ORS § 260.266 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.266
260.266 Statement of persons who paid for communication in support of or in opposition to clearly identified candidate
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided by a local provision, a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate must state the name of the persons that paid for the communication.

(2) For the purpose of complying with subsection (1) of this section:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate by a political committee or petition committee must state:

(A) The name of the political committee or petition committee; and

(B) The names of the five persons that have made the largest aggregate contributions of $10,000 or more to the committee in the election cycle in which the communication is made.

(b) A communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate by an individual, a for-profit business entity or a candidate or the principal campaign committee of a candidate must state the name of the individual, for-profit business entity or candidate.

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) A communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate by a person not described in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection must state:

(i) The name of the person; and

(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the names of the five persons that have made the largest aggregate donations of $10,000 or more to the person in the election cycle in which the communication is made.

(B) In identifying persons that have made aggregate donations of $10,000 or more, a person described in this paragraph may exclude:

(i) Donations received from an affiliated charitable organization that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(ii) Donations and grants received from foundations and other persons that may not be used to make a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection, a digital communication may state only the name of the person that made the communication if the digital communication includes an active link to a website that prominently displays the additional information required by this subsection.

(3) A person that makes communications in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate must consider an anonymous donation of $1,000 or more from a single person to be a donation that may not be used to make a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a person is required to disclose the names of five persons under subsection (2)(a)(B) or (c)(A)(ii) of this section and more than five persons qualify as having made the largest aggregate contributions or donations, the person shall disclose the five applicable persons whose contributions or donations were made closest to the date of initial printing or transmission of the communication.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, the five persons required to be named under subsection (2)(a)(B) or (c)(A)(ii) of this section must be accurate as of 10 days before the most recent payment to print or transmit the communication.

(c) A person that both makes multiple digital communications in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate and uses the method described in subsection (2)(d) of this section to meet the identification requirements of subsection (2)(a)(B) or (c)(A)(ii) of this section, may use one active link to the same website for all digital communications made by the person, provided that the information on the website is accurate as of 10 days before the most recent payment to print or transmit a communication.

(5) This section does not apply to:

(a) Candidates for federal office.

(b) Candidates other than those described in paragraph (a) of this subsection who are not required to use the electronic filing system adopted under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) to file statements of contributions received or expenditures made.

(c) Petition committees that are not required to use the electronic filing system adopted under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) to file statements of contributions received or expenditures made.

(d) Political committees that are not required to use the electronic filing system adopted under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) to file statements of contributions received or expenditures made.

(e) A person that makes independent expenditures and that is exempt under ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) from being required to file statements of independent expenditures using the electronic filing system adopted under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) .

(f) A communication that is excluded from the definition of “expenditure” under ORS 260.007 (Exclusions from definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.”) .

(g) Items of de minimis value relating to a candidate, including but not limited to:

(A) Lawn signs, pins, pens and other similar items;

(B) Skywriting; or

(C) Wearable merchandise.

(h) Any other item that the Secretary of State by rule determines is too small to feasibly include the identifying information required by this section.

(6) The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the form of statements required on communications described in this section. Rules adopted under this subsection must ensure that the information required to be included in communications under this section is:

(a) In a font, size and color that are easy for an average person to read, if the communication appears in a print or digital format; and

(b) Clearly audible to the average person, if the communication appears in an audio format.

(7) As used in this section:

(a) “Clearly identified” has the meaning given that term in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) (10)(b).

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, “communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate” means:

(i) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I) The communication, when taken as a whole and with limited reference to external events, such as the proximity to the election, could only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing advocacy for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for nomination or election to public office; and

(II) The electoral portion of the communication is unmistakable, unambiguous and suggestive of only one meaning; or

(ii) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I) The communication involves aggregate expenditures by a person of more than the amount provided in ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) (1);

(II) The communication refers to a clearly identified candidate who will appear on the ballot; and

(III) The communication is printed or transmitted to the relevant electorate within the time frame provided in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) (10)(c)(B)(iii).

(B) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) “Communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate” includes but is not limited to communications distributed via print, telephone, radio, television or the Internet.

(ii) “Communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate” does not include newspaper editorials, printed advertisements with a fair market value of less than $500 or communications made via telephone that have a fair market value of less than $500.

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) “Donation” means the gift or transfer of moneys or any other item of value to a person subject to subsection (2)(c)(A) of this section, including any membership fees, dues or assessments.

(B) “Donation” does not include moneys or any other item of value received by a person subject to subsection (2)(c)(A) of this section in the ordinary course of a trade or business conducted by the person.

(d) “Election cycle” means the period of time starting on the day after the date of a general election and ending on the date of the next general election.

(e) “Local provision” means a charter provision, ordinance, resolution or other provision adopted by a city, county or other local government. [2019 c.636 §2]

Source: Section 260.266 — Statement of persons who paid for communication in support of or in opposition to clearly identified candidate; requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.200 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.200
249.200 Nomination by major party to fill vacancy in partisan office
Status: in_force

(1) A major political party may nominate a candidate to fill a vacancy in a partisan elective office in the following manner:

(a) If the vacancy occurs on or before the 70th day before a nominating election, by selecting a nominee at the next nominating election; or

(b) If the vacancy occurs after the 70th day before the nominating election and on or before the 62nd day before the general election, by selecting a nominee as provided by party rule.

(2) The procedure under subsection (1) of this section shall not apply in any case in which one of the following specific procedures for filling a vacancy applies:

(a) The procedure specified in ORS 188.120 (Filling vacancy in election or office of United States Representative or Senator) for the offices of Representative in Congress and United States Senator.

(b) The appointment procedure specified in ORS 171.051 (Filling vacancies in Legislative Assembly) to 171.064 (Apportioning votes for filling vacancies in multicounty legislative districts) for state legislative office.

(c) The procedure specified in ORS chapter 236 for county office.

(d) The procedure specified in ORS chapter 221 for city office.

(3) A party that selects a nominee under subsection (1)(b) of this section, immediately after the nomination, shall notify the filing officer with whom a declaration of candidacy for the office is filed of the name of the nominee by the most expeditious means practicable.

(4) The Secretary of State by rule may adopt a schedule specifying the period following a vacancy within which a major political party that selects a nominee under subsection (1)(b) of this section must notify the filing officer of the name of the nominee under subsection (3) of this section. [1979 c.190 §123; 1985 c.586 §3; 1985 c.808 §16; 1987 c.267 §22; 1987 c.380 §4; 1987 c.549 §5; 1995 c.607 §17; 1995 c.712 §31; 2018 c.70 §7]

Source: Section 249.200 — Nomination by major party to fill vacancy in partisan office; exceptions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.205 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.205
250.205 Filing and signature requirements for nonhome rule counties
Status: in_force

(1) This section applies to a county that has not adopted a charter under section 10, Article VI, Oregon Constitution.

(2) A referendum petition must be filed not later than the 90th day after the adoption of a nonemergency county measure.

(3) A petition to refer a county measure must contain at least the number of signatures of electors residing in the county that is equal to four percent of the total number of votes cast in the county for all candidates for Governor at the election at which a Governor is elected for a four-year term next preceding the filing of the petition for verification of signatures.

(4) A petition to initiate a county measure must contain at least the number of signatures of electors residing in the county equal to six percent of the total number of votes cast in the county for all candidates for Governor at the election at which a Governor is elected for a four-year term next preceding the filing of the petition for verification of signatures. [1979 c.190 §158; 1995 c.607 §29]

Source: Section 250.205 — Filing and signature requirements for nonhome rule counties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.031 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.031
248.031 Precinct committeepersons as county central committee
Status: in_force

The precinct committeepersons of the county shall constitute the county central committee of their party. The county central committee of each major political party is the highest party authority in county party matters and may adopt rules or resolutions for any matter of party government within the county which is not controlled by the laws of this state. [Formerly 248.025]

Source: Section 248.031 — Precinct committeepersons as county central committee; status and functions of committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.046 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.046
254.046 Expense of city election
Status: in_force

If a city holds a special election on a date other than the primary election or general election, it shall bear the expense of the election. [1979 c.190 §228; 1987 c.267 §38; 1995 c.712 §52]

Source: Section 254.046 — Expense of city election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.065 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.065
258.065 Effect of successful contest of nomination or election
Status: in_force

(1) After the contest hearing, the circuit court shall render a judgment affirming or setting aside the nomination or election of the person for or to the office.

(2) If the judgment sets aside the nomination of a person, it also shall declare that the nomination is vacant.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, if the judgment sets aside the election of a person, the incumbent shall remain in office until a successor is elected.

(4) If the judgment sets aside the election of a person to an office sought by an incumbent who was defeated, the office shall be declared vacant.

(5) If the judgment under ORS 258.026 (When election results may be set aside) (2) sets aside the nomination or election of a person to a city office or as a member of the board of a district defined in ORS 255.012 (“District” defined) , the names of the candidates for the office shall be resubmitted to the electors at a special election held on the next available election date. 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 election. [1979 c.190 §320; 1983 c.170 §3]

Source: Section 258.065 — Effect of successful contest of nomination or election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.185 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.185
251.185 Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall have printed in the voters’ pamphlet for a general election or any special election a copy of the title and text of each state measure to be submitted to the people at the election for which the pamphlet was prepared. The pamphlet must include the procedures for filing a complaint under ORS 260.345 (Complaints or other information regarding violations) . Each measure shall be printed in the pamphlet with:

(a) The number and ballot title of the measure;

(b) The financial estimates and any statement prepared for the measure under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) ;

(c) The explanatory statement prepared for the measure;

(d) Arguments relating to the measure and filed with the Secretary of State;

(e) Any racial and ethnic impact statement prepared for the measure under ORS 137.685 (Racial and ethnic impact statements for state measures) ; and

(f) Any statement submitted for the measure by a citizen panel under ORS 250.141 (Citizen panel statements) .

(2) A community college district measure relating to bonding, a county measure or a measure of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, and the ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments relating to the measure, filed by the county, metropolitan service district or community college district under ORS 251.285 (Inclusion of community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or metropolitan service district measure in voters’ pamphlet) shall be included in the voters’ pamphlet described in subsection (1) of this section if required under ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) .

