid and, at the same time, obtain signatures on a petition or prospective petition for which the person is not being paid. The secretary may not include any signatures obtained in violation of this subsection in a count under ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) (3) or 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) or ORS chapter 249 for purposes of determining whether a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated contains the required number of signatures of electors.

(11) An organization or entity that pays money or other valuable consideration to a person for obtaining signatures of electors on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated shall register with the Secretary of State by:

(a) Submitting the name and address of the organization or entity;

(b) Selecting one or more individuals who represent the organization or entity to complete the training program prescribed in subsection (1) of this section; and

(c) Submitting a statement signed by each individual selected:

(A) Acknowledging that the individual has read and understands Oregon law applicable to the gathering of signatures on state initiative, referendum and recall petitions and prospective petitions for state measures to be initiated, as the law is summarized in the training program established by the secretary; and

(B) Affirming that the organization or entity operates in compliance with the law.

(12) The secretary shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section, including rules:

(a) Establishing procedures for registering persons or organizations or entities as described in this section; and

(b) Establishing a training program prescribed in subsection (1) of this section. [2007 c.848 §2; 2009 c.533 §2; 2009 c.720 §6; 2010 c.9 §4; 2011 c.547 §42; 2013 c.519 §1; 2013 c.759 §1; 2014 c.67 §1; 2014 c.112 §1; 2021 c.291 §6]

Source: Section 250.048 — Registration and training for paid petition circulators; requirements; effect of failure to register; criminal records check; registration of organizations that pay petition circulators; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.546 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.546
254.546 Duties of county clerk after recall election
Status: in_force

(1) In the case of a recall election held on a date other than the date of the primary election or general election, the county clerk shall prepare an abstract of the votes and deliver it to the elections official authorized to order the recall election not later than the 27th day after the election.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, for purposes of Article II, section 18, of the Oregon Constitution, the result of the recall election referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall be considered officially declared on the date the abstract of the votes is delivered.

(3) If the elections official authorized to order the recall election is the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall officially declare the result of the election not later than the 35th day after the election. [1999 c.318 §36; 2005 c.797 §49; 2021 c.551 §6]

Source: Section 254.546 — Duties of county clerk after recall election; official declaration of result of recall election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.145 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.145
254.145 Design and contents of official ballots
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the names of candidates for nomination for or election to each office shall be arranged on the ballot in the order determined under ORS 254.155 (Order of candidate names on ballot) .

(b) The names of candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States shall be arranged in groups.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 254.125 (Nominating ballot for candidates to nonpartisan office) and 254.135 (Official general or special election ballots) and this section, no information about the candidate, including any title or designation, other than the candidate’s name, may appear on the ballot.

(3) Spaces shall be provided for any offices appearing on the ballot in which the elector may write the name of any person not printed on the ballot. If a voting machine is used, spaces shall be provided on the ballot, or on separate material delivered to the elector with the ballot, in which the elector may write or enter the names of persons for any offices appearing on the ballot.

(4) On the left margin of the ballot, the name of each group or candidate may be numbered. The blank spaces may not be numbered. A particular number may not be used to designate more than one candidate at any election.

(5) The names of all candidates for the same office shall be listed in the same column on the ballot. If more than one column is needed to list names of all candidates for that office, the names may be arranged in one or more columns in block form. The block shall be set apart by rulings under the title of the office. If a blank space follows the list of candidates, the space shall be in the same column as the names of candidates for that office. If blocks of columns are used, blank spaces shall be included within the ruled block.

(6) The ballot shall be clearly marked to indicate when names of candidates for the office are continued on the following page.

(7) When a measure is submitted to the people, the number, ballot title and financial estimates under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) of each measure shall be printed after the list of candidates. A measure referred by the Legislative Assembly shall be designated “Referred to the People by the Legislative Assembly.” A state measure referred by petition shall be designated “Referendum Order by Petition of the People.” A state measure proposed by initiative petition shall be designated “Proposed by Initiative Petition.”

(8) The ballot shall be printed to give the elector a clear opportunity to designate the elector’s choice for candidates and approval or rejection of measures submitted. If a voting machine is not used, the elector shall indicate a preference by making a cross or check mark inside a voting square corresponding to the candidate or answer for which the elector wishes to vote. A voting square may be printed on the blank, write-in vote spaces. However, the elector is not required to place a mark in the voting square corresponding to a name written in a blank space. Words shall be printed on the ballot to aid the elector, such as “Vote for one,” “Vote for three,” and regarding measures, “Yes” and “No.” [1979 c.190 §238; 1983 c.253 §2; 1991 c.719 §27; 1991 c.971 §13; 1993 c.493 §39; 1993 c.713 §48; 1995 c.607 §80; 1999 c.410 §47; 2007 c.154 §26]

Note: The amendments to 254.145 (Design and contents of official ballots) by section 10, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, were referred to the people for their approval or rejection at the regular general election to be held throughout this state on November 5, 2024. If chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is approved by the people, the amendments become operative January 1, 2028, and apply to elections and nominations occurring on or after January 1, 2028. See sections 18, 19 and 20, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023. 254.145 (Design and contents of official ballots) , as amended by section 10, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

254.145 (Design and contents of official ballots) . (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the names of candidates for nomination for or election to each office shall be arranged on the ballot in the order determined under ORS 254.155 (Order of candidate names on ballot) .

(b) The names of candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States shall be arranged in groups.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 254.125 (Nominating ballot for candidates to nonpartisan office) and 254.135 (Official general or special election ballots) and this section, no information about the candidate, including any title or designation, other than the candidate’s name, may appear on the ballot.

(3) Spaces shall be provided for any offices appearing on the ballot in which the elector may write the name of any person not printed on the ballot. If a voting machine is used, spaces shall be provided on the ballot, or on separate material delivered to the elector with the ballot, in which the elector may write or enter the names of persons for any offices appearing on the ballot.

(4) On the left margin of the ballot, the name of each group or candidate may be numbered. The blank spaces may not be numbered. A particular number may not be used to designate more than one candidate at any election.

(5) The names of all candidates for the same office shall be listed in the same column on the ballot. If more than one column is needed to list names of all candidates for that office, the names may be arranged in one or more columns in block form. The block shall be set apart by rulings under the title of the office. If a blank space follows the list of candidates, the space shall be in the same column as the names of candidates for that office. If blocks of columns are used, blank spaces shall be included within the ruled block.

(6) The ballot shall be clearly marked to indicate when names of candidates for the office are continued on the following page.

(7) When a measure is submitted to the people, the number, ballot title and financial estimates under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) of each measure shall be printed after the list of candidates. A measure referred by the Legislative Assembly shall be designated “Referred to the People by the Legislative Assembly.” A state measure referred by petition shall be designated “Referendum Order by Petition of the People.” A state measure proposed by initiative petition shall be designated “Proposed by Initiative Petition.”

(8) The ballot shall be printed to give the elector a clear opportunity to designate the elector’s choice or choices for candidates and approval or rejection of measures submitted.

(9) When an elector is allowed to make only one choice or answer and if a voting machine is not used, the elector shall indicate a preference by making a cross or check mark inside a voting square corresponding to the candidate or answer for which the elector wishes to vote. A voting square may be printed on the blank, write-in vote spaces. However, the elector is not required to place a mark in the voting square corresponding to a name written in a blank space. Words shall be printed on the ballot to aid the elector, such as “Vote for one,” “Vote for three,” and regarding measures, “Yes” and “No.”

(10) When a nomination for or an election to an office is determined by ranked choice voting as provided in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, the ballot shall provide the elector with the ability to rank, by choice, write-in candidates and candidates appearing on the ballot for the office. The Secretary of State by rule shall establish a statement to be printed on the ballot describing how to mark choices in an election determined by ranked choice voting consistent with section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023.

Source: Section 254.145 — Design and contents of official ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.505 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.505
254.505 Ballots to be counted
Status: in_force

(1) Only official ballots may be counted. Any vote from which it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice for the office or measure may not be counted. An elector may not place on the ballot a sticker bearing the name of a person to vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot. Any ballot that has a sticker or other device is void and may not be counted. Counting board clerks shall disregard misspelling or abbreviations of the names of candidates if it can be ascertained from the ballot for whom the vote was intended.

(2) When ballots are counted by counting boards, the board chairperson, using ink, immediately shall initial the back of the wholly or partially void ballot and write on it “Not counted for______” (stating the office or measure). The counting board shall seal the wholly void ballots in an envelope. [Formerly 250.510; 1999 c.410 §59; 2007 c.154 §46; 2023 c.600 §19]

Source: Section 254.505 — Ballots to be counted; void ballots; partially void ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.424 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.424
255.424 Notice requirements to bring action
Status: reserved

(1) An individual who meets the qualifications set forth in ORS 255.411 (Violations of ORS 255.405) (2) and who intends to file an action alleging a qualifying district’s electoral system fails to comply with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) shall first notify the board of the qualifying district by certified mail. The notice shall:

(a) Be in writing;

(b) Identify and provide contact information for the individual who intends to file the action;

(c) Identify the protected class whose members do not have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice or an equal opportunity to influence the outcome of an election because of alleged vote dilution or abridgement or polarized voting; and

(d) Include a proposed remedy to cure the alleged violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) .

(2) An individual who sends notice under subsection (1) of this section may not commence an action under ORS 255.411 (Violations of ORS 255.405) to enforce compliance with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) within 90 days of the receipt of the notice by the board of the qualifying district.

(3) Within 90 days of receiving a notice sent under subsection (1) of this section, the board of a qualifying district may pass a resolution outlining its intention to alter its electoral system in order to ensure compliance with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) . A resolution passed under this subsection shall set forth:

(a) The specific steps the board of a qualifying district will take to comply with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) ; and

(b) The time frame for accomplishing the steps set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(4) If the board of a qualifying district passes a resolution under subsection (3) of this section within 90 days of receiving a notice sent under subsection (1) of this section, the individual who sent the notice under subsection (1) of this section may not commence an action to enforce compliance with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) within 90 days of passage of the resolution.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If, following receipt of a notice sent under subsection (1) of this section, the board of a qualifying district passes a resolution establishing a new electoral system in order to comply with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) , the individual who sent the notice may make a demand for reimbursement of the costs incurred by the individual in conducting the research necessary to file the action. A demand made under this subsection must:

(A) Be in writing;

(B) Be received by the board of a qualifying district within 30 days of the board passing the resolution; and

(C) Include financial documentation, such as a detailed invoice for demographic services, that support the demand.

(b) The board of a qualifying district may request additional documentation if the documentation provided under paragraph (a) of this subsection is insufficient for the board to corroborate the claimed costs.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In response to a demand for reimbursement made under subsection (5) of this section, the board of a qualifying district shall, within 60 days of receiving the demand:

(A) Reimburse the reasonable costs of the individual who sent the notice; or

(B) Reimburse the individual who sent the notice in an amount mutually agreed to by the parties.

(b) If more than one individual files a demand for reimbursement under subsection (5) of this section, the board of a qualifying district shall, within 60 days of receiving each demand:

(A) Reimburse the reasonable costs of each individual who sent the notice; or

(B) Reimburse each individual who sent the notice in an amount mutually agreed to by the parties.

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the total amount of moneys that the board of a qualifying district shall reimburse pursuant to demands for reimbursement made under subsection (5) of this section may not exceed $30,000.

(B) The total amount of moneys that the board of a qualifying district shall reimburse pursuant to demands for reimbursement made under subsection (5) of this section may not exceed $5,000 if the qualifying district is a school district, as defined in ORS 332.002 (Definitions for chapter) , that has 500 or fewer students. [2019 c.449 §6]

CHAPTERS 256 AND 257 [Reserved for expansion]

Source: Section 255.424 — Notice requirements to bring action; reimbursement of reasonable costs , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.022 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.022
251.022 Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress
Status: in_force

(1) If a special election or special primary election is held under ORS 188.120 (Filling vacancy in election or office of United States Representative or Senator) for the purpose of filling a vacancy in election or office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress, or for nominating a candidate of each major political party to fill the vacancy, the Secretary of State shall prepare a voters’ pamphlet for each election.

(2) A voters’ pamphlet prepared under subsection (1) of this section shall contain information about the candidates for nomination or election to the office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress at the special election or special primary election. [1999 c.318 §6]

Source: Section 251.022 — Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.225 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.225
260.225 Court proceedings to compel filing of correct statements
Status: in_force

(1) Upon the petition of the Secretary of State or an elector, or of any other filing officer with whom a statement is required to be filed, the circuit court for the county in which the principal office of the filing officer is located may compel a candidate, treasurer or person who fails to file a statement required to be filed with the filing officer under ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) , 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.112 (Filing of certificate by candidate or treasurer of political committee or petition committee who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $3,500) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , or who files with the filing officer an insufficient statement, to file with the filing officer a proper statement. The petition shall be filed with the circuit court not later than the 90th day after the date the statement is filed or should have been filed.

(2) If the court determines that a petition filed under this section is frivolous or the court does not compel the filing of any statement, the candidate, treasurer or person against whom the petition was filed is entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal. [1971 c.749 §20; 1973 c.744 §20; 1979 c.190 §359; 1985 c.808 §60; 1989 c.571 §1; 1993 c.493 §76; 1999 c.999 §16; 2001 c.82 §7; 2003 c.542 §18; 2005 c.809 §40; 2009 c.818 §14; 2013 c.758 §10]

Source: Section 260.225 — Court proceedings to compel filing of correct statements; attorney fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.211 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.211
258.211 Opening ballot boxes
Status: in_force

(1) The ballot boxes containing the ballots to be recounted shall be opened by the official directed to make the recount only in the presence of the counting board and the persons referred to in this section.

(2) The counting board shall conduct the recount by hand and, if requested, permit:

(a) In the instance of a nomination or office, an affected candidate or an elector authorized in writing by an affected candidate, and an elector authorized in writing by each major or minor political party to be present to watch the recount.

(b) In the instance of a measure, one elector advocating and one elector opposing the measure to be present to watch the recount.

(3) For ballots cast using a voting machine:

(a) The county clerk shall deposit the paper record copy recorded by the machine into the ballot box; and

(b) The paper record copies are the ballots to be recounted under this section. [Formerly 251.570; 2001 c.965 §35; 2005 c.731 §6; 2005 c.797 §69]

Source: Section 258.211 — Opening ballot boxes; conduct of recount by hand; persons permitted to be present , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.600 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.600
246.600 Deposits in Voting Machine Account
Status: in_force

All payments collected from the counties from the sale of voting machines, computers or vote tally or computer systems shall be deposited in the Voting Machine Account. An amount of money equal to the amount of payments collected from the counties from the sale of voting machines, computers or vote tally or computer systems during the calendar year, plus interest at a rate agreed upon by the State Treasurer and the Secretary of State, shall be paid to the State Treasurer as the repayment of money advanced for the acquisition of voting machines, computers or vote tally or computer systems. Payment shall be made to the State Treasurer not later than December 31 of each year. [Formerly 258.435; 1995 c.144 §18]

Source: Section 246.600 — Deposits in Voting Machine Account; repayment to State Treasurer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.018 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.018
247.018 Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Subject to compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations, the Secretary of State shall by rule establish a schedule by which the Oregon Health Authority shall provide to the secretary electronic records, derived from information provided to the Oregon Health Plan, containing the legal name, age, residence and citizenship information for, and, if any, the electronic signature of, each person who is eligible to be a qualified elector under Article II, section 2, of the Oregon Constitution.

(b) The secretary shall establish by rule, after consultation with the authority, what electronic records establish whether a person is eligible to be a qualified elector for purposes of this subsection.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the authority may not provide to the secretary any electronic records for a person who is not a citizen of the United States.

(2) When establishing a schedule under subsection (1) of this section, the secretary may adopt rules governing the format and frequency of data transfer. Any rules adopted under this subsection:

(a) Are subject to input and public comment, including comment from the authority; and

(b) May come into effect only after the secretary and authority test and verify the data transfer processes.

(3) The secretary:

(a) Shall by rule develop a process to obtain an electronic signature from the Department of Transportation for each person described in subsection (1) of this section for whom the authority does not provide an electronic signature under this section; and

(b) May use an electronic signature that is obtained under paragraph (a) of this subsection or that is otherwise in the secretary’s possession, for the purpose of registering electors to vote under this section.

(4) Upon receiving the electronic record for a person described in subsection (1) of this section, the secretary shall provide the information to the county clerk of the county in which the person may be registered as an elector. The secretary or county clerk shall notify each person of the process to:

(a) Decline being registered as an elector;

(b) Adopt a political party affiliation; and

(c) Provide a signature if no signature was provided under subsection (1) of this section and the secretary does not have a copy of the signature and is unable to obtain an electronic copy of the signature from the Department of Transportation under subsection (3) of this section.

(5) Notwithstanding the absence of any signature, if a person notified under subsection (4) of this section does not decline to be registered as an elector within 21 calendar days after the secretary or county clerk issues the notification, the person’s electronic record submitted to the county clerk under subsection (4) of this section will constitute a completed registration card for the person for purposes of this chapter. The person shall be registered to vote if the county clerk determines that the person is qualified to vote under Article II, section 2, of the Oregon Constitution, and the person is not already registered to vote.

(6) A county clerk may not send a ballot to, or add to an elector registration list, a person who is determined under subsection (5) of this section to be qualified to vote, and who is not already registered to vote, until at least 21 calendar days after the secretary or county clerk provided notification to the person as described in subsection (4) of this section.

(7) The transfer of personal information and data by the authority or department to the secretary under this section is limited to the information and data that is necessary to register electors. Information and data transferred to the secretary under this section may be used only for the purpose of registering electors.

(8) The secretary shall adopt rules required to implement this section, including rules to ensure that no ballot is counted for a person registered to vote under this section whose registration record does not contain an electronic signature.

(9) As used in this section, “electronic signature” means an electronic form of a handwritten signature that can be verified, in the manner described in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (11), for the purpose of tallying ballots. [2023 c.492 §2]

Note: 247.018 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority) becomes operative June 1, 2026. See section 9, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023.

Source: Section 247.018 — Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority; opt-out of registration; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.303 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.303
247.303 Deadline for updating registration
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 247.025 (Registration deadline) , an elector whose registration is active or inactive may update the registration at any time before 8 p.m. on the day of the election. [1999 c.410 §10]

Source: Section 247.303 — Deadline for updating registration , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.161 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.161
258.161 Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State
Status: in_force

(1) A candidate or an officer of a political party on behalf of a candidate of the political party may file a demand requiring the Secretary of State to direct that a recount be made in specified precincts in which votes were cast for the nomination or office for which the candidate received a vote.

(2) An elector may file a demand requiring the Secretary of State to direct that a recount be made in specified precincts in which votes were cast on any measure which appeared on the ballot.

(3) A county clerk may file a demand requiring the Secretary of State to direct that a recount be made in specified precincts in which votes were cast for the nomination or office for which a candidate received a vote or on any measure that appeared on the ballot. The cash deposit requirement of subsection (5) of this section shall not apply to a demand made under this subsection. The cost of a recount conducted under this subsection shall be paid by the county of the county clerk making the demand.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, the person making a demand for a recount may, in the first demand, specify a partial or a full recount. A person making a demand for a partial recount shall specify the precincts in which votes were cast for the nomination or office or on the measure to be recounted. If in the first demand the person requested a partial recount, the person may file a supplemental demand for a recount of all the remainder of the precincts.

(5) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (6) of this section, each demand shall be accompanied by a cash deposit of $15 for each precinct to be recounted up to a maximum of $8,000 for a recount of all precincts in the state on a measure or for a nomination or office. The Secretary of State may retain the deposit for not more than 60 days after the election for which the recount was demanded, without depositing it in the General Fund.

(6) Upon application from a county clerk, the Secretary of State may waive the cash deposit requirement of subsection (5) of this section if, after the first demand, it appears that due to nondeliberate and material error by a local elections official, as defined in ORS 246.012 (Definitions) , or a county clerk, the outcome of an election on a candidate or measure will be changed. The cost of a recount conducted under this subsection shall be paid by the county of the county clerk or the county of the local elections official who committed the error.

(7) Each demand shall be in the form and shall contain the information prescribed by the Secretary of State, including the names and addresses of all persons and organizations providing any part of the cash deposit and the amount provided by each.

(8) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, the first demand shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State not later than the 42nd day and a supplemental demand not later than the 52nd day after the date of the election in which votes were cast for the nomination, office or measure.

(9) A demand for a recount made under this section on behalf of the electors of presidential and vice presidential candidates shall be for a full recount only and shall be filed no later than five business days after the Secretary of State declares the result of the election under ORS 254.555 (Secretary of State’s duties after election) . [Formerly 251.520; 1981 c.142 §5; 1981 c.173 §37; 1995 c.607 §55; 1999 c.318 §40; 2001 c.965 §32; 2022 c.84 §5]

Source: Section 258.161 — Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State; partial or full recount; deposit; waiver of deposit; deadline for filing demand; recount related to presidential election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.037 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.037
249.037 Time for filing petition or declaration
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy shall be filed not sooner than the 250th day and not later than the 70th day before the date of the nominating election.

(2) If a vacancy occurs in a partisan elective office after the 80th day and before the 70th day before the nominating election, a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy for that office may be filed not later than the 65th day before the nominating election.

(3) A declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson shall be filed not sooner than the 250th day and not later than the 70th day before the date of the primary election. [Formerly 249.060; 1987 c.267 §16; 1995 c.607 §§16,16a; 1995 c.712 §25; 1999 c.999 §37; 2001 c.145 §1; 2005 c.797 §32; 2011 c.652 §1; 2018 c.70 §8; 2019 c.675 §28]

Source: Section 249.037 — Time for filing petition or declaration , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.075 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.075
250.075 Preparation of ballot titles by Legislative Assembly
Status: in_force

(1) When the Legislative Assembly refers a measure to the people, a ballot title for the measure may be prepared by the assembly. The ballot title shall be filed with the Secretary of State when the measure is filed with the Secretary of State.

(2) If the title is not prepared under subsection (1) of this section, when the measure is filed with the Secretary of State, the secretary shall send one copy of the referred measure to the Attorney General. Not later than the 30th day after the Legislative Assembly adjourns, the Attorney General shall provide a draft ballot title for the measure. The Attorney General shall send a copy of the draft ballot title to each member of the Legislative Assembly, and file with the Secretary of State a copy of the draft ballot title and a certificate of mailing of the draft ballot title to each member. [Formerly 254.073; 1985 c.447 §3; 1995 c.607 §27; 2017 c.749 §17]

Source: Section 250.075 — Preparation of ballot titles by Legislative Assembly , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.265 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.265
251.265 Inclusion of author of argument, author’s organization and notice of support or opposition to measure in voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall include in the voters’ pamphlet on the page of the printed argument on a measure the name of the person who submitted the argument, the name of the organization the person represents, if any, and whether the argument supports or opposes the measure. [Formerly 255.435; 2013 c.518 §7]

Source: Section 251.265 — Inclusion of author of argument, author’s organization and notice of support or opposition to measure in voters’ pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.190 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.190
249.190 Filling vacancy in nomination of major party
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) , a vacancy in the nomination of a major political party candidate may be filled before the date of the general election by that political party in a manner prescribed by party rule.

(2) Immediately after selecting a new nominee, the party, by the most expeditious means practicable, shall notify the filing officer with whom a declaration of candidacy for the office is filed of the name of the nominee.

(3) If the filing officer with whom a declaration of candidacy for the office is filed determines that the candidate who has been nominated by a major political party is ineligible to be elected to the office, the officer shall declare the nomination vacant and the political party shall select another candidate to fill the vacancy in the nomination as provided under this section.

(4) The Secretary of State by rule may adopt a schedule specifying the period following a vacancy within which a major political party must notify the filing officer of the name of the new nominee. [1979 c.190 §122; 1985 c.808 §15; 2003 c.542 §23; 2009 c.511 §6]

Source: Section 249.190 — Filling vacancy in nomination of major party; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.190 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.190
246.190 Help America Vote Act complaint procedures
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish administrative complaint procedures that meet the requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252).