(3) As used in this section, “community college district” has the meaning given that term in ORS 341.005 (Definitions) . [Formerly 255.410; 1991 c.719 §10; 1991 c.971 §7; 1993 c.493 §19; 1999 c.318 §16; 2005 c.633 §4; 2009 c.232 §1; 2011 c.365 §10; 2013 c.600 §§6,8; 2013 c.722 §20; 2014 c.72 §§4,5; 2017 c.392 §§3,4; 2017 c.614 §§8,9]

Source: Section 251.185 — Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet; county and metropolitan service district measures; community college measures relating to bonding , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.510 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.510
253.510 Definitions for ORS 253.500 to 253.640
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 253.500 (Construction of military or overseas elector law) to 253.640 (Coordination with federal authorities) , “military or overseas elector” means a resident of this state absent from the place of residence and:

(1) Serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or who has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States for not more than 30 days;

(2) Serving in the Merchant Marine of the United States or who has been discharged from the Merchant Marine of the United States for not more than 30 days; or

(3) Temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia. [1955 c.332 §1; 1957 c.641 §14; 1969 c.261 §1; 1979 c.190 §217; 1993 c.493 §26; 2013 c.520 §5]

Source: Section 253.510 — Definitions for ORS 253.500 to 253.640 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.165 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.165
250.165 Prospective petition
Status: in_force

(1) Before circulating a petition to initiate or refer a county measure, the petitioner shall file with the county clerk a prospective petition. The county clerk immediately shall date and time stamp the prospective petition, and specify the form on which the petition shall be printed for circulation. The clerk shall retain the prospective petition.

(2) The cover of an initiative or referendum petition shall designate the name and city and state of residence of not more than three persons as chief petitioners and shall contain instructions for persons obtaining signatures of electors on the petition. The instructions shall be adopted by the Secretary of State by rule. The cover of a referendum petition shall contain the title described in ORS 250.175 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain county measures) (1). If the circuit court has not reviewed the ballot title under ORS 250.195 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of county measure) , the cover of an initiative petition shall contain the ballot title described in ORS 250.175 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain county measures) (3). If the circuit court has reviewed the ballot title, the cover of the initiative petition shall contain the title certified by the court.

(3) The chief petitioners 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 initiative or referendum petition. After the prospective petition is filed, the chief petitioners shall notify the filing officer not later than the 10th day after any of the chief petitioners 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.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative petition shall contain the caption of the ballot title. Each sheet of signatures on a referendum petition shall contain the number of the ordinance or resolution to be referred, if any, and the date it was adopted by the county governing body.

(b) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative or referendum petition shall, if one or more persons will be paid for obtaining signatures of electors on the petition, contain a notice stating: “Some Circulators For This Petition Are Being Paid.”

(5) The reverse side of the cover of an initiative or referendum petition shall be used for obtaining signatures on an initiative or referendum petition.

(6) Not more than 20 signatures on the signature sheet of the initiative or referendum 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 registered in the county.

(7) Unless otherwise provided by a county ordinance, the gathering of signatures on a petition to initiate a county measure may not exceed a period of two years from the time the petition is approved for circulation.

(8) A county clerk may not accept for filing any petition which has not met the provisions of subsection (7) of this section.

(9) A petition to initiate a county measure must be filed not less than 90 days before the election at which the proposed law is to be voted on.

(10) The person obtaining signatures on the petition shall carry at least one full and correct copy of the measure to be initiated or referred and shall allow any person to review a copy upon request of the person. [1979 c.190 §154; 1981 c.909 §3; 1983 c.756 §10; 1991 c.106 §1; 1992 c.1 §2; 1995 c.607 §28; 1997 c.846 §2; 1999 c.318 §28; 2001 c.965 §5; 2005 c.797 §39; 2007 c.848 §16; 2009 c.571 §1; 2021 c.473 §2]

Source: Section 250.165 — Prospective petition; cover and signature sheet requirements; circulation; filing deadline , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.042 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.042
250.042 Effect of failure of petition circulator to certify signature sheet
Status: in_force

If a signature sheet of a petition is not certified by the circulator as required under ORS 198.430 (Recall of officers of districts other than districts defined in ORS 255.012) , 198.750 (Content of petition proposing formation or change of organization) , 221.031 (Petition to incorporate) , 248.008 (Qualification as minor political party) , 249.061 (One candidate per petition) , 249.740 (Certificates of nomination made by individual electors) , 249.865 (Filing prospective petition) , 250.045 (Prospective petition) , 250.165 (Prospective petition) , 250.265 (Prospective petition) , 255.135 (Prospective petition) , 261.115 (Contents of electors’ petition) and 545.025 (Purposes of irrigation district) , signatures contained on the signature sheet may not be counted for purposes of determining whether the petition contains the required number of signatures of electors. [2007 c.848 §8b]

Source: Section 250.042 — Effect of failure of petition circulator to certify signature sheet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.265 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.265
250.265 Prospective petition
Status: in_force

(1) Before circulating a petition to initiate or refer a city measure, the petitioner shall file with the city elections officer a prospective petition. The officer immediately shall date and time stamp the prospective petition, and specify the form on which the petition shall be printed for circulation. The officer shall retain the prospective petition.

(2) The cover of an initiative or referendum petition shall designate the name and city and state of residence of not more than three persons as chief petitioners and shall contain instructions for persons obtaining signatures of electors on the petition. The instructions shall be adopted by the Secretary of State by rule. The cover of a referendum petition shall contain the title described in ORS 250.275 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain city measures) (1). If the circuit court has not reviewed the ballot title under ORS 250.296 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of city measure) , the cover of an initiative petition shall contain the ballot title described in ORS 250.275 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain city measures) (3). If the circuit court has reviewed the ballot title, the cover of the initiative petition shall contain the title certified by the court.

(3) The chief petitioners 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 initiative or referendum petition. After the prospective petition is filed, the chief petitioners shall notify the filing officer not later than the 10th day after any of the chief petitioners 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.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative petition shall contain the caption of the ballot title. Each sheet of signatures on a referendum petition shall contain the number of the ordinance or resolution to be referred, if any, and the date it was adopted by the city governing body.

(b) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative or referendum petition shall, if one or more persons will be paid for obtaining signatures of electors on the petition, contain a notice stating: “Some Circulators For This Petition Are Being Paid.”

(5) The reverse side of the cover of an initiative or referendum petition shall be used for obtaining signatures on an initiative or referendum petition.

(6) Not more than 20 signatures on the signature sheet of the initiative or referendum 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 registered in the city.

(7) Unless otherwise provided by a city ordinance, the gathering of signatures on a petition to initiate a city measure may not exceed a period of two years from the time the petition is approved for circulation.

(8) A city elections officer may not accept for filing any petition which has not met the provisions of subsection (7) of this section.

(9) A petition to initiate a city measure must be filed not less than 90 days before the election at which the proposed law is to be voted on.

(10) The person obtaining signatures on the petition shall carry at least one full and correct copy of the measure to be initiated or referred and shall allow any person to review a copy upon request of the person. [1979 c.190 §163; 1981 c.909 §6; 1983 c.756 §11; 1991 c.106 §2; 1992 c.1 §3; 1995 c.607 §30; 1997 c.846 §3; 1999 c.318 §29; 2001 c.965 §6; 2007 c.848 §17; 2009 c.571 §2; 2021 c.473 §3]

Source: Section 250.265 — Prospective petition; cover and signature sheet requirements; circulation; filing deadline , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.218 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.218
260.218 Subpoena authority
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State, or the Attorney General acting under ORS 260.345 (Complaints or other information regarding violations) , may issue subpoenas to compel the production of records, documents, books, papers, memoranda or other information necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(2) If a person fails to comply with any subpoena issued under subsection (1) of this section, a judge of the circuit court of any county, on application of the Secretary of State or Attorney General, shall compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from the circuit court. [1987 c.727 §13; 1993 c.493 §75; 1999 c.999 §15; 2019 c.637 §6]

Source: Section 260.218 — Subpoena authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.305 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.305
251.305 County voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

The county clerk of any county may prepare, print and distribute a county voters’ pamphlet for any election. [1989 c.1031 §2; 1991 c.48 §1]

Source: Section 251.305 — County voters’ pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.515 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.515
254.515 Counting ballots marked “Federal only.”
Status: in_force

Ballots marked “Federal only” may be counted only for the offices for which the elector is entitled to vote. Votes on the ballot for other offices may not be counted. [Formerly 250.520; 1999 c.410 §60; 2005 c.797 §57; 2017 c.749 §4]

Source: Section 254.515 — Counting ballots marked “Federal only.” , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.660 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.660
254.660 Conduct of special election
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 253.065 (Delivery of out-of-state ballots) , for a special election called under ORS 254.655 (Order calling special election) , ballots shall be mailed to military or overseas electors not later than the 30th day before the date of the election. County clerks shall make ballots available to other absent electors not later than the 28th day before the date of the special election.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 254.545 (Duties of county clerk after election) , not later than 5 p.m. of the third day after the date of the special election, the county clerk shall deliver to the Secretary of State a copy of the abstracts for the offices voted upon at the special election. The abstract for election of Governor shall be delivered separately to the secretary as provided in section 4, Article V of the Oregon Constitution.

(3) Not later than 5 p.m. of the first day after the date of the special election, a county clerk who received a ballot originating in another county shall forward the ballot by overnight mail or delivery or by the most expeditious means available to the county clerk of the county from which the ballot originated.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS 254.555 (Secretary of State’s duties after election) , not later than 5 p.m. of the fourth business day after the date of the special election, the Secretary of State shall issue a proclamation declaring the election of candidates to offices or shall order recounts of the votes cast as provided in ORS 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) .

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Notwithstanding ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) , a recount may not be conducted for any special election under this section unless the recount is required by ORS 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) .

(b) If a recount for any special election is required by ORS 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) , the Secretary of State shall complete the recount as expeditiously as possible to minimize disruption to the sessions of the Legislative Assembly and shall issue a proclamation declaring the election of a candidate to office upon completion of the recount.

(6) The cost of all special elections called under ORS 254.655 (Order calling special election) shall be paid by the state.

(7) The ballot at a special election described in this section may not contain:

(a) Any measure; or

(b) Any candidate other than those candidates for which a special election is necessary.

(8) If there is a vacancy in the nomination of a candidate at a special election called under ORS 254.655 (Order calling special election) , the vacancy in the nomination shall be filled in the manner provided in ORS chapter 249 and the special election shall be held as scheduled.

(9) When the office of state Senator or state Representative is vacant at the beginning of a session of the Legislative Assembly due to a special election called under ORS 254.655 (Order calling special election) , the vacancy may not be filled as provided in ORS 171.051 (Filling vacancies in Legislative Assembly) unless, before entering upon the duties of the office to which the person was elected, the person elected at the special election dies, resigns or is declared disqualified by the house to which the person was elected.

(10) The Secretary of State may adopt rules governing the procedures for conducting a special election required by ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) . [2003 c.542 §4; 2013 c.520 §19]

Source: Section 254.660 — Conduct of special election; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.570 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.570
247.570 Notice of deaths to Secretary of State and county clerk
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than five business days after receiving a report of death under ORS 432.133 (Mandatory submission and registration of reports of death) , a county registrar designated under ORS 432.035 (County registrars) shall furnish to the county clerk of that county the name, age, date of birth and residence address of the person for whom the registrar has received the report of death. If the person was registered to vote in the county, the county clerk immediately shall cancel the registration of the person.