(2) Complaints alleging violations of Title III of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252) must be filed as provided in rules adopted under this section. Complaints alleging violations of Title III of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252) may not be filed under ORS 260.345 (Complaints or other information regarding violations) . [2003 c.64 §7]

Source: Section 246.190 — Help America Vote Act complaint procedures; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.221 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.221
258.221 Completion of recount
Status: in_force

(1) The recount shall be completed as soon as practicable after the demand is filed.

(2) In the case of a full recount, the official directed to conduct the recount, as soon as practicable after completion of the recount, shall:

(a) Certify the abstract of votes recounted to the Secretary of State.

(b) Certify the abstract of votes recounted to the official issuing certificates of nomination or election regarding a nomination or office, or to the official responsible for issuing a proclamation regarding a measure. The official then shall issue the appropriate certificate or proclamation.

(c) Notify by mail the person who filed the demand for the recount of the result and the cost of the recount.

(3) Not later than the 30th day after the completion of the recount the official directed to conduct the recount shall certify the cost of the recount to the Secretary of State. [Formerly 251.590; 2001 c.965 §36]

Source: Section 258.221 — Completion of recount; certification of votes and cost; notification of person demanding recount , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.075 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.075
258.075 Effect of successful contest of measure
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, after the contest hearing, the circuit court shall render a judgment affirming or setting aside the approval or rejection of the measure.

(2) If the judgment sets aside the approval or rejection of a measure, the circuit court shall direct the measure to be resubmitted at a special election held on one of the dates specified in this subsection, as set by the court. In setting the election date, the court shall provide sufficient time for adequate notice to be given. The special election may be held on any of the following dates:

(a) The second Tuesday in March;

(b) The third Tuesday in May;

(c) The fourth Tuesday in August; or

(d) The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

(3) The county of the county clerk or the local elections official who committed the error in the distribution of the official ballots shall bear the cost of the special election.

(4) In a contest under ORS 258.016 (Grounds for contest) (7), the court shall determine whether the challenge to the determination of the number of electors who were eligible on election day to participate in the election on a measure conducted under Article XI, section 11 (8), of the Oregon Constitution, is valid. In making the determination, the court shall rely on the provisions of ORS chapter 247 and shall receive testimony from the county clerk regarding the clerk’s administration of ORS chapter 247. If, after a contest hearing, the court determines that the challenge to the determination of the number of electors who were eligible to participate is valid and that the change in the number of electors eligible to participate is sufficient to change the outcome of the election on the measure, the court shall order the county clerk to make a new determination of the number of eligible electors and to certify the results of the election based on the new determination. [1979 c.190 §321; 1983 c.170 §4; 1985 c.808 §47; 1989 c.923 §18; 1991 c.71 §5; 1993 c.713 §54; 1995 c.712 §117; 1997 c.541 §313b; 2021 c.551 §21]

Source: Section 258.075 — Effect of successful contest of measure; special election dates; tax election participation contests , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.710 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.710
253.710 Alteration of application prohibited
Status: in_force

A person may not alter any information supplied on an application for a ballot for an absent elector except:

(1) An elections officer in the performance of official duties.

(2) The applicant. [1985 c.808 §33; 2013 c.520 §17]

Source: Section 253.710 — Alteration of application prohibited; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.127 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.127
250.127 Preparation and filing of estimates and statements of financial impact of state measure
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 99th day before a special election held on the date of a primary election or any general election at which any state measure is to be submitted to the people, the financial estimate committee created under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) shall prepare and electronically file with the Secretary of State the estimates described in ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) and, if the committee considers it necessary, statements explaining the financial effects of the measure as described in ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) (7) and (8). The financial estimate committee may begin preparation of the estimates and statements on the date that a petition is accepted for verification of signatures under ORS 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) or the date that a measure referred by the Legislative Assembly is filed with the Secretary of State, whichever is applicable.

(2) Not later than the 95th day before the election, the Secretary of State shall hold a hearing in Salem upon reasonable statewide notice to receive suggested changes to the estimates or statements or to receive other information. At the hearing any person may submit suggested changes or other information orally or in writing. Written suggestions or other information also may be submitted at any time before the hearing.

(3) The financial estimate committee shall consider suggestions and any other information submitted under subsection (2) of this section, and may file revised estimates or statements with the Secretary of State not later than the 90th day before the election.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, the original estimates and statements and any revised estimates or statements shall be approved by a majority of the members of the financial estimate committee. If a member does not concur, the estimates or statements shall show only that the member dissents. The Secretary of State shall certify final estimates and statements not later than the 90th day before the election at which the measure is to be voted upon. All estimates and statements prepared under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) and this section shall be made available to the public.

(5) If a majority of the members of the financial estimate committee do not approve the estimates or statements, the Secretary of State alone shall prepare, file and certify the estimates or statements not later than the 88th day before the election at which the measure is to be voted upon with the data upon which the estimates or statements are based.

(6) The support or opposition of any member of the financial estimate committee to the original or revised estimates or statements shall be indicated in the minutes of any meeting of the committee. Meetings of the financial estimate committee shall be open to the public. Designees of the members of the financial estimate committee may attend any meetings of the committee in the place of the members, but the designees may not vote to approve or oppose any estimates or statements.

(7) A failure to prepare, file or certify estimates or statements under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) , this section or ORS 250.131 (Court review of procedures under which estimates and statements of financial impact of state measure were prepared) does not prevent the inclusion of the measure in the voters’ pamphlet or placement of the measure on the ballot.

(8) If the estimates are not delivered to the county clerk by the 61st day before the election, the county clerk may proceed with the printing of ballots. The county clerk is not required to reprint ballots to include the estimates or to provide supplemental information that includes the estimates. [1991 c.971 §3; 1993 c.493 §16; 1995 c.712 §33; 1999 c.318 §19; 2001 c.965 §8; 2005 c.633 §2; 2011 c.646 §1; 2013 c.47 §2; 2019 c.603 §2]

Source: Section 250.127 — Preparation and filing of estimates and statements of financial impact of state measure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.260 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.260
258.260 Costs to be collected for multicounty or statewide election recounts
Status: in_force

If the demand for recount is made for a multicounty or statewide election, the Secretary of State also may collect those costs allowed in ORS 258.231 (Costs to be included and excluded from recount costs) (1) which the secretary incurs as a result of the recount. [Formerly 251.635]

Source: Section 258.260 — Costs to be collected for multicounty or statewide election recounts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.305 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.305
250.305 Signature requirements
Status: in_force

(1) A petition to refer a city measure must be signed by not less than 10 percent of the electors registered in the city at the time the prospective petition is filed. The petition must be filed with the city elections officer not later than the 30th day after adoption of the city legislation sought to be referred.

(2) A petition to initiate a city measure must be signed by not less than 15 percent of the electors registered in the city at the time the prospective petition is filed. [1979 c.190 §167; 1983 c.350 §67; 1989 c.251 §1]

Source: Section 250.305 — Signature requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.700 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.700
253.700 Duty to challenge ballot
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk, an elections official or any elector shall challenge the ballot of any person offering to vote as an absent elector whom the clerk, official or elector knows or suspects not to be qualified as an elector. The person’s ballot may be challenged at any time before the ballot is removed from its return envelope for processing.

(2) A challenge to a ballot of a person offering to vote shall be made under oath or affirmation before the clerk and shall be in writing on a numbered challenge form. The statement shall contain the name and residence address of the challenger, the name of the person challenged and a statement of the facts upon which the challenge is based. Any elections official may administer the oath or affirmation required under this subsection. [1985 c.808 §32; 1999 c.410 §37; 2007 c.154 §18; 2013 c.520 §16]

Source: Section 253.700 — Duty to challenge ballot; procedures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.545 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.545
254.545 Duties of county clerk after election
Status: in_force

Subject to ORS 254.548 (Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes) , the county clerk:

(1) As soon as possible after any election, shall prepare abstracts of votes. The abstract for election of Governor shall be on a sheet separate from the abstracts for other offices and measures.

(2) On completion of the abstracts, shall record a complete summary of votes cast in the county for each office, candidate for office and measure. The county clerk shall sign and certify this record.

(3) Not later than the 27th day after the election, shall deliver a copy of the abstracts for other than county offices to the appropriate elections officials. The abstract for election of Governor shall be delivered separately to the Secretary of State as provided in Article V, section 4, of the Oregon Constitution.

(4) Not later than the 35th day after the election, shall proclaim which county measure is paramount, if two or more approved county measures contain conflicting provisions.

(5) Shall prepare and deliver a certificate of nomination or election to each candidate having the most votes for nomination for or election to county or precinct offices.

(6) Shall prepare, and file with the county governing body, a certificate stating the compensation to which the board clerks are entitled. The county governing body shall order the compensation paid by county funds.

(7) As soon as possible after any election, shall send electronically the results of the election in each precinct to the Secretary of State. [1979 c.190 §276; 1987 c.267 §52; 1995 c.712 §66; 1999 c.410 §63; 1999 c.999 §55; 2005 c.157 §2; 2005 c.797 §48; 2009 c.720 §4; 2021 c.551 §5]

Source: Section 254.545 — Duties of county clerk after election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.365 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.365
260.365 Election or appointment after deprivation of nomination or office for violation
Status: in_force

(1) A person nominated or elected to public office, and whose nomination or election has been annulled for violation of an election law, shall not serve, during the term of the office, in any office or vacancy in any office or position of trust, honor or emolument, whether elected or appointed, in this state.

(2) An appointment or election to an office or position of trust, honor or emolument made in violation of subsection (1) of this section shall be void. [Formerly 260.470; 1979 c.190 §368]

Source: Section 260.365 — Election or appointment after deprivation of nomination or office for violation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.147 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.147
250.147 Contributions to Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission may accept contributions of moneys and assistance from the United States Government or its agencies or from any other source, public or private, and agree to conditions placed on the moneys not inconsistent with the duties of the commission. All moneys received by the commission under this subsection shall be deposited into the account established under ORS 182.470 (Accounts for and investment of moneys collected or received by semi-independent state agencies) .

(2) The commission may not receive contributions of moneys or assistance from:

(a) A political committee, as defined in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) ;

(b) For-profit corporate treasuries;

(c) Union treasuries; or

(d) Any other source the commission determines might be used to transfer moneys from a political committee, for-profit corporate treasury or union treasury to the commission.

(3) If a person contributes to the commission an aggregate total of more than $100 in a calendar year, not later than 14 calendar days after the commission receives the contribution, the commission shall make available to the public on the Internet:

(a) The name and address of the person or entity who made the contribution; and

(b) The amount of the contribution.

(4) The commission may enter into contracts and hire any staff the commission deems necessary.

(5) The commission may appoint an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the commission. [2011 c.365 §4; 2013 c.722 §16]

Source: Section 250.147 — Contributions to Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission; prohibitions; disclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.296 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.296
247.296 Verification of addresses of electors
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk shall use records of the United States Postal Service relating to ballots issued by mail to verify the accuracy of addresses of electors contained in the registration file of the county clerk.

(2) Based on information obtained under subsection (1) of this section, the county clerk shall automatically update the registration of an elector under ORS 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) or mail a notice described in ORS 247.563 (Notice to elector whose registration appears invalid) .

(3) The registration of an elector shall not be canceled during the 90-day period prior to any primary or general election based on information obtained under this section. [1993 c.713 §17d; 1995 c.742 §15; 1999 c.59 §63; 1999 c.318 §2; 1999 c.999 §32a]

Source: Section 247.296 — Verification of addresses of electors; update of registration; notice; cancellation prohibited during certain periods , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.370 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.370
254.370 Record of nonaffiliated electors
Status: in_force

The county clerk shall maintain:

(1) A monthly registration record of all electors registered as not being affiliated with any political party;

(2) At each primary election, a record of the number of electors who voted from each major political party;

(3) A record of all electors registered as not being affiliated with any political party who vote in a primary election of a major political party that has provided under ORS 254.365 (Voting at primary election by major party members and nonaffiliated electors) for a primary election that admits electors not affiliated with any political party; and

(4) A record of all electors registered as not being affiliated with any political party who vote in the general election. [1987 c.719 §3; 1991 c.719 §52; 1993 c.713 §31; 1995 c.712 §63; 1999 c.999 §52]

Source: Section 254.370 — Record of nonaffiliated electors; record of voting in primary election of major political party and in general election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.385 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.385
251.385 “Electoral district” defined for ORS 251.345 to 251.375
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 251.345 (Explanatory statement) to 251.375 (Exception to ORS 251.365 for certain districts) , “electoral district” means the county or a city, or district as defined in ORS 255.012 (“District” defined) located within the county. [1989 c.1031 §10]

Source: Section 251.385 — “Electoral district” defined for ORS 251.345 to 251.375 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.563 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.563
247.563 Notice to elector whose registration appears invalid
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section and ORS 247.555 (Cancellation of registration) , whenever it appears to the county clerk that an elector needs to update the elector’s registration or that the elector has changed residence address to another county, the county clerk shall mail a notice to the elector.

(2) The notice shall be sent by forwardable mail and shall include a postage prepaid, preaddressed return card on which the elector may state the elector’s current residence and mailing address. The notice shall advise the elector that:

(a) The elector should return the card promptly;

(b) If the card is not returned by the 21st calendar day immediately preceding an election, the elector may be required to complete a new registration card in order to vote in an election; and

(c) The elector’s registration will be canceled if the elector neither votes nor updates the registration before two general elections have been held.

(3) When the county clerk mails a notice under this section, the registration of the elector shall be considered inactive until the elector updates the registration, the registration is canceled or the clerk determines that the registration should be considered active.

(4) This section does not apply when the county clerk receives written evidence from the elector or another county clerk indicating a change of residence or mailing address or from the United States Postal Service indicating a change of residence address and the registration of the elector is automatically updated by the county clerk under any provision of this chapter. [1993 c.713 §25; 1999 c.410 §19; 2001 c.965 §45; 2007 c.881 §7]

Source: Section 247.563 — Notice to elector whose registration appears invalid; contents; effect of notice; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.430 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.430
251.430 Exemption from public records law
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) relating to public records, materials filed by a candidate for inclusion in a county voters’ pamphlet and arguments supporting or opposing a measure filed by any person for inclusion in a county voters’ pamphlet are exempt from public inspection until the fourth business day after the final date for filing the materials. [1989 c.1031 §15; 1993 c.493 §23]

Source: Section 251.430 — Exemption from public records law , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.993 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.993
260.993 Criminal penalties
Status: in_force

(1) The penalty for violation of ORS 260.532 (False publication relating to candidate or measure) is limited to that provided in ORS 260.532 (False publication relating to candidate or measure) (6) and (8).

(2) Violation of ORS 247.125 (Alteration of registration card prohibited) (1), 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) (5), 247.420 (Special ballot for voting under ORS 247.410) (2), 253.710 (Alteration of application prohibited) , 260.402 (Contributions in false name) , 260.555 (Prohibitions relating to petitions) , 260.558 (Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition) , 260.575 (Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money) , 260.645 (Illegal acts relating to voting machines or vote tally systems) or 260.665 (Undue influence to affect registration, voting, candidacy, signing petitions) (2) or (3) involving any action described in ORS 260.665 (Undue influence to affect registration, voting, candidacy, signing petitions) (2)(d) to (f) or 260.715 (Prohibited conduct) is a Class C felony.

(3) Violation of ORS 260.695 (Prohibitions relating to voting) (5) is a Class A misdemeanor.

(4) Violation of ORS 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) (6) is a Class C misdemeanor. [1979 c.190 §393; 1983 c.514 §17; 1983 c.756 §2; 1985 c.808 §65; 1987 c.718 §4; 1999 c.318 §46; 1999 c.941 §2; 1999 c.1002 §9; 2001 c.489 §4; 2001 c.805 §6; 2001 c.965 §19; 2005 c.797 §51; 2009 c.511 §20; 2021 c.291 §7]

Source: Section 260.993 — Criminal penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.205 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.205
260.205 Inspection of statements
Status: in_force

(1) A filing officer shall inspect each statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.112 (Filing of certificate by candidate or treasurer of political committee or petition committee who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $3,500) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) not later than the 10th business day after the filing deadline or the 10th business day after the statement is filed, whichever is later.

(2) A filing officer immediately shall notify a person required to file a statement with the filing officer under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.112 (Filing of certificate by candidate or treasurer of political committee or petition committee who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $3,500) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) if:

(a) Upon examination of relevant materials, it appears to the filing officer that the person has failed to file a required statement or that a statement filed with the filing officer by the person is insufficient; or

(b) A complaint is filed with the filing officer under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) An elector may file with a filing officer a complaint that a statement filed with the filing officer is insufficient or that a person has failed to file a required statement. The complaint shall be in writing, shall state in detail the reasons for complaint and shall be filed with the filing officer not later than the 90th day after the date the statement of which it complains is filed or should have been filed.

(4) If upon receiving notification under subsection (2) of this section a person responds by filing a statement or submitting information to correct an insufficient statement, the filing officer shall confirm whether the person’s response is sufficient not later than 90 days after receiving the response. If, within 90 days, the filing officer does not confirm whether a response is sufficient under this subsection, the person is not subject to civil penalty under ORS 260.232 (Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information) for failure to file or failure to include the required information in the statement. [1971 c.749 §18; 1979 c.190 §357; 1981 c.142 §6; 1985 c.808 §59; 1991 c.719 §18; 1993 c.493 §73; 1999 c.999 §13; 2001 c.732 §6; 2003 c.542 §16; 2005 c.797 §25; 2005 c.809 §38a; 2009 c.818 §22; 2013 c.758 §8]

Source: Section 260.205 — Inspection of statements; notice of failure to file correct statements; complaints; sufficiency of response , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.185 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.185
250.185 Preparation of ballot titles by county governing body
Status: in_force

(1) When the county governing body refers a measure to the people, a ballot title for the measure may be prepared by the body. The measure and the ballot title prepared under this subsection shall be filed at the same time with the county clerk.

(2) If the title is not prepared under subsection (1) of this section, when the measure is filed with the county clerk, the clerk shall send one copy to the district attorney. Not later than the fifth business day after receiving the copy, the district attorney shall provide a ballot title for the measure and send a copy of it to the county governing body and the county clerk. [1979 c.190 §156; 1983 c.15 §3; 1985 c.808 §27; 2017 c.749 §19]

Source: Section 250.185 — Preparation of ballot titles by county governing body , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.055 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.055
255.055 Delegation to district elections authority of responsibility to conduct district election
Status: in_force

Except as provided in ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) , the elections officer may delegate to the district elections authority at the request of the district elections authority any responsibility to conduct the district election, in whole or in part, if the elections officer determines that:

(1) The election will be conducted in accordance with this chapter; and

(2) No inconvenience for electors of the district will result. [Formerly 259.035; 2007 c.154 §50; 2019 c.449 §41]

Source: Section 255.055 — Delegation to district elections authority of responsibility to conduct district election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.422 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.422
260.422 Acceptance of employment where compensation to be contributed
Status: in_force

No person shall accept employment with the understanding or agreement, express or implied, that the person will contribute any of the compensation to be received because of the employment to or on behalf of a candidate or political committee in support of the nomination or election of the candidate or in support of or in opposition to a measure. [1971 c.749 §39; 1973 c.744 §27; 1979 c.190 §371]

Source: Section 260.422 — Acceptance of employment where compensation to be contributed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.262 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.262
260.262 Accounts of chief petitioners
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “accounts” means:

(a) Any contract entered into by a chief petitioner of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a state measure and any person for purposes of obtaining signatures on the initiative or referendum petition or on a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated;

(b) Any employment manual or training materials provided to persons who obtain signatures on the petition or prospective petition;

(c) Payroll records for each employee obtaining signatures on the petition or prospective petition showing hours worked, number of signatures collected and amounts paid;

(d) Records identifying the amount and purpose of each payment made by the chief petitioner or any contractor, as defined in ORS 260.563 (Liability of contractor obtaining signatures on petition for violations committed by subcontractor) , to any subcontractor, as defined in ORS 260.563 (Liability of contractor obtaining signatures on petition for violations committed by subcontractor) , obtaining signatures on the petition or prospective petition; and

(e) Copies of signature sheets circulated by persons who are being paid to obtain signatures on the petition or prospective petition.

(2) For purposes of enforcing section 1b, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution, a chief petitioner of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a state measure who pays any person money or other valuable consideration to obtain signatures on the petition or prospective petition shall keep detailed accounts. The accounts shall be current as of not later than the seventh calendar day after the date a payment is made to a person for obtaining signatures on the petition or prospective petition.

(3) The Secretary of State shall review the accounts of each chief petitioner described in subsection (2) of this section in the manner and according to a regular schedule adopted by the secretary by rule.

(4) In addition to the review conducted under subsection (3) of this section, the secretary, Attorney General or Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may inspect the accounts of a chief petitioner described in subsection (2) of this section under reasonable circumstances at any time before the deadline for filing signatures on the petition or during the period specified for retention of the accounts under subsection (5) of this section. The right of inspection may be enforced by writ of mandamus issued by any court of competent jurisdiction.

(5) A chief petitioner must preserve the accounts pertaining to an initiative or referendum petition relating to a state measure, or to a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated, for at least two years after the deadline for filing the petition for verification of signatures or at least two years after the date the last statement is filed under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , whichever is later.

(6) If a chief petitioner does not produce accounts under subsection (3) or (4) of this section:

(a) There is a rebuttable presumption that a violation of section 1b, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution, has occurred; and

(b) The chief petitioner may not obtain additional signatures on the petition or prospective petition until the chief petitioner is able to supply the accounts to the secretary, Attorney General or commissioner.

(7) Accounts are not subject to disclosure under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) . [2007 c.848 §5; 2009 c.533 §4; 2013 c.519 §5]

Source: Section 260.262 — Accounts of chief petitioners; review and inspection; retention; disclosure as public record; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.173 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.173
251.173 Translation Advisory Council
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Translation Advisory Council is established. The council shall consist of five at-large members and at least one translator member for each of the five most commonly spoken languages in this state, other than English, and for each language in each county that the Secretary of State reasonably anticipates a voters’ pamphlet at the next election will be required to be translated into under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) . The secretary may appoint more than one translator member for languages that are more commonly spoken throughout this state. Members shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the secretary.

(b) The term of a member of the council is two years. A member may be reappointed twice and may not serve more than a total of six years. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Secretary of State shall appoint a successor or reappoint the member. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the secretary shall make an appointment to be immediately effective.

(c) The Secretary of State shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that members appointed to the council are geographically diverse and reside in counties throughout this state. Prior to appointing each translator member, the secretary shall confer with, and seek recommendations from, the board of county commissioners for each county in which the secretary reasonably anticipates a voters’ pamphlet will be required to be translated into the language for which the translator member is appointed.

(d) To qualify to be appointed as a translator member, a translator member must be proficient in reading and writing in English and in the translated language for which the translator member is appointed. A translator member may demonstrate proficiency by providing:

(A) Proof of being certified as an interpreter by a public body of this state for the translated language;

(B) Proof of holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in the translated language;

(C) At least one example of a written translation of the translated language that the translator member conducted as part of the translator member’s job duties or contracted services; or

(D) Proof of volunteer experience in translating the translated language with a nonprofit organization, educational institution, social service agency or public body.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Members of the council shall elect at least one chairperson of the council but may elect two co-chairpersons of the council.

(b) A majority of the members of the council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(c) The council shall meet at least once every calendar year. To the extent practicable, the council shall meet by telephone or video conference but may meet in person.

(d) The members of the council are entitled to compensation and expenses in the manner and amounts provided for in ORS 292.495 (Compensation and expenses of members of state boards and commissions) .

(e) The Secretary of State shall provide clerical and other necessary support services to the council.

(3) The Secretary of State shall consult with the council and to the maximum extent practicable implement recommendations for ensuring that a translation of a voters’ pamphlet required under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) is:

(a) Conducted with professionalism and by a clear process with review;

(b) Culturally responsive and based in the context of a particular community being served by the translation;

(c) As accurate in context and sentence structure as the original version; and

(d) Held to the same standards as, but not subject to a higher scrutiny than, the original version. [2021 c.464 §7]

Source: Section 251.173 — Translation Advisory Council; membership; compensation; duties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.720 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.720
249.720 Information to be contained in certificate of nomination
Status: in_force

(1) A certificate of nomination shall contain:

(a) The name by which the candidate is commonly known. A candidate may use a nickname in parentheses in connection with the full name.