(2) Not later than five business days after receiving information from the county registrar under subsection (1) of this section, the county clerk shall furnish the information to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall furnish a copy of the appropriate names received under this subsection to each county clerk. Each county clerk immediately shall cancel the registrations of those persons.

(3) The Oregon Health Authority, during the last week of each month, shall furnish to the Secretary of State a list of the name, age, date of birth, county of residence and residence address of each resident of this state who has died during the preceding month and for whom a report of death was not submitted to a county registrar. The Secretary of State shall furnish a copy of the appropriate names to each county clerk. Each county clerk immediately shall cancel registrations of those persons. [1963 c.346 §4; 1979 c.190 §60; 2003 c.596 §1; 2009 c.595 §193; 2013 c.366 §72]

Source: Section 247.570 — Notice of deaths to Secretary of State and county clerk; effect of notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.408 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.408
254.408 Procedure for voting by person for whom no evidence of registration is found
Status: in_force

(1) A person offering to vote and who claims to be an elector, but for whom no evidence of active or inactive registration can be found, shall be granted the right to vote in the manner provided in this section.

(2) Whenever an elector updates a registration at a county clerk’s office after the ballots have been mailed under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) , the elector shall vote in that election in the manner provided in this section.

(3) An elector voting under this section shall complete and sign a registration card.

(4)(a)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the elector shall insert the ballot into a small envelope provided by the county clerk and then insert the small envelope into a larger envelope. The larger envelope shall be delivered to the county clerk and shall be segregated and not counted until the registration of the elector is verified under this section.

(B) The county clerk shall inform the elector of any alterations to the process described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that are necessary if the Secretary of State has approved a procedure under ORS 254.458 (Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures) to be used in lieu of the envelope procedures.

(b) An envelope provided under this subsection must comply with the prohibitions set forth in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (13).

(5) The county clerk shall determine if the elector is validly registered to vote and if the vote was properly cast. The ballot shall be counted only if the county clerk determines the registration of the elector is considered active or inactive.

(6) A vote shall be counted only if the elector is qualified to vote for the particular office or on the measure. [Formerly 247.205; 1999 c.410 §53; 2007 c.154 §35; 2019 c.508 §4; 2021 c.473 §13; 2021 c.551 §13]

Source: Section 254.408 — Procedure for voting by person for whom no evidence of registration is found , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.035 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.035
254.035 Time and place of elections for city officers
Status: in_force

(1) It is the intention of the Legislative Assembly to carry out the provisions of section 14a, Article II, Oregon Constitution.

(2) All elections for city officers shall be held at the same time and place as elections for state and county officers. Unless a city charter or ordinance provides otherwise, the ballots used for state and county elections, if the county clerk considers it practicable, shall be arranged to include city offices and measures. [Formerly 250.230; 2007 c.154 §20]

Source: Section 254.035 — Time and place of elections for city officers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.705 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.705
260.705 Premature release of vote tally
Status: in_force

A person may not make public the results of the tally of votes from any precinct until after 8 p.m. on the date of the election. [Formerly 246.045; 2007 c.154 §56]

Source: Section 260.705 — Premature release of vote tally , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.221 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.221
250.221 Date of election
Status: in_force

If an initiative or referendum petition contains the required number of verified signatures, the election on the county measure shall be held on the next available election date in ORS 203.085 (County election dates) that is not sooner than the 90th day after the measure was filed with the county clerk. [1981 c.909 §4]

Source: Section 250.221 — Date of election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.125 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.125
251.125 Disclaimer
Status: in_force

(1) In a section of the voters’ pamphlet that provides general information, the Secretary of State shall include a disclaimer in boldfaced type in substantially the following form:

Information provided in statements or arguments submitted by a candidate, a political party, an assembly of electors or a person supporting or opposing a measure have not been verified for accuracy by the State of Oregon.

(2) At the bottom of each allotted space of the voters’ pamphlet containing a portrait or statement filed by a candidate, political party or assembly of electors, the Secretary of State shall include a statement identifying the person who furnished the portrait or statement. [1979 c.190 §182; 2005 c.234 §1; 2013 c.518 §4]

Source: Section 251.125 — Disclaimer; identification of portrait or statement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.645 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.645
260.645 Illegal acts relating to voting machines or vote tally systems
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall:

(a) Tamper with or injure or attempt to injure any voting machine or vote tally system to be used or being used in an election.

(b) Tamper with any voting machine or vote tally system that has been used in an election except in performance of election duties.

(c) Prevent or attempt to prevent the correct operation of any voting machine or vote tally system.

(2) An unauthorized person shall not make or possess a key to a voting machine or vote tally system to be used or being used in an election.

(3) Neither the Secretary of State nor any officer or employee of any county, city or district using a voting machine or vote tally system, shall solicit or accept any compensation, other than amounts paid by the governmental unit, in connection with the sale, lease or use of the voting machine or vote tally system.

(4) As used in this section, “voting machine” and “vote tally system” have the meaning given those terms in ORS 246.012 (Definitions) . [1979 c.190 §385; 1981 c.909 §9]

Source: Section 260.645 — Illegal acts relating to voting machines or vote tally systems , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.037 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.037
260.037 Liability of candidate or treasurer for default or violation of treasurer obligations
Status: in_force

(1) The candidate is personally responsible for the performance of the duties referred to in ORS 260.035 (Treasurer and statement of organization for political committees and candidates) (2). Any default or violation by the treasurer shall be conclusively considered a default or violation by the candidate. Any default or violation by the individual designated by the candidate or treasurer under ORS 260.039 (Content of statement of organization of candidate or principal campaign committee) or 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) is conclusively considered a default or violation by the candidate.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1) of this section, the treasurer of a political committee or the treasurer of a petition committee is personally responsible for the performance of the duties referred to in ORS 260.035 (Treasurer and statement of organization for political committees and candidates) (3) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) . Any default or violation by the individual designated by the treasurer under ORS 260.042 (Content of statement of organization of political committee) or 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) is conclusively considered a default or violation by the treasurer. [1973 c.744 §4; 1979 c.190 §341; 1993 c.493 §53; 2007 c.570 §2; 2013 c.758 §2; 2017 c.517 §1]

Source: Section 260.037 — Liability of candidate or treasurer for default or violation of treasurer obligations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.200 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.200
246.200 County clerk to conduct elections
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the county clerk is the only elections officer who may conduct an election in this state. For purposes of this section, the conduct of an election includes, but is not limited to, establishing precincts, preparing ballots and sample ballots, and receiving and processing votes.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section:

(a) The county clerk is not the only elections officer who may accept and verify a filing for nomination or filing of a petition, prepare a voters’ pamphlet or ballot title, or prepare or publish an election notice; and

(b) The Secretary of State may receive ballots as provided in ORS 253.585 (Receipt of military or overseas elector ballots by Secretary of State) . [1979 c.317 §1; 1983 c.350 §63a; 1987 c.535 §1; 2003 c.64 §3; 2007 c.154 §4]

Note: The amendments to 246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) by section 8, 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. 246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) , as amended by section 8, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) . (1)(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the county clerk is the only elections officer who may conduct an election in this state.

(b) For purposes of this section, the conduct of an election includes, but is not limited to, establishing precincts, preparing ballots and sample ballots, and receiving and processing votes.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section:

(a) The county clerk is not the only elections officer who may accept and verify a filing for nomination or filing of a petition, prepare a voters’ pamphlet or ballot title, or prepare or publish an election notice;

(b) The Secretary of State may receive ballots as provided in ORS 253.585 (Receipt of military or overseas elector ballots by Secretary of State) ; and

(c) The Secretary of State, in a manner determined by the secretary by rule, may tally ballots cast for the nomination for or election to an office that is determined by ranked choice voting as provided in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023.

Source: Section 246.200 — County clerk to conduct elections; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.967 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.967
247.967 Disclosure of residence address of elector or family member of elector
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) :

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the county clerk may disclose the residence address of an elector and any family member residing with the elector exempt from public disclosure under ORS 247.965 (Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector) if the county clerk receives a court order or a request from any law enforcement agency to disclose the address.

(2) A petition may be filed with the circuit court of the county in which the administrative offices of the county clerk are located requesting disclosure of the residence address of any elector exempt from disclosure under ORS 247.965 (Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector) . The petitioner shall have the burden of showing the disclosure would not constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

(3) The county clerk may not disclose the actual address, as defined in ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) , of an Address Confidentiality Program participant under ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) to 192.868 (Grants, donations and gifts) . [1993 c.616 §3; 2007 c.542 §13; 2023 c.600 §12]

Source: Section 247.967 — Disclosure of residence address of elector or family member of elector; procedure; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.075 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.075
251.075 Portrait requirements
Status: in_force

(1) A candidate may not submit for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet a portrait that was taken more than four years before the date the portrait is filed with the Secretary of State.

(2) A portrait submitted for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet shall:

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

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

(c) Be prepared and processed for printing as prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(3) A portrait submitted for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet may not:

(a) Include the hands or anything held in the hands of the candidate;

(b) Show the candidate wearing a judicial robe, a hat or a military, police or fraternal uniform; and

(c) Show the uniform or insignia of any organization.

(4) The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the size and manner of placement of the portrait printed in the voters’ pamphlet, except that the size of a portrait shall not be smaller than 1.5 inches by 1.75 inches. The rule shall apply in the same manner to all candidates for the same nomination or office. [1979 c.190 §178; 1979 c.533 §2; 1985 c.808 §30a; 1987 c.707 §11; 1999 c.318 §11; 2003 c.233 §1]

Source: Section 251.075 — Portrait requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.085
254.085 Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State, not later than the 61st day before the date of a primary or general election, shall file with each county clerk a statement of the federal and state offices to be filled or for which candidates are to be nominated in the county at the election, information concerning all candidates for the offices, and the state measures to be voted on.

(2) The information concerning candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court and circuit court shall include a designation of incumbent for each candidate who is the regularly elected or appointed judge of the court to which the candidate seeks election. If a candidate was regularly elected or appointed to a specific position or department on the court, the candidate shall be designated as the incumbent only if the person is a candidate for that position or department.