(b) Address information as required by the Secretary of State by rule.

(c) The office, and department or position number if any, for which the candidate is nominated.

(d) The name of the minor political party, if any, that nominated the candidate.

(e) If the candidate is nominated for a partisan office by an assembly of electors or individual electors, the word “nonaffiliated” and a statement that the candidate has not been a member of a major or minor political party during at least 180 days before the deadline for filing the certificate of nomination.

(f) A statement that the candidate will qualify if elected.

(g) The signature of the candidate.

(h) A statement of the candidate’s occupation, educational and occupational background and prior governmental experience.

(2) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the template for a certificate of nomination provides the candidate with the option to:

(a) Provide the candidate’s race and ethnicity; and

(b) Limit the public accessibility of the candidate’s residence address in the manner set forth in ORS 249.021 (Candidate and public office holder residence address) .

(3) For certificates of nomination of candidates for electors of President and Vice President of the United States, the names of the candidates for President and Vice President the candidates represent may be added to the name of the minor political party or the word “nonaffiliated,” as the case may be. The names of all the candidates of a minor political party, or nonaffiliated candidates, for electors of President and Vice President may be upon the same certificate of nomination.

(4) A certificate of nomination made by an assembly of electors shall be signed by the presiding officer and secretary of the nominating convention of the assembly. A certificate of nomination made by a minor political party shall be signed by an officer of the party. An affidavit shall be made on the certificate by the presiding officer and secretary of the nominating convention of the assembly or by the officer of the minor political party and signed and acknowledged by them before a notary public. The affidavit shall be that the statements in the certificate of nomination and related documents are true. With respect to an assembly of electors, the affidavit shall state that the assembly satisfied the requirements of ORS 249.735 (Qualification as assembly of electors) . [Amended by 1957 c.608 §110; 1961 c.336 §3; 1973 c.841 §2; 1975 c.678 §24; 1979 c.190 §127; 1981 c.142 §1; 1991 c.719 §8; 1993 c.797 §13; 1995 c.607 §19; 2005 c.797 §35; 2019 c.449 §8; 2023 c.528 §4]

Source: Section 249.720 — Information to be contained in certificate of nomination , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.820 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.820
246.820 Order to compel county clerk, city elections officer or elections official to comply with interpretation, rule, directive or instruction
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever it appears to the Secretary of State that a county clerk, city elections officer or a local elections official has failed to comply with an interpretation of any election law made by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.110 (Secretary of State as chief elections officer) or has failed to comply with a rule, directive or instruction made by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.120 (Directives, instructions and assistance to county clerks) , 246.140 (Election law conferences for county clerks) or 246.150 (Rules) , the Secretary of State may apply to the appropriate circuit court for an order to compel the county clerk, city elections officer or local elections official to comply.

(2) The court shall dispose of the matter under subsection (1) of this section as soon as possible, but in any case not later than the fifth day after the Secretary of State applies for an order.

(3) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy against a county clerk, city elections officer or local elections official who fails to comply with an interpretation of any election law or the rule, directive or instruction. [1957 c.608 §7; 1979 c.190 §36; 1985 c.448 §3; 1995 c.607 §9]

APPEALS FROM OFFICERS, OFFICIALS

Source: Section 246.820 — Order to compel county clerk, city elections officer or elections official to comply with interpretation, rule, directive or instruction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.969 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.969
247.969 Definition of “personal safety” for purposes of ORS 247.965
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall define when the “personal safety” of an elector and the safety of any family member residing with the elector is in danger under ORS 247.965 (Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector) . Under the definitions, the elector’s personal safety or the safety of any family member residing with the elector shall be considered in danger if the elector provides evidence that the elector or any family member residing with the elector has:

(a) Been a victim of domestic violence;

(b) Obtained orders issued under ORS 133.055 (Criminal citation) ;

(c) Contacted a law enforcement officer involving domestic violence or other physical abuse;

(d) Obtained a temporary restraining or other no contact order to protect the person from future physical harm; or

(e) Filed other criminal or civil legal proceedings regarding physical protection.

(2) A rule adopted by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) of this section may list other examples of evidence that the elector’s personal safety or the safety of any family member residing with the elector is in danger. The other examples shall be similar in nature to the evidence described in subsection (1) of this section. [1993 c.616 §7]

Source: Section 247.969 — Definition of “personal safety” for purposes of ORS 247.965; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.575 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.575
260.575 Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money
Status: in_force

No person, for any consideration, shall:

(1) Offer, propose, threaten or attempt to sell, hinder or delay any part of an initiative, referendum or recall petition.

(2) Offer, propose or threaten to desist from beginning, promoting, circulating, or soliciting signatures to, any initiative, referendum or recall petition.

(3) Offer, propose, attempt or threaten in any manner to use an initiative, referendum or recall petition or any power of promotion or opposition concerning such petition for extortion, blackmail or private intimidation of any person. [Formerly 254.580]

Source: Section 260.575 — Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.075 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.075
255.075 Publication of notice of district election to elect district board or district school board
Status: in_force

(1) When a district election is to be held for the purpose of electing members of the district board, the elections officer shall publish a notice stating the date of the election, the board positions to be voted upon and the latest date on which candidates for election as board members may file petitions for nomination or declarations of candidacy. The elections officer shall deliver the notice to be printed to a newspaper of general circulation in the district not later than the 40th day before the last day for filing a petition for nomination or declaration of candidacy. The notice shall be printed once in the next available edition of the newspaper after the deadline for filing the notice.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In lieu of or in addition to publication of notice described in subsection (1) of this section, the elections officer may give notice by:

(A) Publishing the notice on the county’s website for a minimum of seven days; or

(B) Mailing the notice to each elector of the district.

(b) The notice given under this subsection shall be made not later than the 40th day before the last day for filing a petition for nomination or declaration of candidacy.

(c) Notice given by mail under paragraph (a)(B) of this subsection shall have postage prepaid and shall be considered given when mailed. Proof of mailing shall be by affidavit of the district elections officer who mailed the notice. The affidavit shall state the time and place the notice was mailed.

(3) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish the procedures that the elections officer shall follow in maintaining adequate records for preparation of the notice described in subsection (1) of this section. [Formerly 259.080; 1981 c.639 §6; 1983 c.379 §1; 1985 c.808 §41; 2011 c.607 §10; 2021 c.473 §5]

Source: Section 255.075 — Publication of notice of district election to elect district board or district school board; notice by mail; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.055 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.055
251.055 Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall reject any statement, argument, translation or other matter offered for filing and publishing in a voters’ pamphlet that:

(a) Contains any obscene, profane or defamatory language;

(b) Incites or advocates hatred, abuse or violence toward any person or group; or

(c) Contains any language which may not legally be circulated through the mails.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall make the author of any statement, argument or translation exempt from any civil or criminal action because of any defamatory statements offered for publishing or contained in the voters’ pamphlet. The persons writing, signing or offering a statement, argument or translation for filing shall be deemed its authors and publishers.

(3) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish a procedure to notify a person who offered a statement, argument, translation or other matter that was rejected pursuant to this section. Subject to voters’ pamphlet deadlines, the procedure shall require the Secretary of State to:

(a) Make reasonable attempts to notify the person of the rejection; and

(b) Allow the person, if notified pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, to revise the statement, argument or translation so that it does not violate the provisions of this section. [Formerly 255.040; 1993 c.351 §1; 2021 c.464 §5]

Source: Section 251.055 — Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet; liability for libel; procedure if material excluded; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.012 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.012
248.012 Notice of committee meetings required
Status: in_force

The chairperson of a county central committee or state central committee shall notify by postal mail or electronic mail the entire membership of the committee not later than the sixth day before the date of an anticipated meeting. Except for the notice of an organizational meeting of a county central committee, failure to give timely notice of the time, date and place of a meeting shall invalidate the business of the meeting. [Formerly 248.100; 2019 c.299 §1]

Source: Section 248.012 — Notice of committee meetings required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.137 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.137
250.137 Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission
Status: in_force

(1) The Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission is established as a semi-independent state agency subject to ORS 182.456 (Definitions for ORS 182.456 to 182.472) to 182.472 (Reports) . The commission shall consist of 11 members. The members shall be appointed in the following manner:

(a) The Governor shall appoint three members who have at some time been selected by the four appointed members of an explanatory statement committee under ORS 251.205 (Appointment of committee to draft explanatory statement of measure proposed by initiative or referendum) (5) to prepare an explanatory statement, as follows:

(A) One member recommended by the leadership of the Democratic party in the Senate and one member recommended by the leadership of the Republican party in the Senate.

(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, one member recommended by the leadership of the political party with the largest representation in the Senate that is not the same party as the Governor.

(C) If more than two political parties are represented in the Senate, one member recommended by the leadership of a third political party with the largest representation in the Senate.

(b) Two former moderators shall be appointed as members as described in ORS 250.143 (Evaluation of citizen panel procedures) .

(c) Six electors who have served on a citizen panel shall be appointed as members as described in ORS 250.143 (Evaluation of citizen panel procedures) .

(2) The term of office of a member of the commission is four years, with the terms of no more than six members expiring every two years. Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term, consistent with subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The commission shall:

(a) Ensure that the citizen panels are convened to review initiated measures in a fair and impartial manner.

(b) Adopt rules necessary to carry out the commission’s duties under ORS 250.137 (Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission) to 250.149 (Determination of sufficient funds for commission and citizen panels) . [2011 c.365 §2; 2013 c.722 §12; 2014 c.72 §1]

Source: Section 250.137 — Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission; members; term of office; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.515 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.515
253.515 Military or overseas elector procedures to conform to procedures for absent elector ballots
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 253.500 (Construction of military or overseas elector law) to 253.640 (Coordination with federal authorities) , procedures relating to military or overseas electors’ ballots shall be as nearly as possible the same as procedures for other absent electors’ ballots. [1979 c.190 §218; 1985 c.720 §4; 2013 c.520 §6]

Source: Section 253.515 — Military or overseas elector procedures to conform to procedures for absent elector ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.556 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.556
260.556 Secretary of State prohibited from counting petition signatures obtained by certain persons
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State may not include in a count under ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) (3) or 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) or ORS chapter 249 for purposes of determining whether an initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated contains the required number of signatures of electors, any signatures obtained by a person who the secretary determines, during the five-year period prior to the date the signatures were obtained:

(1) Has been convicted for a criminal offense involving fraud, forgery or identification theft in any state;

(2) Has had a civil penalty imposed under ORS 260.995 (Civil penalties) for a violation of ORS 250.048 (Registration and training for paid petition circulators) or 260.262 (Accounts of chief petitioners) ; or

(3) Has had a civil or criminal penalty imposed for violation of a statute subject to a criminal penalty under ORS 260.993 (Criminal penalties) . [2009 c.533 §13]

Source: Section 260.556 — Secretary of State prohibited from counting petition signatures obtained by certain persons , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.037 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.037
250.037 Form of ballot title for measure requesting approval of certain bonds
Status: in_force

(1) The ballot title of any measure requesting elector approval of bonds, the principal and interest on which will be payable from taxes imposed on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limitations of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, shall contain, in addition to the matters required by ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the following statement immediately after the ballot title question and appearing with it, in this manner:

Question: (herein the question is stated) If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

(2) The words of the statement required by subsection (1) of this section are not counted for purposes of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(3) The ballot title statement for any measure requesting elector approval of bonds, the principal and interest on which is to be payable from taxes imposed on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limitations of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, shall contain, in addition to the other requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) and this section, a reasonably detailed, simple and understandable description of the use of proceeds.

(4) The front of the outer envelope in which the ballot title is delivered shall state, clearly and boldly printed in red, “CONTAINS VOTE ON PROPOSED TAX INCREASE.” [1991 c.902 §119; 1997 c.541 §313; 2007 c.154 §10]

Source: Section 250.037 — Form of ballot title for measure requesting approval of certain bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.036 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.036
258.036 Petition of contest
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 40th day after the election or the seventh day after completion of a recount of votes cast in connection with the election, any person authorized to contest a result of the election may file a petition of contest. The petition shall be filed with:

(a) The Circuit Court for Marion County if the petition involves a state measure, a candidate for election to the office of elector of President and Vice President of the United States or a candidate for nomination or election to the office of United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries or a position of judge on the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Court of Appeals or the Oregon Tax Court.

(b) The circuit court for the county where a majority of the electors in the electoral district reside if the petition involves a candidate for nomination or election to the office of state Senator, state Representative, circuit court judge or district attorney.

(c) The circuit court for the county in which the filing officer is located if the petition involves a candidate for nomination or election to county, city or district office or a county, city or district measure. If a district is located in more than one county, the petition shall be filed with the circuit court for the county in which the administrative office of the district is located.

(d) The circuit court for the county in which the filing officer authorized to order the recall election is located if the petition involves the recall of a public officer.

(2) The petition shall be verified in the manner required for verification of complaints in civil cases and shall specify:

(a) The cause of the contest; and

(b) The names of all contestees. [Formerly 251.045; 1995 c.607 §53; 2001 c.965 §30; 2009 c.511 §15; 2011 c.731 §14]

Source: Section 258.036 — Petition of contest; location of filing; contents of petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.145 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.145
251.145 Exemption from public records law
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) relating to public records, materials filed by a political party, assembly of electors or candidate for inclusion in a voters’ pamphlet and arguments supporting or opposing a measure filed by any person for inclusion in a voters’ pamphlet are exempt from public inspection until the fourth business day after the final date for filing the materials. [1979 c.190 §184; 1991 c.719 §48; 1993 c.493 §18]

Source: Section 251.145 — Exemption from public records law , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.205 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.205
249.205 Filling vacancy in nomination to nonpartisan office
Status: in_force

(1) If the only candidate nominated to a nonpartisan office dies, withdraws or becomes ineligible, or if a vacancy occurs in the nonpartisan office after the 70th day before the nominating election and on or before the 62nd day before the general election, a candidate for the office may file a declaration of candidacy in the manner provided for nonpartisan office or shall be nominated by nominating petition in the manner provided for nonpartisan office.

(2) The Secretary of State by rule may adopt a schedule for filing nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy under this section. The schedule may specify the period within which nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy must be filed after a vacancy occurs. [Formerly 252.060; 1981 c.173 §25; 1983 c.7 §2; 1983 c.567 §8; 1985 c.808 §17; 1995 c.607 §18; 1999 c.318 §4]

Source: Section 249.205 — Filling vacancy in nomination to nonpartisan office; nomination procedure to fill vacancy in nonpartisan office; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.043 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.043
250.043 Acceptance of initiative or referendum petition without original signatures
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) , 250.215 (Filing officer for county measure) , 250.315 (Filing officer) and 255.175 (Filing officer) , an initiative or referendum petition for which original signatures are otherwise required may be accepted by the appropriate filing officer for signature verification with photographic copies of one or more signature sheets if:

(a) The signature sheets containing the original signatures were stolen or destroyed by fire, a natural disaster or other act of God; and

(b) The photographic copy of each original signature sheet contains the number of the original signature sheets prescribed by the Secretary of State under ORS 250.015 (Form of petition) .

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Act of God” means an unanticipated grave natural disaster or other natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable and irresistible character, the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.

(b) “Filing officer” means the Secretary of State in the case of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a state measure, the county clerk in the case of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a county measure, the city elections officer in the case of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a city measure and the elections officer as defined in ORS 255.005 (Definitions) in the case of an initiative or referendum petition relating to a district measure. [1989 c.68 §13]

Source: Section 250.043 — Acceptance of initiative or referendum petition without original signatures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.405 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.405
255.405 Requirements for qualifying district elections
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS chapter 332, 334 or 341 or any other provision of law:

(a) A qualifying district election may not be conducted in a manner that impairs the ability of members of a protected class to have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice or an equal opportunity to influence the outcome of an election as a result of the dilution or abridgment of the rights of electors who are members of that protected class; and

(b) The board of a qualifying district, in consultation with the county clerk that administers the electoral system of the qualifying district, may authorize a change to the electoral system used by the qualifying district in order to comply with ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) . Prior to authorizing a change under this paragraph, the board must take into consideration any recommendations made by the county clerk that administers the electoral system of the qualifying district.

(2) The Secretary of State shall include information regarding ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) both in any manuals that provide a summary of all election law in this state that are compiled by the secretary and made publicly available on the secretary’s Internet website and in any other publications the secretary considers appropriate. In addition, the secretary shall develop and make publicly available on the secretary’s Internet website a guide describing:

(a) The process for an elector to notify the board of a qualifying district and bring an action alleging that a qualifying district’s electoral system fails to comply with this section; and

(b) The options and applicable timelines available to a board and qualifying district that receive a notice described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. [2019 c.449 §3]

Source: Section 255.405 — Requirements for qualifying district elections; information required in manuals produced by Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.305 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.305
255.305 Election expenses paid by district
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided by ORS 198.775 (Security deposit to accompany petition) , 261.210 (Payment of election expenses) and 568.542 (Payment of expenses for director election from county funds) , the expenses incurred for a district election shall be paid by that district.

(2) When two or more districts hold an election on the same day, the expenses of the election shall be equitably apportioned among the districts.

(3) The Secretary of State by rule:

(a) May designate a formula for the apportionment of expenses under subsection (2) of this section; and

(b) Designate categories of election expenses that are chargeable to a district. [Formerly 259.230; 1983 c.514 §14; 1995 c.243 §3; 2019 c.450 §7]

Source: Section 255.305 — Election expenses paid by district; exceptions; apportionment of expenses; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.042 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.042
260.042 Content of statement of organization of political committee
Status: in_force

(1) The treasurer of a political committee shall file a statement of organization with the filing officer. The statement must include:

(a) The name, address and nature of the committee. The address must be the address of a residence, office, headquarters or similar location where the political committee or a responsible officer of the political committee may be conveniently located.

(b) The name, address and occupation of the committee director or directors.

(c) The name and address of the committee treasurer.

(d) The name and address of any other political committee of which two or more committee directors are also directors of the committee filing the statement.

(e) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate whom the committee is supporting or specifically opposing or intends to support or specifically oppose, when known, or, if the committee is supporting or specifically opposing all the candidates of a given party, the name of that party.

(f) A designation of any measure that the committee is opposing or supporting, or intends to support or oppose.

(g) A statement of whether the committee is a controlled committee.

(2) In addition to the information listed in subsection (1) of this section, the statement of organization must include, or be amended within five business days to include, the name of the financial institution in which the campaign account required under ORS 260.054 (Political committee campaign account) is established, the name of the account, the name of the account holder and the names of all individuals who have signature authority for the account. The Secretary of State may not disclose information received by the secretary under this subsection except as necessary for purposes of enforcing the provisions of ORS chapters 246 to 260.

(3) A treasurer may designate an individual to receive any notice provided by a filing officer under ORS chapters 246 to 260. The treasurer shall include the name and address of the individual in a statement of organization filed under this section. A filing officer who provides any notice under ORS chapters 246 to 260 to the treasurer of the political committee shall also provide the notice to the individual designated by the treasurer under this subsection.

(4) A treasurer may designate an elector of this state to be liable for any civil penalty imposed under ORS 260.232 (Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information) . The treasurer shall include the name and address of any elector designated under this subsection in a statement of organization filed under this section.

(5) The statement of organization must be filed not later than the date specified in ORS 260.035 (Treasurer and statement of organization for political committees and candidates) .

(6) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any change in information submitted in a statement of organization under subsections (1) and (2) of this section must be indicated in an amended statement of organization filed not later than the 10th day after the change in information.

(7) This section does not apply to a political committee that is a principal campaign committee or to a political committee exclusively supporting or opposing one or more candidates for federal or political party office. [1975 c.683 §§2,3; 1979 c.190 §344; 1981 c.234 §1; 1983 c.71 §10; 1985 c.808 §53; 2001 c.965 §54; 2005 c.797 §6; 2005 c.809 §5; 2007 c.570 §4; 2009 c.818 §4; 2013 c.756 §10; 2017 c.517 §2; 2018 c.70 §15]

Source: Section 260.042 — Content of statement of organization of political committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.069 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.069
251.069 Map of metropolitan service district to be printed in certain pamphlets
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall include in each voters’ pamphlet, in which material of a candidate for nomination or election to an office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 is printed as provided in ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) and 251.285 (Inclusion of community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or metropolitan service district measure in voters’ pamphlet) , a map of the service district which illustrates the boundaries of each subdistrict. The map shall be printed immediately preceding the material of the candidates for an office of the district. [Formerly 251.036]

Source: Section 251.069 — Map of metropolitan service district to be printed in certain pamphlets , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.005 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.005
248.005 Parties to insure widest and fairest representation of members
Status: in_force

Each political party by rule shall insure the widest and fairest representation of party members in the party organization and activities. Rules shall be adopted by procedures that assure the fair and open participation of all interested party members. [1975 c.779 §1; 1979 c.190 §68]

Source: Section 248.005 — Parties to insure widest and fairest representation of members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.078 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.078
249.078 Printing name of candidate for presidential nomination of major party on ballot
Status: in_force

(1) The name of a candidate for a major political party nomination for President of the United States shall be printed on the ballot only:

(a) By direction of the Secretary of State who in the secretary’s sole discretion has determined that the candidate’s candidacy is generally advocated or is recognized in national news media; or

(b) By nominating petition described in this section and filed with the Secretary of State.

(2) A petition nominating a candidate under this section shall contain from each congressional district the signatures of at least 1,000 electors who are registered in the district and who are members of the major political party of the candidate. The petition shall contain the printed name, residence or mailing address and name or number of the precinct, if known, of each elector whose signature appears on the petition. The signatures shall be certified for genuineness by the county clerks or the Secretary of State under ORS 249.008 (Verification of signatures by county clerk or Secretary of State) .

(3) Before circulating the nominating petition, the chief sponsor shall file with the Secretary of State a signed copy of the prospective petition. The chief sponsor shall include with the prospective petition a statement declaring whether one or more persons will be paid money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on the petition. After the prospective petition is filed, the chief sponsor shall notify the Secretary of State not later than the 10th day after the chief sponsor first has knowledge or should have had knowledge that:

(a) Any person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective petition declared that no such person would be paid.

(b) No person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective petition declared that one or more such persons would be paid. [1979 c.190 §116; 1981 c.173 §24; 1983 c.756 §4; 1987 c.267 §17; 1995 c.712 §26; 1999 c.410 §24; 1999 c.999 §38; 2007 c.154 §8; 2007 c.155 §5; 2017 c.749 §45; 2019 c.675 §13]

Source: Section 249.078 — Printing name of candidate for presidential nomination of major party on ballot; discretion of Secretary of State; nominating petition; petition requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.085
251.085 Format of candidate’s statement
Status: in_force

The candidate’s statement shall begin with a summary of the following: Occupation, educational and occupational background, and prior governmental experience. [Formerly 255.027]

Source: Section 251.085 — Format of candidate’s statement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.548 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.548
254.548 Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes
Status: in_force

(1) An individual nominated or elected to a public office by write-in votes shall sign and file a form indicating that the individual accepts the nomination or office before the filing officer may issue a certificate of nomination or election. The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the form to be used under this section.

(2) In the case of an individual nominated or elected by write-in votes to a public office:

(a) Not later than the 38th day after the election, the filing officer shall:

(A) Prepare and deliver by regular mail the form described in subsection (1) of this section to the individual; or

(B) If the filing officer has the electronic mail address of the individual, prepare and deliver by electronic mail the form described in subsection (1) of this section to the individual;

(b) Not later than the 43rd day after the election, if the individual accepts the nomination or office, the individual shall sign and file the form with the filing officer; and

(c) Not later than the 45th day after the election, if the individual files the form by the deadline specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the filing officer shall prepare and deliver a certificate of nomination or election to the individual and, if applicable, issue a proclamation declaring the election of the candidate to the office. [1991 c.719 §56; 2005 c.157 §1; 2014 c.67 §4; 2014 c.112 §4; 2015 c.43 §1; 2018 c.70 §9; 2021 c.551 §9; 2022 c.84 §6]

Source: Section 254.548 — Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes; form; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.012 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.012
246.012 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Ballot” means any material on which votes may be cast for candidates or measures.