(3) Included with each state measure shall be the measure number, the latest ballot title certified by the Attorney General under ORS 250.067 (Notice of draft ballot title) (2) or, if the Supreme Court has reviewed the title under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) , the title certified by the court and the financial estimates under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) . The Secretary of State shall keep a copy of the statement. [Formerly 250.020; 1985 c.742 §1; 1991 c.971 §8; 1993 c.493 §28; 1995 c.712 §55; 1999 c.59 §65; 2007 c.159 §4; 2009 c.511 §7]

Source: Section 254.085 — Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.052 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.052
249.052 Determination of inhabitancy of candidate for Legislative Assembly
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of determining whether a candidate for the office of state Representative or state Senator has been an inhabitant of the district from which the Senator or Representative may be chosen as required by section 8, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution, an elections official may consider, but is not limited to considering, the following factors:

(a) Where the candidate receives personal mail;

(b) Where the candidate is licensed to drive;

(c) Where the candidate registers motor vehicles for personal use;

(d) Where any immediate family members of the candidate reside;

(e) The address from which the candidate pays for utility services;

(f) The address from which the candidate files any federal or state income tax returns; and

(g) The candidate’s voter registration, if any.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If the county clerk determines that the property indicated by the address information provided on a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy for nomination or election to the office of state Senator or state Representative is located less than 100 radial yards from the boundary of the district in which the candidate has filed for nomination or election, the Secretary of State shall verify the location of the residence of the candidate to determine whether the candidate is an inhabitant of the district.

(b) The Legislative Administration Committee shall make available to the secretary any mapping software and hardware used by the Legislative Assembly for redistricting to aid the secretary in verifying a candidate’s residence under this section. [2009 c.625 §2; 2011 c.691 §1]

Note: 249.052 (Determination of inhabitancy of candidate for Legislative Assembly) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 249 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 249.052 — Determination of inhabitancy of candidate for Legislative Assembly; verification of residence , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.355 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.355
250.355 Date of election
Status: in_force

If a referendum petition contains the required number of verified signatures, the election on the city measure shall be held on the next available election date in ORS 221.230 (Election dates) that is not sooner than the 90th day after the referendum petition was filed with the city elections officer. [1989 c.503 §35; 2007 c.155 §8]

Source: Section 250.355 — Date of election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.016 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.016
247.016 Registration of person who is 16 or 17 years of age
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to this section, an otherwise qualified person who is at least 16 years of age may register to vote.

(2) A person who registers to vote under subsection (1) of this section may not vote in an election until the person attains the age of 18 years.

(3) If a person who registers to vote under subsection (1) of this section will be under 18 years of age on the date of the next election held on a date listed in ORS 171.185 (Dates for legislatively prescribed elections) or the next special election, the person’s voter registration information, including but not limited to the person’s name and any identifying information, may not be disclosed as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) . [2007 c.555 §2; 2015 c.8 §8; 2017 c.468 §1]

Source: Section 247.016 — Registration of person who is 16 or 17 years of age; limitation on public record disclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.098 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.098
254.098 Expenses for change in information filed under ORS 254.085 or 254.095
Status: in_force

If, after the deadline for filing a statement under ORS 254.085 (Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures) or 254.095 (City elections officers’ statements of offices, candidates and measures) , an electoral district requires a change in the information contained in the statement, the electoral district for which the change is made shall bear the expenses incurred as a result of the change. As used in this section, “electoral district” means the state in the case of a statement filed under ORS 254.085 (Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures) and a city in the case of a statement filed under ORS 254.095 (City elections officers’ statements of offices, candidates and measures) . [1991 c.74 §2; 1993 c.493 §30]

Source: Section 254.098 — Expenses for change in information filed under ORS 254.085 or 254.095 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.007 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.007
248.007 Organization of major political parties
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to ORS 248.005 (Parties to insure widest and fairest representation of members) , a major political party may organize and select delegates to national party conventions in any manner.

(2) The provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) do not apply to a major political party if the party has notified the Secretary of State as provided in subsection (5) of this section that the party does not intend to be subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) . References to precinct committeepersons in any provisions of ORS chapters 246 to 260 do not apply to a party described in this subsection.

(3) ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) apply only to a major political party that has notified the Secretary of State as provided in subsection (5) of this section that the political party intends to be subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) . References to precinct committeepersons in any provisions of ORS chapters 246 to 260 shall apply to a party described in this subsection. If a major political party fails to notify the Secretary of State under this subsection, the party shall be considered subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) .

(4) A major political party shall notify the Secretary of State as provided in subsection (5) of this section if the party does not intend to be subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) except that the party intends to elect precinct committeepersons. If a party notifies the Secretary of State under this subsection, the party shall elect precinct committeepersons only as provided in ORS 248.015 (Precinct committeepersons) and shall elect precinct committeepersons in the same manner in all precincts in this state.

(5) Not later than the 271st day before the date of the primary election, a major political party shall notify the Secretary of State in writing whether or not the party intends to be subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) or whether the party intends to elect precinct committeepersons under subsection (4) of this section. If the major political party does not intend to be subject to the provisions of ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) or intends to elect precinct committeepersons under subsection (4) of this section, the party shall file with the Secretary of State, at the same time notice is given under this subsection, a copy of its organizational documents setting forth the manner in which its officers and managing committees are selected or any other manner in which it conducts its affairs.

(6) In each even-numbered year, a major political party shall file with the Secretary of State a statement indicating that the party is operating subject to ORS 248.012 (Notice of committee meetings required) to 248.315 (Selection of delegates to national convention) or a copy of current organizational documents setting forth the manner in which its officers and managing committees are selected or any other manner in which it conducts its affairs. Material described in this subsection shall be filed between the 271st and the 277th day before the third Tuesday in May of each odd-numbered year.

(7) A major political party subject to the provisions of this section shall nominate candidates of the major political party, for other than political party office, at the primary election. [1993 c.797 §3; 1995 c.712 §15; 2017 c.749 §5]

Source: Section 248.007 — Organization of major political parties; applicability of ORS 248.012 to 248.315; election of precinct committeepersons; notice to Secretary of State; use of primary election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.155 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.155
254.155 Order of candidate names on ballot
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 69th day before the date of any election the Secretary of State shall complete a random ordering of the letters of the alphabet.

(2) Not later than the 68th day before the date of any election the Secretary of State shall mail or deliver to each county clerk a copy of the random ordering of the letters of the alphabet.

(3) The county clerk shall arrange by surname the names of the candidates on the ballot in the random order of the letters of the alphabet completed by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The requirements of this section apply only if at least one contested candidate race will be on the ballot. [Formerly 249.362; 1983 c.253 §1; 1987 c.267 §47; 1993 c.713 §49; 2007 c.154 §27; 2018 c.70 §11; 2019 c.675 §8]

Source: Section 254.155 — Order of candidate names on ballot , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.135 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.135
254.135 Official general or special election ballots
Status: in_force

(1) The official general or special election ballot shall be styled “Official Ballot” and shall state:

(a) The name of the county for which it is intended.

(b) The date of the election.

(c) The names of all candidates for offices to be filled at the election whose nominations have been made and accepted and who have not died, withdrawn or become disqualified. The ballot may not contain the name of any other person.

(d) The number, ballot title and financial estimates under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) of any measure to be voted on at the election.

(2) The names of candidates for President and Vice President of the United States shall be printed in groups together, with their political party designations. The names of the electors may not be printed on the general election ballot. A vote for the candidates for President and Vice President is a vote for the group of presidential electors supporting those candidates and selected as provided by law. The general election ballot shall state that electors of President and Vice President are being elected and that a vote for the candidates for President and Vice President shall be a vote for the electors supporting those candidates.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The name of each candidate nominated shall be printed on the ballot in but one place, without regard to how many times the candidate may have been nominated, except in circumstances where a candidate may hold more than one office or nomination without violating ORS 249.013 (Candidacy for more than one office) . The name of a political party, or names of political parties, shall be printed with the name of a candidate for other than nonpartisan office according to the following rules:

(A) For a candidate not affiliated with a political party who is nominated by a minor political party, the name of the minor political party shall be printed with the name of the candidate;

(B) For a candidate not affiliated with a political party who is nominated by more than one minor political party, the names of not more than three minor political parties selected by the candidate shall be printed with the name of the candidate;

(C) For a candidate who is a member of a political party who is nominated by a political party of which the candidate is not a member, the name of the political party that nominated the candidate shall be printed with the name of the candidate;

(D) For a candidate who is a member of a political party who is nominated by more than one political party of which the candidate is not a member, the names of not more than three political parties selected by the candidate shall be printed with the name of the candidate;

(E) For a candidate who is nominated only by a political party of which the candidate is a member, the name of the political party of which the candidate is a member shall be printed with the name of the candidate; and

(F) For a candidate who is nominated by a political party of which the candidate is a member and by any political party or parties of which the candidate is not a member, the name of the political party of which the candidate is a member and the names of not more than two other political parties selected by the candidate shall be printed with the name of the candidate.

(b) If a candidate is required to select the name of a political party to be printed on the ballot under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the candidate shall notify the filing officer of the selection not later than the 61st day before the day of the election.

(c) The word “incumbent” shall be printed with the name of each candidate for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court or circuit court who is designated the incumbent by the Secretary of State under ORS 254.085 (Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures) .

(d) The word “nonaffiliated” shall be printed with the name of each candidate who is not affiliated with a political party and who is nominated by an assembly of electors or individual electors.

(e) If two or more candidates for the same office have the same or similar surnames, the location of their places of residence shall be printed with their names to distinguish one from another.

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3)(a) of this section, the name of a candidate nominated for more than one district office that is to be filled at the same election shall be separately printed upon the ballot for each district office for which the candidate is nominated. [Formerly 250.110; 1983 c.7 §5; 1985 c.742 §3; 1991 c.971 §12; 1993 c.493 §38; 1995 c.606 §7; 1999 c.410 §46; 2005 c.797 §46; 2007 c.154 §25; 2009 c.798 §2; 2012 c.102 §1; 2014 c.67 §2; 2014 c.112 §2; 2017 c.749 §28]

Source: Section 254.135 — Official general or special election ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.185 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.185
255.185 Date of election on measure initiated or referred by electors
Status: in_force

(1) In a district that holds regular district elections, if an initiative or referendum petition contains the required number of verified signatures, the election on the district measure shall be held on the third Tuesday in May, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November or the date of the next scheduled regular district election. The election date may not be sooner than the next available date listed in this subsection for which the filing deadline may be met and may not be later than the first regular district election following the 40th day after the date of the order calling the election.

(2) In a district that does not hold regular district elections, if an initiative or referendum petition contains the required number of verified signatures, the election on the district measure shall be held at the next available date listed in subsection (1) of this section for which the filing deadline may be met. [1979 c.190 §297; 1983 c.350 §76; 1985 c.808 §44; 1991 c.107 §13; 2015 c.44 §3]

Source: Section 255.185 — Date of election on measure initiated or referred by electors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.270 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.270
246.270 Office hours of county clerk on election days
Status: in_force

On the day of any primary election, general election or special election held throughout the county, the county clerk’s office shall remain open for business pertaining to the election from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. of the same day. [1957 c.608 §18; 1979 c.190 §16; 1987 c.267 §3; 1995 c.712 §3; 1999 c.410 §3; 1999 c.999 §29]

Source: Section 246.270 — Office hours of county clerk on election days , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.155 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.155
255.155 Procedure for elector dissatisfied with title of district measure
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector dissatisfied with a ballot title filed with the elections officer by the district attorney or district elections authority may petition the circuit court of the judicial district in which the administrative office of the district is located seeking a different title and stating the reasons the title filed with the court is insufficient, not concise or unfair. The petition shall name as respondent the district attorney or district elections authority, depending on who prepared the ballot title, and must be filed not later than the seventh business day after the title is filed with the elections officer. The court shall review the title and measure to be initiated or referred, hear arguments, if any, and certify to the elections officer a title for the measure which meets the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(2) An elector filing a petition under this section shall notify the county clerk in writing that the petition has been filed. The notice shall be given not later than 5 p.m. on the next business day following the day the petition is filed.