(2) “County clerk” means the county clerk or the county official in charge of elections.

(3) “County governing body” means the county court sitting for the transaction of county business or the board of county commissioners.

(4) “Election” means any election held within this state.

(5) “Elector” means an individual qualified to vote under section 2, Article II, Oregon Constitution.

(6) “Governing body” means the governing body of any subdivision of the state.

(7) “Local elections official” means any person who is:

(a) An official of any election precinct or special district or public corporation organized for public purposes; and

(b) Authorized or required by law to perform functions in connection with elections held in the election precinct or special district or public corporation organized for public purposes.

(8) “Measure” includes any of the following submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at an election:

(a) A proposed law.

(b) An Act or part of an Act of the Legislative Assembly.

(c) A revision of or amendment to the Oregon Constitution.

(d) Local, special or municipal legislation.

(e) A proposition or question.

(9) “Precinct” means any election precinct.

(10) “Vote tally system” means one or more pieces of equipment necessary to examine and tally automatically the marked ballots.

(11) “Voting machine” means any device that will record every vote cast on candidates and measures and that will either internally or externally total all votes cast on that device. [1979 c.190 §1; 1983 c.392 §2; 2005 c.731 §1; 2005 c.797 §64]

Source: Section 246.012 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.346 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.346
250.346 Retention of petition materials
Status: in_force

The city elections officer shall retain the signature sheets of a filed initiative or referendum petition with a copy of the city measure. If the measure is approved by the electors, a copy of the measure shall be preserved as a permanent public record, and the signature sheets shall be preserved for six years. [1979 c.190 §171]

Source: Section 250.346 — Retention of petition materials , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.095 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.095
260.095 Reporting expenditures that are both in-kind contributions and expenditures
Status: in_force

(1) If a candidate, political committee or petition committee under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) makes an expenditure that must be reported as both an in-kind contribution and an expenditure by the candidate, political committee or petition committee for whose benefit the expenditure was made as provided in ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) (3), the candidate, political committee or petition committee making the original expenditure shall:

(a) Notify the candidate or committee for whose benefit the expenditure was made in writing that the expenditure was made; and

(b) Deliver the notice not later than 48 hours after the time that the candidate, political committee or petition committee making the original expenditure includes the expenditure in a statement under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) .

(2) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules requiring expenditures that must be reported as both an in-kind contribution and an expenditure by the candidate, political committee or petition committee for whose benefit the expenditure was made to be highlighted in an identifiable color in the electronic filing system required under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) . [2013 c.756 §7]

Note: 260.095 (Reporting expenditures that are both in-kind contributions and expenditures) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 260 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 260.095 — Reporting expenditures that are both in-kind contributions and expenditures; notice to candidate or committee; process; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.033 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.033
248.033 Organizational meeting
Status: in_force

(1) The organizational meeting of a county central committee shall be held no less frequently than every 25 months.

(2) The retiring county central committee shall prepare a written notice designating the time, date and place of the meeting and file a copy of the notice with the county elections official not later than the 40th day before the date of the meeting. The retiring county central committee also shall send by postal mail or electronic mail a copy of the notice to the state central committee.

(3) Upon request of a county central committee, the county elections official shall provide the county central committee, without charge, a list of the names, addresses and other contact information, including electronic mail addresses or telephone numbers, of persons holding the office of precinct committeeperson for that major political party on the date the county elections official receives notice of an organizational meeting under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The chairperson of the retiring county central committee shall send by postal mail or electronic mail a copy of the notice of the time, date and place of the meeting, not later than the 10th day before the meeting, to each member of the county central committee. If permitted by the bylaws of the county central committee, the county central committee may notify members by means other than by postal mail or electronic mail. [1965 c.407 §8; 1975 c.779 §6; 1977 c.644 §3; 1979 c.190 §80; 1981 c.862 §2; 1987 c.267 §12; 1995 c.712 §21; 2005 c.506 §1; 2019 c.299 §2; 2019 c.675 §23]

Source: Section 248.033 — Organizational meeting; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.555 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.555
254.555 Secretary of State’s duties after election
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 254.548 (Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes) , not later than the 37th day after any election, the Secretary of State, regarding offices for which the secretary receives filings for nomination, shall:

(a) Canvass the votes for the offices, except the office of Governor after the general election.

(b) Enter in a register of nominations after the primary election the name and, if applicable, major political party of each candidate nominated, the office for which the candidate is nominated and the date of entry.

(c) Prepare and deliver a certificate of nomination or election to each candidate having the most votes for nomination for or election to the office. The Secretary of State shall sign the certificate under the seal of the state.

(d) Issue a proclamation declaring the election of candidates to the offices.

(2) Not later than the 30th day after the election:

(a) The Secretary of State, regarding measures for which the secretary is the filing officer, shall canvass the votes for each measure.

(b) The Governor shall issue a proclamation giving the number of votes cast for or against each such measure, and declaring the approved measures as the law on the effective date of the measure. If two or more approved measures contain conflicting provisions, the Governor shall proclaim which is paramount. [1979 c.190 §277; 1987 c.267 §53; 1995 c.712 §67; 1997 c.249 §76; 1999 c.999 §56; 2005 c.157 §3; 2011 c.9 §32; 2021 c.551 §7; 2023 c.600 §24]

Source: Section 254.555 — Secretary of State’s duties after election; Governor’s proclamation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.365 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.365
254.365 Voting at primary election by major party members and nonaffiliated electors
Status: repealed

(1) An elector is not qualified or permitted to vote at any primary election for any candidate of a major political party, and it is unlawful for the elector to offer to do so, unless:

(a) The elector is registered as being affiliated with one of the major political parties nominating or electing its candidates for public office at the primary election; or

(b) The elector is registered as not being affiliated with any political party and wishes to vote in the primary election of a major political party that has provided under subsection (3) of this section for a primary election that admits electors not affiliated with any political party.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (3), any elector offering to vote at the primary election shall be given a ballot of the major political party with which the elector is registered as being affiliated. The elector may not be given a ballot of any other political party at that primary election. An elector not affiliated with any political party and offering to vote at the primary election shall be given the ballot of the major political party in whose primary election the elector wishes to vote if that party has provided under subsection (3) of this section for a primary election that admits electors not affiliated with any political party. An elector not affiliated with any political party who is given a ballot of the major political party associates with the party for the purpose of voting in that primary election.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Not later than the 90th day before the date of the primary election, a major political party may file with the Secretary of State a certified copy of the current party rule allowing an elector not affiliated with any political party to vote in the party’s primary election. The party may not repeal the rule as filed during the 90 days before the primary election. The rule shall continue to be effective after the date of the primary election until the party gives written notice to the Secretary of State that the rule has been repealed. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a party rule under this subsection may limit the candidates for whom an elector who is not affiliated with any political party may vote.

(b) The party rule shall allow any elector who is permitted to vote for the most numerous branch of the Legislative Assembly also to vote in federal legislative elections, consistent with section 2, Article I, and the Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

(4) If the primary election ballot includes city, county or nonpartisan offices or measures, and it is given to an elector who is not eligible to vote for party candidates, the ballot shall be marked “non-affiliated.” [Formerly 249.366; 1987 c.719 §§1,20; 1995 c.712 §62; 1999 c.999 §51; 2007 c.154 §34]

Source: Section 254.365 — Voting at primary election by major party members and nonaffiliated electors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.473 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.473
254.473 State payment for return of ballots by mail
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, for each election held in this state, electors shall be provided with a return identification envelope that may be returned by business reply mail. The state shall bear the cost of complying with this subsection.

(2) The Secretary of State may require that the return identification envelopes provided to electors be returned by mail by using a method other than business reply mail if the secretary determines that an alternative method is more cost effective or efficient. The state shall bear the cost of returning ballots by mail under any method adopted by the secretary under this subsection.

(3) As used in this section, “business reply mail” means a mailing service allowing a preaddressed return identification envelope to be mailed by an elector without charge, with the state paying the mailing fee for a return identification envelope that is returned by United States mail but not for a return identification envelope that is not returned by United States mail. [2019 c.638 §2]

Source: Section 254.473 — State payment for return of ballots by mail , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.965 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.965
247.965 Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector may request the county clerk to keep the residence address of the elector and any family member residing with the elector exempt from disclosure as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) .

(2) The county clerk shall keep the residence address of an elector and any family member residing with the elector exempt from disclosure as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) if:

(a) The elector making the request demonstrates to the satisfaction of the county clerk that the elector’s personal safety or the safety of any family member residing with the elector is in danger if the elector’s address remains available for public inspection; or

(b) The elector has been identified as an election worker by the Secretary of State, county clerk or other public body as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) in a manner prescribed by the secretary by rule.

(3) The county clerk shall automatically mail a ballot to an elector whose residence address is exempt from disclosure under this section.

(4) An exemption from disclosure granted under this section shall remain in effect until the elector requests termination of the exemption or the elector is required to update the elector’s registration. If the elector is required to update the elector’s registration, the elector may apply for another exemption from disclosure.

(5) An exemption from disclosure granted under this section includes an exemption from disclosure of the residence address of an elector under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) .

(6) A county clerk or the Secretary of State shall not be held liable for:

(a) Granting or denying an exemption from disclosure under this section; or

(b) Any unauthorized release of a residence address granted an exemption from disclosure under this section.

(7) As used in this section, “election worker” means an individual employed full-time, part-time or as a volunteer:

(a) Who is serving the State of Oregon or any other public body, as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) , as an elected official, appointed official, employee or agent; and

(b) Whose official duties include carrying out any duty, function or power set forth in ORS chapters 246 to 260. [1993 c.616 §2; 1995 c.742 §9; 1999 c.410 §21; 2019 c.675 §7; 2022 c.114 §1; 2023 c.600 §11]

Source: Section 247.965 — Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector; request for exemption , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.025 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.025
246.025 Use of signature stamp by person with disability
Status: in_force

(1) A person with a disability who is unable because of the disability to sign any election document, including a voter registration card or ballot return envelope, may use a signature stamp or other indicator of the person’s signature, as specified by the Secretary of State by rule, whenever the signature of the person is required under any election law.

(2) A person who desires to use a signature stamp or other indicator of the person’s signature as described in subsection (1) of this section shall attest that the person needs to use the stamp or indicator due to a disability. The attestation shall be made at the time the person registers to vote or updates a registration and shall be made on a form designed and supplied by the Secretary of State. [1997 c.189 §2; 2007 c.154 §2]

Source: Section 246.025 — Use of signature stamp by person with disability , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.110 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.110
246.110 Secretary of State as chief elections officer
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State is the chief elections officer of this state, and it is the secretary’s responsibility to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws. [1957 c.608 §2; 1979 c.190 §5; 1995 c.607 §1]

Source: Section 246.110 — Secretary of State as chief elections officer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.120 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.120
246.120 Directives, instructions and assistance to county clerks
Status: in_force

In carrying out the responsibility under ORS 246.110 (Secretary of State as chief elections officer) , the Secretary of State shall prepare and distribute to each county clerk detailed and comprehensive written directives, and shall assist, advise and instruct each county clerk, on registration of electors and election procedures which are under the direction and control of the county clerk. The directives and instructions shall include relevant sample forms of ballots, documents, records and other materials and supplies required by the election laws. A county clerk affected thereby shall comply with the directives or instructions. [1957 c.608 §3; 1965 c.464 §1; 1979 c.190 §6]

Source: Section 246.120 — Directives, instructions and assistance to county clerks , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.865 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.865
249.865 Filing prospective petition
Status: in_force

(1) Pursuant to Article II, section 18, of the Oregon Constitution, an elector of the electoral district from which the public officer is elected may file a petition demanding the recall of the public officer. The production and circulation of the petition must conform to the requirements governing recall petitions set forth in ORS 250.048 (Registration and training for paid petition circulators) and 250.052 (Official templates of cover and signature sheets) . Before the petition is circulated for signatures, the chief petitioner of the petition shall file with the officer authorized to order the recall election a copy of the prospective petition signed by the chief petitioner.

(2) The chief petitioner shall include with the prospective petition a statement declaring whether one or more persons will be paid money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on the recall petition. After the prospective petition is filed, the chief petitioner shall notify the filing officer not later than the 10th day after the chief petitioner first has knowledge or should have had knowledge that:

(a) Any person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective petition declared that no such person would be paid.

(b) No person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective petition declared that one or more such persons would be paid.

(3) Each sheet of the recall petition must contain:

(a) The words “Petition for recall of,” (name and title of officer) and the date of the filing under subsection (1) of this section; and

(b) The name and city and state of residence of the chief petitioner.

(4) Not more than 20 signatures on each sheet of the recall petition shall be counted. The circulator shall certify on each signature sheet that the circulator:

(a) Witnessed the signing of the signature sheet by each individual whose signature appears on the signature sheet; and

(b) Believes each individual is an elector.

(5) Any intentional or willful violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section by a chief petitioner of the recall petition listed on the statement of organization filed under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) invalidates the prospective petition before it is circulated for signatures. [1979 c.190 §136; 1981 c.142 §2; 1981 c.173 §26; 1983 c.756 §8; 1985 c.471 §7; 1987 c.210 §1; 1999 c.318 §26; 2005 c.797 §22; 2007 c.155 §7; 2007 c.848 §25; 2009 c.818 §20; 2017 c.749 §52; 2019 c.675 §14; 2021 c.473 §16]

Source: Section 249.865 — Filing prospective petition; contents of petition; statement regarding payment of petition circulators; certification of signature sheets; effect of violation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.558 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.558
260.558 Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful to offer, pay or provide money or other valuable consideration to another person to sign or refrain from signing an initiative, referendum or recall petition, and for the other person to accept or agree to accept money or other valuable consideration for signing or refraining to sign an initiative, referendum or recall petition.

(2) It is unlawful to sell, offer to sell, purchase or offer to purchase, for money or other valuable consideration, any signature sheet of an initiative, referendum or recall petition or any other portion of the petition used to gather signatures.

(3) This section applies only to signatures, signature sheets or other portions of an initiative, referendum or recall petition to be submitted to the filing officer for the purpose of verifying whether the petition contains the required number of signatures of electors. [1995 c.646 §2]

Source: Section 260.558 — Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition; sale or purchase of signature sheets , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.225 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.225
251.225 Preparation and filing of explanatory statement by Legislative Counsel Committee
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislative Counsel Committee shall prepare an impartial, simple and understandable statement of not more than 500 words explaining each state measure. The statement shall be filed electronically with the Secretary of State not later than the last day for filing a statement prepared under ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) .

(2) If an explanatory statement is not filed by a committee under ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) , the statement of the Legislative Counsel Committee shall be the explanatory statement of the measure, and shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) . [Formerly 254.225; 1993 c.493 §21; 1993 c.811 §15; 2011 c.646 §6]

Source: Section 251.225 — Preparation and filing of explanatory statement by Legislative Counsel Committee; when explanatory statement of committee used , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.005 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.005
254.005 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Ballot” means any material on which votes may be cast for candidates or measures. In the case of a recall election, “ballot” includes material posted in a voting compartment or delivered to an elector by mail.

(2) “Chief elections officer” means the:

(a) Secretary of State, regarding a candidate for a state office or an office to be voted on in the state at large or in a congressional district, or a measure to be voted on in the state at large.

(b) County clerk, regarding a candidate for a county office, or a measure to be voted on in a county only.

(c) City clerk, auditor or recorder, regarding a candidate for a city office, or a measure to be voted on in a city only.

(3) “County clerk” means the county clerk or the county official in charge of elections.

(4) “Elector” means an individual qualified to vote under section 2, Article II, Oregon Constitution.

(5) “Major political party” means a political party that has qualified as a major political party under ORS 248.006 (Qualification and maintenance of status as major political party) .

(6) “Measure” includes any of the following submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at an election:

(a) A proposed law.

(b) An Act or part of an Act of the Legislative Assembly.

(c) A revision of or amendment to the Oregon Constitution.

(d) Local, special or municipal legislation.

(e) A proposition or question.

(7) “Minor political party” means a political party that has qualified as a minor political party under ORS 248.008 (Qualification as minor political party) .

(8) “Nonpartisan office” means the office of judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit court or the Oregon Tax Court, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, any elected office of a metropolitan service district under ORS chapter 268, justice of the peace, county clerk, county assessor, county surveyor, county treasurer, county judge who exercises judicial functions, sheriff, district attorney or any office designated nonpartisan by a home rule charter.

(9) “Prospective petition” means the information, except signatures and other identification of petition signers, required to be contained in a completed petition.

(10) “Regular district election” means the election held each year for the purpose of electing members of a district board as defined in ORS 255.005 (Definitions) (2).

(11) “Vote tally system” means one or more pieces of equipment necessary to examine and tally automatically the marked ballots.

(12) “Voting machine” means any device that will record every vote cast on candidates and measures and that will either internally or externally total all votes cast on that device. [1979 c.190 §224; 1983 c.392 §5; 1983 c.567 §15; 1985 c.324 §2; 1987 c.707 §16; 1993 c.493 §95; 1995 c.92 §5; 1995 c.107 §2; 1995 c.607 §79; 1999 c.410 §43; 2001 c.430 §2; 2005 c.731 §4; 2005 c.797 §67; 2007 c.154 §19; 2009 c.491 §7; 2010 c.18 §3; 2011 c.731 §13]

Source: Section 254.005 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.016 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.016
251.016 Disposition of fee
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall pay fees received under this chapter into the General Fund. [1979 c.190 §173]

Source: Section 251.016 — Disposition of fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.026 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.026
251.026 Statements and information included in voters’ pamphlets
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall prepare and have printed in the voters’ pamphlet for the state primary election, the general election and any special election described in ORS 251.022 (Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress) a statement containing, if applicable:

(a) Requirements for a citizen to qualify as an elector.

(b) When an elector is required to register or update a registration.

(c) In the voters’ pamphlet for the primary election, a statement of the duties and responsibilities of a precinct committeeperson to be elected at the primary election.

(d) Any other information the Secretary of State considers relevant to the conduct of the election.

(2) The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the county clerks, shall include:

(a) A statement on the cover of the voters’ pamphlet that the pamphlet may be used to assist electors in voting; and

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Statements in the information section of the voters’ pamphlet on the pages immediately following the page containing the Secretary of State letter, to the extent reasonably practicable, that, for residents of each county to which the voters’ pamphlet is distributed:

(i) Are written in English and the five additional common languages for the county listed by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) ;

(ii) Explain that an electronic copy of portions of the voters’ pamphlet is publicly available in that language; and

(iii) Provide the website address to the translated voters’ pamphlet.

(B) The statements required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph must be written so as to be clearly readable.

(C) The Secretary of State may adopt rules necessary to implement this paragraph.

(3) The Secretary of State may include in the voters’ pamphlet the following information:

(a) Maps showing the boundaries of senatorial and representative districts.

(b) Voter registration forms.

(c) Elector instructions, including the right of an elector to request a second ballot if the first ballot is spoiled and the right of an elector to seek assistance in marking the ballot.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The name of the county clerk or other filing officer may not appear in the voters’ pamphlet in the county clerk’s or filing officer’s official capacity if the county clerk or filing officer is a candidate in the election for which the voters’ pamphlet is printed.

(b) As used in this subsection, “filing officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 254.165 (Adjusting ballot when vacancy occurs) . [Formerly 255.025; 1987 c.267 §24; 1991 c.719 §§23,24; 1993 c.713 §28; 1993 c.797 §21a; 1995 c.712 §35; 1999 c.318 §9; 1999 c.410 §25; 2019 c.508 §1; 2021 c.464 §4]

Source: Section 251.026 — Statements and information included in voters’ pamphlets; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.740 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.740
249.740 Certificates of nomination made by individual electors
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A certificate of nomination made by individual electors shall contain a number of signatures of electors in the electoral district equal to not less than one percent of the total votes cast in the electoral district for which the nomination is intended to be made, for all candidates for presidential electors at the most recent presidential election.

(b) For all elections beginning with the election next following any change in the boundaries of an electoral district and ending with the presidential election next following any change in the boundaries of the electoral district, a certificate of nomination made by individual electors shall contain a number of signatures of electors equal to not less than one percent of the average number of votes cast in all of the same form of electoral districts in this state for all candidates for presidential electors at the most recent presidential election.

(2) Each elector signing a certificate of nomination made by individual electors shall include the residence or mailing address of the elector. Except for a certificate of nomination of candidates for electors of President and Vice President of the United States, a certificate of nomination made by individual electors shall contain the name of only one candidate.

(3) Before beginning to circulate the certificate of nomination, the chief sponsor of the certificate shall file a signed copy of the prospective certificate with the filing officer referred to in ORS 249.722 (Time for filing certificate) . The chief sponsor of the certificate shall include with the prospective certificate a statement declaring whether one or more persons will be paid money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on the certificate. After the prospective certificate is filed, the chief sponsor shall notify the filing officer not later than the 10th day after the chief sponsor first has knowledge or should have had knowledge that:

(a) Any person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective certificate declared that no such person would be paid.

(b) No person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement included with the prospective certificate declared that one or more such persons would be paid.

(4) The circulator shall certify on each signature sheet that the circulator:

(a) Witnessed the signing of the signature sheet by each individual whose signature appears on the signature sheet; and

(b) Believes each individual is an elector registered in the electoral district.

(5) The signatures contained in each certificate of nomination made by individual electors shall be certified for genuineness by the county clerk or the Secretary of State under ORS 249.008 (Verification of signatures by county clerk or Secretary of State) .

(6) As used in this section, “prospective certificate” means the information, except signatures and other identification of certificate signers, required to be contained in a completed certificate of nomination. [Amended by 1955 c.169 §5; 1957 c.608 §112; 1971 c.152 §1; 1977 c.829 §10; 1979 c.190 §131; 1983 c.756 §7; 1993 c.493 §11; 1993 c.797 §15; 1999 c.318 §25; 2005 c.797 §61; 2007 c.848 §24; 2017 c.749 §47; 2021 c.473 §7; 2023 c.600 §26]

Source: Section 249.740 — Certificates of nomination made by individual electors; statement regarding payment of petition circulators; certification of signature sheets , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.046 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.046
246.046 Secretary of State and county clerks to seek out evidence of violations
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State and each county clerk shall diligently seek out any evidence of violation of any election law. [Formerly 260.325]

Source: Section 246.046 — Secretary of State and county clerks to seek out evidence of violations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.291 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.291
255.291 Ballot to state position or zone number of candidate
Status: in_force

In a district in which a position or zone number is assigned to each office on the district board, the ballot shall state the position or zone number of the office to which the candidate seeks election. The candidate’s name shall appear on the ballot only for the designated position or zone. [1983 c.350 §79]

Source: Section 255.291 — Ballot to state position or zone number of candidate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.255 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.255
251.255 Filing arguments for or against measure
Status: in_force

(1) Not sooner than the 120th day and not later than the 70th day before a general election or the 68th day before a special election held on the date of any primary election at which a state measure is to be voted upon, any person may file with the Secretary of State an argument supporting or opposing the measure.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A person filing an argument under this section shall pay a fee of $1,200 to the Secretary of State when the argument is filed or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the Secretary of State containing the signatures of 500 active electors. Each person signing the petition shall subscribe to a statement that the person has read and agrees with the argument.

(b) The signatures on each petition shall be verified by the county clerk or the Secretary of State.

(c) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish procedures for verifying whether a petition submitted under this subsection contains the required number of signatures of active electors.

(3) An argument filed under this section must be filed using the electronic filing system adopted by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.014 (Electronic filing system) .

(4) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish the size and length of arguments permitted under ORS 251.245 (Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly) and this section, except that the length of an argument may not exceed 325 words. The size and length limitations shall be the same for arguments submitted under ORS 251.245 (Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly) or this section. [Formerly 255.415; 1989 c.646 §1; 1995 c.712 §45; 1999 c.318 §18; 2005 c.797 §55; 2009 c.817 §3; 2011 c.646 §8; 2013 c.518 §6; 2017 c.749 §26]

Source: Section 251.255 — Filing arguments for or against measure; fee or petition; size of argument space; verification of signatures; electronic filing; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).