(3) The review by the circuit court shall be the first and final review, and shall be conducted expeditiously to insure the orderly and timely circulation of petitions or conduct of the election at which the measure is to be submitted to the electors. [1979 c.190 §294; 1983 c.514 §13a; 1987 c.707 §21; 1989 c.503 §16; 1993 c.493 §99; 1995 c.534 §5]

Source: Section 255.155 — Procedure for elector dissatisfied with title of district measure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.068 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.068
254.068 Simulated election for individuals under 18 years of age
Status: in_force

On the date of any election, the county clerk may conduct a simulated election. As used in this section, “simulated election” means a demonstration election held for individuals under 18 years of age for the purpose of encouraging future voter participation. [1991 c.436 §2]

Source: Section 254.068 — Simulated election for individuals under 18 years of age , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.020 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.020
249.020 Filing of candidates’ nominating petition or declaration of candidacy
Status: in_force

(1) An eligible elector may become a candidate for nonpartisan office, or for the nomination to an office by the major political party of which the elector is a member, by filing a nominating petition or a declaration of candidacy.

(2) At the time of filing, a declaration of candidacy shall be accompanied by the filing fee specified in ORS 249.056 (Filing fees) .

(3) At the time of filing, a nominating petition shall contain the signature sheets described under ORS 249.064 (Information required on petition) . [Amended by 1957 c.608 §66; 1975 c.779 §17; 1979 c.190 §103]

Source: Section 249.020 — Filing of candidates’ nominating petition or declaration of candidacy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.655 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.655
254.655 Order calling special election
Status: in_force

(1) If the Secretary of State determines that a special election is necessary under ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) , the secretary shall issue an order calling the election. The secretary shall issue the order not later than the fifth business day after the date of the general election.

(2) The date of the special election shall be determined by the Secretary of State by rule. The special election shall be held not sooner than January 2 of the odd-numbered year following the date of the general election and not later than the Friday before the second Monday in January of the odd-numbered year.

(3) A state voters’ pamphlet may not be prepared for any special election called under this section. [2003 c.542 §3; 2007 c.154 §49]

Source: Section 254.655 — Order calling special election; date , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.015 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.015
248.015 Precinct committeepersons
Status: in_force

(1) A precinct committeeperson shall be a representative of the major political party in the precinct. At the primary election a major political party shall elect from its members a precinct committeeperson for every 250 electors, or major fraction thereof, who are registered in the precinct 251 days before the primary election. In any event the political party members of a precinct shall be entitled to elect not less than two committeepersons in the precinct. A person may not hold office as precinct committeeperson in more than one precinct.

(2) A member of a major political party who meets the party membership requirements set forth in ORS 249.046 (Party membership required for nomination of party) may become a candidate for precinct committeeperson of the precinct in which the person is registered, of a precinct within the same county adjoining that precinct or of a precinct that is both in the same county and state Representative district as the precinct in which the person is registered, by filing a declaration of candidacy described in ORS 249.031 (Contents of petition or declaration) , except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) ORS 249.031 (Contents of petition or declaration) (1)(i) does not apply to declarations of candidacy for candidates for precinct committeeperson.

(4) A member of the major political party who has been a member of that party for 180 days before the primary election may be elected by write-in votes as precinct committeeperson of the precinct in which the member is registered, of a precinct within the same county adjoining that precinct or of a precinct that is both in the same county and state Representative district as the precinct in which the person is registered. A member elected by write-in votes must meet the requirements for write-in candidates set forth in this section and ORS 248.019 (Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson) or 248.021 (Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson) .

(5) Unless a qualified person receives at least three votes, no person is deemed to have been elected as precinct committeeperson and the office of precinct committeeperson shall be vacant.

(6) The term of office of a precinct committeeperson is from the 35th day after the date of the primary election until the 35th day after the date of the next following primary election.

(7) A precinct committeeperson is not considered a public officer. [1965 c.407 §§3, 7; subsection (6) enacted as 1967 c.540 §3(3); 1969 c.282 §1; 1977 c.199 §1; 1977 c.644 §1; 1979 c.190 §73; 1981 c.862 §1; 1991 c.87 §1; 1991 c.107 §3; 1995 c.712 §17; 2019 c.675 §26; 2022 c.84 §8]

Source: Section 248.015 — Precinct committeepersons; qualifications; election; vote required; term , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.195 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.195
247.195 Inquiry into validity of registration
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk, at any time, may inquire into the validity of the registration of any elector. The county clerk shall mail a written statement to the elector that describes the nature of the inquiry and provides a suitable form for reply.

(2) Not later than the 20th day after the date of mailing of the statement, the elector, in writing, may state that the information on the registration card is correct or may request a change in the information on the card. Upon receipt of the statement or request, the county clerk shall determine whether the information satisfies the inquiry. If the county clerk determines that the inquiry has not been satisfied, the county clerk shall schedule a hearing and shall notify the elector of the place and time of the hearing. The hearing shall be held not sooner than the second nor later than the 20th day after notice is given. At the hearing, the elector may present evidence of qualification. If the county clerk, upon the conclusion of the hearing, determines that the elector’s registration is not valid, the county clerk shall cancel the registration. [1981 c.173 §16; 1985 c.471 §3; 1989 c.503 §3; 1993 c.713 §14]

Source: Section 247.195 — Inquiry into validity of registration; hearing; cancellation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.281 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.281
260.281 Donor identification lists
Status: repealed

[2019 c.637 §3]

Source: Section 260.281 — Donor identification lists; contents; updates; rules (repealed) , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.230 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.230
251.230 Effect if explanatory statement not filed
Status: in_force

If an explanatory statement is not filed by a committee under ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) or by the Legislative Counsel Committee under ORS 251.225 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement by Legislative Counsel Committee) , the measure shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet without the explanatory statement. [1991 c.971 §6]

Source: Section 251.230 — Effect if explanatory statement not filed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.009 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.009
247.009 Qualification to vote in political subdivision
Status: in_force

Unless specifically provided otherwise, a person may vote in an election of a political subdivision of this state only if the person is an elector registered in the political subdivision. [1983 c.83 §2]

Source: Section 247.009 — Qualification to vote in political subdivision , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.170 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.170
246.170 Deposit of moneys received under ORS 246.160 in Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account
Status: in_force

All moneys received by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.160 (Compilations and digests of election laws) shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account established under ORS 279A.290 (Miscellaneous receipts accounts) . All moneys received by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.160 (Compilations and digests of election laws) and deposited in the account are appropriated continuously to the Secretary of State for the payment of expenses incurred in performing the functions described in ORS 246.160 (Compilations and digests of election laws) . [Formerly part of 246.160 (Compilations and digests of election laws) ; 1973 c.162 §3; 1979 c.190 §10; 1995 c.144 §7; 2003 c.794 §220]

Source: Section 246.170 — Deposit of moneys received under ORS 246.160 in Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.973 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.973
247.973 Status of signature on voter registration card as public record
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, an individual’s signature submitted under this chapter for purposes of registering to vote is subject to inspection as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) . The signature may be inspected in the Office of the Secretary of State or the office of the county clerk.

(2) A person may not make a copy of or provide to another person a copy of an individual’s signature submitted under this chapter for purposes of registering to vote.

(3) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to copies made by any elections official acting in an official capacity for purposes of administering the provisions of ORS chapters 246 to 260 or any rules adopted thereunder.

(4) Identifying information or documents submitted by an individual for purposes of registering to vote as required under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252) are exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) .

(5) Identifying information relating to a disability of an elector that is entered into official voter registration records by an elections official is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) . [1999 c.824 §4; 2003 c.803 §15; 2007 c.156 §1; 2018 c.70 §22]

Source: Section 247.973 — Status of signature on voter registration card as public record; copies of signature prohibited; voter registration documents or information exempt from disclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.049 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.049
251.049 Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Secretary of State may not print the name or title of a person or the name of an organization in an argument supporting or opposing any measure or a statement of any candidate, political party or assembly of electors filed for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet, if the name or title of the person or the name of the organization is cited as supporting or endorsing the argument or statement.

(2) The Secretary of State may print the name or title of a person or the name of an organization in an argument or statement submitted for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet as supporting or endorsing the argument or statement if:

(a) Not later than the deadline for filing an argument or statement with the Secretary of State, the secretary receives a statement signed by the person, or by an authorized person on behalf of an organization, stating that the person consents to the use of the name or title of the person or the name of the organization; or

(b) The name or title of a person or the name of an organization is used with a quotation made by the person or by an authorized person on behalf of an organization, the quotation was disseminated to the public prior to its inclusion in the argument or statement and the quotation is identified by its source and date.

(3) A person may not:

(a) Submit a false signature under subsection (2) of this section; or

(b) Alter the manner in which a person signing a statement of consent described in subsection (2) of this section designates the person’s name or title or the name of the organization the person represents to appear in the argument or statement. This paragraph does not prohibit revisions allowed or required under ORS 251.055 (Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet) or 251.087 (Secretary of State review of candidate portrait and statement) . [1987 c.724 §2; 1991 c.719 §47; 1993 c.493 §108; 2001 c.564 §1; 2003 c.233 §2; 2009 c.11 §22]

Source: Section 251.049 — Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements; exceptions; prohibitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.004 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.004
248.004 Powers of political parties
Status: in_force

(1) A minor political party or a major political party shall have all the powers granted to a nonprofit corporation under ORS 65.077 (General powers) .

(2) A major or minor political party shall be treated for purposes of contractual, tort or other liability as a nonprofit corporation.

(3) Officers and employees of a major or minor political party, including officers and employees of local subdivisions of the parties, shall be treated as officers and employees of nonprofit corporations for liability for all matters relating to the political party.

(4) Any member of a governing body of a major or minor political party, including local subdivisions of the parties, shall be treated as directors of nonprofit corporations for liability for all matters relating to the political party. If the bylaws of a party designate a central committee, such as a state, county or congressional district central committee, as the governing body of the party, then the members of the central committee shall be directors of the party for purposes of this section.

(5) Notwithstanding ORS 65.157 (Creditor’s action against member) , creditors of a major or minor political party may not proceed against members of the political parties for liabilities members owe to the parties arising from their party membership.

(6) This section does not affect the liability of political committee directors, treasurers and candidates as provided in ORS chapter 260. [1993 c.797 §5]

Source: Section 248.004 — Powers of political parties; liability of political parties and of officers, employees and members of political parties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.870 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.870
249.870 Number of signers on recall petition
Status: in_force

The requisite number of signers on a recall petition is 15 percent of the total votes cast in the electoral district for all candidates for Governor at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term next preceding the filing of the petition for verification of signatures. [Formerly 254.450; 1981 c.173 §27; 1985 c.808 §22; 1995 c.607 §21]

Source: Section 249.870 — Number of signers on recall petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.029 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.029
250.029 Withdrawal of initiative or referendum petition
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the chief petitioners of an initiative or referendum petition may withdraw the petition at any time prior to the submission of the petition for signature verification.

(2) The chief petitioners of an initiative petition relating to a state measure may withdraw the petition at any time prior to the submission of the total number of signatures required on the petition for signature verification.

(3) The Secretary of State by rule shall design a form for use in filing a withdrawal of any initiative or referendum petition. The withdrawal form must be signed by all of the chief petitioners and filed with the filing officer. [1995 c.607 §25; 2009 c.533 §9]

Source: Section 250.029 — Withdrawal of initiative or referendum petition; form , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.115 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.115
254.115 Official primary election ballot
Status: in_force

(1) The official primary election ballot shall be styled “Official Primary Nominating Ballot for the _____ Party.” and shall state:

(a) The name of the county for which it is intended.

(b) The date of the primary election.

(c) The names of all candidates for nomination at the primary election whose nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy have been made and filed, and who have not died, withdrawn or become disqualified.

(d) The names of candidates for election as precinct committeeperson.

(e) The names of candidates for the party nomination for President of the United States who qualified for the ballot under ORS 249.078 (Printing name of candidate for presidential nomination of major party on ballot) .

(2) The primary election ballot may include any city, county or nonpartisan office or the number, ballot title and financial estimates under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) of any measure.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The ballot may not contain the name of any person other than those referred to in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

(b) The name of each candidate for whom a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy has been filed shall be printed on the ballot in but one place, except in circumstances where a candidate may hold more than one office or nomination without violating ORS 249.013 (Candidacy for more than one office) .

(c) In the event that two or more candidates for the same nomination or office have the same first name and last name, as indicated on the declarations of candidacy or nominating petitions of the candidates, the location of their places of residence shall be printed with their names to distinguish one from another. This paragraph does not apply to candidates for precinct committeeperson. [Formerly 249.354; 1983 c.7 §3; 1983 c.567 §16; 1987 c.267 §42; 1991 c.971 §§9,10; 1993 c.493 §§31,32; 1995 c.712 §56; 1999 c.410 §44; 1999 c.999 §48; 2007 c.154 §23; 2012 c.102 §2; 2017 c.749 §27; 2023 c.600 §31]

Source: Section 254.115 — Official primary election ballot , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.842 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.842
249.842 Filling vacancy in nomination
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, before the date of the general election, a vacancy in a nomination made by a minor political party may be filled as provided by party rule.

(2) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, before the date of the general election, a vacancy in a nomination made by an assembly of electors may be filled by:

(a) Reconvening the assembly that made the original nomination to select a new nominee; or

(b) A committee to whom the assembly at its convention delegated the authority to fill vacancies.

(3) An assembly of electors may reconvene under subsection (2) of this section only at the call of the chairperson of the original assembly. An assembly will be considered the assembly that made the original nomination if the chairperson and secretary are the same as those of the original assembly.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, before the date of the general election, a vacancy in a nomination made by individual electors may be filled by filing a new certificate of nomination. The certificate of nomination to fill the vacancy shall conform with the requirements of ORS 249.720 (Information to be contained in certificate of nomination) and 249.740 (Certificates of nomination made by individual electors) .

(5) The Secretary of State by rule may adopt a schedule specifying the period after a vacancy in a nomination occurs within which a certificate of nomination filling the vacancy must be filed. [1979 c.190 §134; 1985 c.808 §19; 1993 c.797 §16]

Source: Section 249.842 — Filling vacancy in nomination; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.008 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.008
249.008 Verification of signatures by county clerk or Secretary of State
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, before a nominating petition, minutes of an assembly of electors or petition by individual electors is offered for filing, the county clerk of each county in which the signatures were secured or the Secretary of State shall compare the signatures of electors on the petition or minutes with the signatures of the electors on the elector registration cards. Any petition or minutes submitted for verification under this section shall contain only original signatures. The county clerk or the secretary shall attach to the petition or minutes a certificate stating the number of signatures believed to be genuine. The certificate is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in it. A signature not included in the number certified to be genuine shall not be counted by the officer with whom the petition is filed. No signature in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be counted.

(2) If the total number of signatures presented to a county clerk or the Secretary of State for verification is 15,000 or more, the county clerk or secretary may use a statistical sampling technique authorized by the secretary to verify the signatures. The sample shall be drawn from at least 100 percent of the number of signatures required for nomination.

(3) After signatures of electors on a nominating petition, minutes of an assembly of electors or petition by individual electors are submitted for verification, no elector who signed the petition or minutes may remove the signature of the elector from the petition or minutes.

(4) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish procedures for verifying whether a petition submitted under this section contains the required number of signatures of electors. [Formerly 249.055; 1985 c.808 §10; 1989 c.68 §2; 1993 c.493 §6; 2017 c.749 §43]

Source: Section 249.008 — Verification of signatures by county clerk or Secretary of State; removal of signatures prohibited after submittal; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.285 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.285
251.285 Inclusion of community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or metropolitan service district measure in voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) If a community college district measure relating to bonding, a county measure or a measure of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, and the ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments relating to the measure, are to be included by the Secretary of State in the state voters’ pamphlet as provided in ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) , the requirements of this section shall be satisfied.

(2) A community college district measure relating to bonding, a county measure or a metropolitan service district measure, and the ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments relating to the measure, shall not be printed in the voters’ pamphlet unless:

(a) The ballot title is a concise and impartial statement of the purpose of the measure;

(b) The explanatory statement is an impartial, simple and understandable statement explaining the measure and its effect;

(c) The county, metropolitan service district or community college district adopts and complies with an ordinance that provides a review procedure for a ballot title or explanatory statement that is contested because it does not comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection;

(d) The county, metropolitan service district or community college district adopts and complies with an ordinance that provides for acceptance of typewritten arguments relating to the measure not to exceed 325 words to be printed in the voters’ pamphlet; and

(e) The county, metropolitan service district or community college district does not require of a person filing an argument a payment of more than $300, or a petition containing more than a number of signatures equal to 1,000 electors eligible to vote on the measure or 10 percent of the total of such electors, whichever is less.

(3) Any judicial review of a determination made under the review procedures adopted under subsection (2)(c) of this section shall be first and finally:

(a) For a county measure, in the circuit court of the judicial district in which the county is located; or

(b) For a community college district measure relating to bonding or a metropolitan service district measure, in the circuit court of the judicial district in which the administrative office of the metropolitan service district or community college district is located.

(4) If the county, metropolitan service district or community college district has adopted and complied with ordinances prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the decision to include the measure, ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments in the voters’ pamphlet shall be made by:

(a) The county governing body with regard to a county measure, the council of the metropolitan service district with regard to a metropolitan service district measure or the district elections authority with regard to a community college district measure relating to bonding.

(b) The chief petitioners of the initiative or referendum with regard to a measure initiated or referred by the people. The chief petitioners shall indicate their decision in a statement signed by all of the chief petitioners and file the signed statement:

(A) For a county measure, with the county clerk;

(B) For a metropolitan service district measure, with the executive officer of the metropolitan service district; or

(C) For a community college district measure relating to bonding, with the district elections authority.

(c) A political committee, as defined in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) , that opposes the measure. The committee shall indicate its decision in a statement signed by every committee director, as defined in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) , and file the signed statement:

(A) For a county measure, with the county clerk;

(B) For a metropolitan service district measure, with the executive officer of the metropolitan service district; or

(C) For a community college district measure relating to bonding, with the district elections authority.

(5) The county, metropolitan service district or community college district shall file the measure, ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments with the Secretary of State not later than the 70th day before the general election or the 68th day before a special election held on the date of any primary election. The county, metropolitan service district or community college district shall pay to the Secretary of State the cost of including the material described in this subsection in the pamphlet as determined by the secretary. The Secretary of State shall not print the material in the pamphlet unless:

(a) The time for filing a petition for judicial review of a determination made under subsection (2)(c) of this section has passed; and

(b) The measure, title, statement and arguments properly filed with the county, metropolitan service district or community college district, are delivered to the secretary.

(6) As used in this section, “community college district” has the meaning given that term in ORS 341.005 (Definitions) . [Formerly 255.455; 1981 c.173 §29; 1989 c.250 §1; 1991 c.15 §3; 1991 c.719 §11; 1995 c.712 §47; 1999 c.318 §53; 2001 c.965 §11; 2009 c.817 §4; 2017 c.392 §2]

Source: Section 251.285 — Inclusion of community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or metropolitan service district measure in voters’ pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.205 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.205
255.205 Retention of petition materials
Status: in_force

The elections officer shall retain the signature sheets of a filed initiative or referendum petition with a copy of the district measure. If the measure is approved by the district 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 §299]

Source: Section 255.205 — Retention of petition materials , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.532 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.532
254.532 Risk-limiting audit
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Incorrect election outcome” means an election outcome that differs from the election outcome that would result from an accurate hand count of all validly cast ballots.

(b) “Risk” means the probability that an audit procedure would fail to detect an incorrect election outcome.

(c) “Risk limit” means the largest acceptable risk.

(d) “Risk-limiting audit” means a set of procedures to ensure that the risk does not exceed the risk limit.

(2) At each primary election, general election or special election, the county clerk for each county shall make a determination on whether to conduct a hand count of ballots in the manner described in ORS 254.529 (Choice of conducting hand recount of ballots or risk-limiting audit) or to conduct a risk-limiting audit in the manner described in this section.

(3) If the county clerk makes a determination under subsection (2) of this section to conduct a risk-limiting audit, the county clerk shall conduct a risk-limiting audit for one or more single-county election contests. For an election contest involving more than one county, the county clerk may request that the Secretary of State or the county clerks in the other counties holding the election coordinate for the purpose of conducting a multicounty risk-limiting audit.

(4) A risk-limiting audit conducted under this section must:

(a) Permit members of the public to observe the procedures and verify the results of the audit;

(b) Ensure that the entity directly involved in tabulating or examining ballots during the audit does not have the sole authority to establish the policies and regulations for the audit or to judge whether an audit has satisfied those policies and regulations;

(c) Ensure that all ballots tabulated or examined during an audit are protected from loss, substitution, alteration or addition;

(d) Ensure that the audit takes into account all forms of validly cast ballots, including accepted provisional ballots;

(e) Include mechanisms that permit the entity conducting the audit to respond to particular allegations regarding election irregularities;

(f) Be conducted in a timely manner that permits the initially reported outcome to be corrected before an election contest is certified;

(g) Ensure that no change or error in technology used to assist with the audit could result in an undetected change in the results of the audit; and

(h) Be based on direct visual human examination of elector-marked ballots.

(5) A risk-limiting audit conducted under this section may not rely on a scanned image of a ballot or a machine interpretation of marks on a ballot to determine elector intent.

(6) The Secretary of State, in consultation with county clerks and individuals or entities with significant statistical expertise in conducting audits, shall establish rules for the implementation of this section, including:

(a) Setting the risk limit; and

(b) Establishing the procedures to be used for conducting a risk-limiting audit. [2019 c.562 §2]

Source: Section 254.532 — Risk-limiting audit; procedures; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.877 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.877
249.877 Statement of justification by public officer
Status: in_force

(1) A public officer against whom a recall petition has been filed may submit to the filing officer, in not more than 200 words, a statement of justification of the public officer’s course in office. The statement must be filed not later than the fifth day after the recall petition is filed.

(2) The county clerk shall have the statement printed on the official and sample ballots for the recall election. [1983 c.514 §7b]

Source: Section 249.877 — Statement of justification by public officer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.135 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.135
250.135 Retention of petition materials
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall retain the signature sheets of a filed initiative or referendum petition with a copy of the state measure. If the measure is approved by the people, the signature sheets and copy of the measure shall be bound with a certified copy of the Governor’s proclamation declaring the measure approved. A copy of the measure and the Governor’s proclamation shall be preserved as a permanent public record. The signature sheets shall be preserved for six years. [1979 c.190 §152]

Source: Section 250.135 — Retention of petition materials , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.431 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.431
254.431 Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature
Status: in_force

(1) If a ballot is challenged because it is returned in an unsigned return identification envelope or because the signature of an elector on a return identification envelope does not match the signature in the voter registration record for the elector, the county clerk shall mail to the elector a notice that describes the nature of the challenge. The Secretary of State shall design a standard form to be used in all notifications sent by county clerks under this subsection.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In order for the vote of the elector to be counted, the elector must provide evidence sufficient to disprove the challenge not later than the 21st calendar day after the date of the election. In the case of an unsigned return identification envelope, providing sufficient evidence may include completing a certified statement on a form provided by the county clerk. The Secretary of State shall design a standard form to be used for certified statements made under this paragraph.

(b) If the elector does not provide evidence sufficient to disprove a challenge alleging that the signature of the elector on a return identification envelope does not match the signature in the voter registration record for the elector by the 21st calendar day after the date of the election, the registration of the elector shall be considered inactive.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The filing officer may not release as a public record any information that could be used to identify an elector whose ballot has been challenged under this section until the 15th calendar day after the date of an election.

(b) Following the 14th calendar day after the date of an election, the filing officer may disclose as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) the following information about each elector whose ballot was challenged under this section:

(A) The name of the elector;

(B) The residence addresses of the elector; and

(C) The reason the elector’s ballot is being challenged.

(4) The provisions of ORS 247.281 (Notice to elector of inactive registration) apply to an elector whose registration becomes inactive under this section.

(5) As used in this section, “filing officer” means:

(a) The Secretary of State, for federal or statewide elections and for elections to the office of state Senator or Representative; or

(b) The county clerk, for county, city or district elections. [2013 c.695 §3; 2014 c.67 §3; 2014 c.112 §3; 2015 c.169 §5; 2017 c.749 §49; 2021 c.233 §4; 2021 c.551 §16]

Source: Section 254.431 — Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature; public record limitation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.425 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.425
251.425 Format of candidate’s statement
Status: in_force

The candidate’s statement in a county voters’ pamphlet shall begin with a summary of the following: Occupation, educational and occupational background, and prior governmental experience. [1989 c.1031 §14]

Source: Section 251.425 — Format of candidate’s statement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.155 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.155
250.155 Application of ORS 250.165 to 250.235
Status: in_force

(1) ORS 250.165 (Prospective petition) to 250.235 (Retention of petition materials) carry out the provisions of section 10, Article VI, Oregon Constitution, and shall apply to the exercise of initiative or referendum powers regarding a county measure, unless the county charter or ordinance provides otherwise.

(2) ORS 250.165 (Prospective petition) to 250.235 (Retention of petition materials) apply to the exercise of initiative or referendum powers regarding a county measure in a county that has not adopted a charter under section 10, Article VI, Oregon Constitution. [1979 c.190 §153]

Source: Section 250.155 — Application of ORS 250.165 to 250.235 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.411 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.411
254.411 Voting after name change
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector whose name has been changed may vote once in the county in which the elector is registered under the elector’s former name.

(2) Following the election, the registration of the elector shall be considered inactive. The provisions of ORS 247.281 (Notice to elector of inactive registration) apply to an elector whose registration becomes inactive under this section.

(3) In order to vote at subsequent elections the elector whose name has changed must update the elector’s registration. [1987 c.733 §12; 1993 c.713 §32; 1999 c.410 §54; 2007 c.154 §36; 2021 c.233 §5]

Source: Section 254.411 — Voting after name change , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.302 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.302
247.302 Effective date of registration automatically updated by county clerk
Status: in_force

(1) The effective date of a voter registration updated under ORS 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) is the date on which the county clerk receives evidence of the change of residence or mailing address.

(2) The effective date of a voter registration updated under ORS 247.296 (Verification of addresses of electors) is the date on which the county clerk changes the address information on the voter registration file. [1993 c.713 §17f; 1999 c.410 §14; 2009 c.511 §3; 2015 c.8 §6]

Source: Section 247.302 — Effective date of registration automatically updated by county clerk , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.115 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.115
250.115 Numbering of state measures
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall number the measures to be voted on in the state at large consecutively and shall not repeat any number in any subsequent election. For each election, the numbers assigned shall begin with the number after the last number assigned under this section at the previous election. The Secretary of State shall number amendments to the Oregon Constitution referred to the people by the Legislative Assembly in the order that the amendments are filed with the Secretary of State, followed immediately in number by Acts of the Legislative Assembly submitted to the people for approval or rejection in the order that the Acts are filed with the Secretary of State, followed immediately in number by initiative or referendum petitions in the order that the petitions are filed for signature verification with the Secretary of State.

(2) The Secretary of State shall number state measures not referred to under subsection (1) of this section consecutively, beginning with the number after the last number assigned under subsection (1) of this section, in the order in which the measures are filed with the secretary. [1979 c.190 §150; 1993 c.493 §14; 2001 c.267 §1; 2008 c.33 §1]

Source: Section 250.115 — Numbering of state measures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.234 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.234
260.234 Notice of civil penalty
Status: in_force

(1) A filing officer having reason to believe that a violation of an election law or rule for which a civil penalty may be imposed under ORS 260.232 (Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information) has occurred shall proceed promptly as though the officer had received a complaint under ORS 260.345 (Complaints or other information regarding violations) and, not later than two years following the date the violation is alleged to have occurred, shall:

(a) Determine whether a violation occurred; and

(b) If a penalty is to be imposed, notify the person alleged to have committed the violation in the manner described in ORS 260.232 (Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information) (2).

(2) Not later than 90 calendar days after receiving payment for a penalty imposed under ORS 260.232 (Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information) or receiving other information in response to a notification under subsection (1) of this section, the Secretary of State shall send a notice to the person stating whether the response or payment received is sufficient. [2009 c.818 §25]

Source: Section 260.234 — Notice of civil penalty; sufficiency of response; timeline for action by filing officer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.011 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.011
260.011 Prohibition on using cryptocurrency to make contribution
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not make a contribution to a political candidate, a political committee or a petition committee using cryptocurrency.

(2) As used in this section, “cryptocurrency” means digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography to effect transfers and a decentralized network to record transactions. [2019 c.50 §3]

Source: Section 260.011 — Prohibition on using cryptocurrency to make contribution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.155 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.155
251.155 Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet
Status: in_force

Material submitted for inclusion in any voters’ pamphlet shall not be admitted as evidence in any suit or action against the Secretary of State to restrain or enjoin the publication of the voters’ pamphlet. [Formerly 255.018]

Source: Section 251.155 — Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.012 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.012
255.012 “District” defined
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, “district” means:

(1) A domestic water supply district organized under ORS chapter 264.

(2) A cemetery maintenance district organized under ORS chapter 265.

(3) A park and recreation district organized under ORS chapter 266.

(4) A mass transit district organized under ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) .

(5) A transportation district organized under ORS 267.510 (Definitions for ORS 267.510 to 267.650) to 267.650 (Finance elections) .

(6) A metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268.

(7) A translator district organized under ORS 354.605 (Definitions for ORS 354.605 to 354.715) to 354.715 (Dissolution, liquidation and transfer proceedings) .

(8) A library district organized under ORS 357.216 (Definitions for ORS 357.216 to 357.286) to 357.286 (Retirement system for employees) .

(9) A county road district organized under ORS 371.055 (Formation of road districts) to 371.110 (Effect of change of district boundaries on road tax levy) .

(10) A special road district organized under ORS 371.305 (Authority to form special road districts) to 371.360 (Deposit of tax proceeds in bank) .

(11) A road assessment district organized under ORS 371.405 (Definitions for ORS 371.405 to 371.535) to 371.535 (Disposition of funds of dissolved district) .

(12) A highway lighting district organized under ORS chapter 372.

(13) A health district organized under ORS 440.305 (District created coterminous with each district existing on July 2, 1957) to 440.410 (Annual audit) .

(14) A sanitary district organized under ORS 450.005 (Definitions for ORS 450.005 to 450.245) to 450.245 (Application of ORS 450.005 to 450.245 to districts organized under former laws) .

(15) A sanitary authority, water authority or joint water and sanitary authority organized under ORS 450.600 (Joint authorities) to 450.989 (Apportionment of cost among serviced property owners) .

(16) A county service district organized under ORS chapter 451.

(17) A rural fire protection district organized under ORS chapter 478.

(18) An airport district organized under ORS chapter 838.

(19) A geothermal heating district organized under ORS chapter 523.

(20) A water improvement district organized under ORS chapter 552.

(21) A water control district organized under ORS chapter 553.

(22) A weather modification district organized under ORS 558.200 (Definition of “county court.”) to 558.440 (Special elections) .

(23) A livestock district organized under ORS 607.005 (Definitions) to 607.051 (Status of districts designated by order of State Department of Agriculture) .

(24) A port organized under ORS 777.005 (Definitions for ORS 777.005 to 777.725 and 777.915 to 777.953) to 777.725 (Borrowing money to pay bonus) and 777.915 (Definitions for ORS 777.915 to 777.953) to 777.953 (Annexation) .

(25) The Port of Portland established by ORS 778.010 (District known as Port of Portland) .

(26) A school district.

(27) Territory, other than territory within a city, proposed to be created, formed or incorporated into a district or to be annexed or otherwise added to a district.

(28) A soil and water conservation district organized under ORS 568.210 (Definitions for ORS 568.210 to 568.808 and 568.900 to 568.933) to 568.808 (Taxing district to file legal description and map) and 568.900 (Definitions for ORS 568.900 to 568.933) to 568.933 (Civil penalties) .

(29) A heritage district organized under ORS 358.442 (Definitions for ORS 358.442 to 358.474) to 358.474 (Employees’ retirement system) .

(30) A radio and data district organized under ORS 403.500 (Definitions for ORS 403.500 to 403.542) to 403.542 (Contracts with United States) .

(31) A sand control district organized under ORS 555.500 (Formation) to 555.535 (Application of ORS chapter 255) .

(32) A community college district formed under ORS chapter 341.

(33) A 9-1-1 communications district organized under ORS 403.300 (Definitions for ORS 403.300 to 403.380) to 403.380 (Advisory committee) .

(34) An urban flood safety and water quality district created under ORS 550.150 (Purpose of ORS 550.150 to 550.410) to 550.410 (Additional cause of action for certain impairments of district works) . [Formerly 259.020; 1981 c.226 §16; 1983 c.238 §1; 1983 c.350 §70; 1993 c.577 §18; 2007 c.562 §24; 2009 c.584 §23; 2015 c.560 §14; 2019 c.13 §38; 2019 c.621 §31; 2019 c.675 §10; 2021 c.473 §8]

Source: Section 255.012 — “District” defined , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.103 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.103
254.103 Filing of measures referred by county governing body
Status: in_force

(1) The governing body of a county shall file with the county clerk each measure referred by the county governing body, including the ballot title for each measure, not later than the 61st day before the date of the election.

(2) For each local option tax measure or general obligation bond measure placed on the ballot by a municipal corporation, the county clerk shall file a copy of each measure filed under subsection (1) of this section with the Secretary of State in the manner set forth in ORS 294.474 (Requirement to file materials related to measure proposing local option tax or general obligation bond) . [1983 c.15 §2; 1985 c.808 §35; 1987 c.707 §18; 1989 c.923 §12; 1991 c.71 §9; 1993 c.713 §58; 1995 c.712 §119; 2011 c.607 §9; 2017 c.552 §5; 2021 c.551 §25]

Source: Section 254.103 — Filing of measures referred by county governing body , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.550 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.550
246.550 Examination and approval of equipment by Secretary of State
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall publicly examine all makes of voting machines or vote tally systems submitted to the secretary and determine whether the machines or systems comply with the requirements of ORS 246.560 (Requirements for approval of equipment) , and can safely be used by electors.

(2) Any person owning or interested in a voting machine or vote tally system may submit it to the secretary for examination. For the purpose of assistance in examining the machine or system the secretary may employ not more than three individuals who are expert in one or more of the fields of data processing, mechanical engineering and public administration. The compensation of these assistants shall be paid by the person submitting the machine or system.

(3) Not later than the 30th day after completing the examination, the secretary shall approve or reject the voting machine or vote tally system. If the secretary approves the machine or system, the secretary shall make a report on the machine or system, together with a written or printed description, drawings and photographs clearly identifying the machine or system and its operation. Upon request, the secretary shall send a copy of the report to any governing body within the state.

(4) Any voting machine or vote tally system approved by the secretary may be used for conducting elections. A machine or system rejected by the secretary may not be used at any election. If a machine or system is changed after the machine or system has been approved by the secretary, the secretary is not required to reexamine or reapprove the machine or system if the secretary determines that the change does not impair the accuracy, efficiency or capacity of the machine or system.

(5) If, after consulting with county clerks, the secretary determines that a voting machine or vote tally system approved by the secretary does not comply with the requirements of ORS 246.560 (Requirements for approval of equipment) , the secretary may revoke the approval. If the secretary revokes approval, the machine or system may not be used in any election. [Formerly 258.155; 2005 c.731 §2; 2005 c.797 §65]

Source: Section 246.550 — Examination and approval of equipment by Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.411 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.411
255.411 Violations of ORS 255.405
Status: in_force

(1) A qualifying district is in violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) if it is shown that:

(a) Electors in the qualifying district exhibit polarized voting; and

(b) Members of a protected class do not 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.

(2) Subject to ORS 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) , a violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) may be alleged by the filing of an action in either the circuit court of Marion County or the circuit court of any county in which the qualifying district is located by an individual who:

(a) Is an elector;

(b) Is a member of a protected class; and

(c) Resides within the boundaries of the qualifying district.

(3) An action filed under this section:

(a) Is subject to the filing fee described in ORS 21.145 (Simple proceeding filing fee) ; and

(b) Must be tried and decided by a judge.

(4) The fact that members of a protected class are not geographically compact or concentrated to constitute a majority in a proposed or existing qualifying district may not preclude a judge from finding a violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) but may be a factor in determining an appropriate remedy.

(5) In determining whether polarized voting exists, a court shall analyze qualifying district elections in which at least one candidate is a member of a protected class or in which other electoral choices would affect the rights and privileges of members of a protected class. Elections conducted prior to the filing of an action under this section are more probative to establishing the existence of polarized voting than elections conducted after the filing of an action.

(6) Proof of intent on the part of electors, elected officials or a board of a qualifying district to discriminate against a protected class is not required for a judge to find a violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) .

(7) Factors that are probative to establishing a violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) , but that are not necessary to establish a violation, include:

(a) A history of discrimination;

(b) The use of voting practices or procedures that may enhance dilutive effects in elections;

(c) The denial of access to the processes that determine which groups of candidates receive financial support in an election;

(d) The extent to which members of a protected class bear the effects of past discrimination in areas of education, employment and health in a manner that hinders the ability of members of the protected class to participate effectively in the political process; and

(e) The use of overt or subtle racial appeals in political campaigns.

(8) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a judge finds that a qualifying district has violated ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) , a court may order any remedy the court determines is necessary to cure the violation, including but not limited to requiring the board of the qualifying district to adopt a new electoral system that is tailored to remedy the violation, in compliance with ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) (1)(b).

(b) A court order requiring the board of a qualifying district to adopt a new electoral system:

(A) May not apply to the first qualifying district election held after the court order; and

(B) Shall, unless otherwise ordered by the court, apply to qualifying district elections held after the election described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

(9) The court shall award any individual who prevails in an action brought under this section reasonable attorney fees, costs and expenses. A qualifying district that prevails in an action brought under this section is not entitled to costs or expenses and may be awarded reasonable attorney fees only if a judge finds that the action was brought in bad faith or for purposes of harassment. [2019 c.449 §4]

Source: Section 255.411 — Violations of ORS 255.405; process for bringing claim , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.550 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.550
260.550 Use of term “incumbent.”
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall describe a candidate as the incumbent in the office to which the candidate seeks nomination or election in any material, statement or publication supporting the election of the candidate, with knowledge or with reckless disregard that the description is a false statement of material fact.

(2) For purposes of this section, a candidate shall be considered an “incumbent” if the candidate:

(a) Was elected to the identical office in the most recent election to fill that office and is serving and has served continuously in that office from the beginning of the term to which the candidate was elected; or

(b) Was appointed to the identical office after the most recent election to fill that office and is serving and has served continuously in that office from the date of appointment.

(3) If district boundaries have changed since the previous election or the appointment, a candidate shall be considered an “incumbent” if the candidate:

(a) Was elected to an office of the same name as the office to which the candidate seeks nomination or election at the most recent election to fill that office and is serving and has served continuously in that office from the beginning of the term to which the candidate was elected; or

(b) Was appointed to an office of the same name as the office to which the candidate seeks nomination or election after the most recent election to fill that office and is serving and has served continuously in that office from the date of appointment.

(4) This section does not apply to any words or statements required by law to be included in any statement produced by a filing officer or listed on a ballot. [1993 c.383 §3]

Source: Section 260.550 — Use of term “incumbent.” , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.315 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.315
251.315 Information required to be included in voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) If a county produces a county voters’ pamphlet, the county voters’ pamphlet shall include, when applicable, at least the following information:

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

(b) Requirements for registration and updates of registration.

(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.

(d) The hours and locations of places designated under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) for deposit of official ballots.

(e) Any portraits and statements relating to candidates submitted in accordance with the provisions of ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) .

(f) Any ballot titles, explanatory statements and arguments submitted in accordance with the provisions of ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) .

(g) 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:

(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.

(h) Such other information as the county clerk considers to be appropriate or necessary to inform the voters.

(2) The county clerk shall mail or otherwise distribute the county voters’ pamphlet not later than the last day for mailing ballots to electors as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) .

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The name of the county clerk or other filing officer may not appear in the county 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) . [1989 c.1031 §3; 1993 c.713 §29; 1993 c.811 §16; 1999 c.410 §26; 2007 c.154 §13; 2019 c.508 §2; 2021 c.464 §6]

Source: Section 251.315 — Information required to be included in voters’ pamphlet; deadline for distribution; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.345 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.345
251.345 Explanatory statement
Status: in_force

Not later than the date specified by the Secretary of State, in a county that prepares a county voters’ pamphlet, the governing body for any electoral district that has referred a measure to the voters shall submit an impartial, simple and understandable statement explaining the measure and its effect. [1989 c.1031 §6; 1991 c.48 §2]

Source: Section 251.345 — Explanatory statement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.031 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.031
249.031 Contents of petition or declaration
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy shall contain:

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

(d) If the candidate is seeking the nomination of a major political party, the name of the major political party of which the candidate will have been a member, subject to the exceptions stated in ORS 249.046 (Party membership required for nomination of party) , during at least 180 days before the deadline for filing a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy.

(e) A statement that the candidate is willing to accept the nomination or election or, regarding a candidate for precinct committeeperson, that the candidate accepts the office if elected.

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

(g) If the candidate is seeking the nomination of a major political party, a statement that the candidate, if not nominated, will not accept the nomination or endorsement of any political party other than the one of which the candidate is a member on the date the petition or declaration is filed.

(h) The signature of the candidate.

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

(2) Subsection (1)(i) of this section does not apply to a candidate for election as a precinct committeeperson.

(3) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the templates for a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy provide 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) .

(4) A declaration of candidacy shall include a statement that the required fee is included with the declaration.

(5) If required by the national rules of the major political party, the declaration of a candidate for election as a precinct committeeperson shall include the name of the individual the candidate supports for President of the United States or “uncommitted” or “no preference.” [1957 c.608 §68; 1961 c.336 §1; 1961 c.667 §5; 1969 c.245 §1; 1975 c.779 §18; 1979 c.190 §104; 1981 c.173 §20; 1983 c.7 §1; 1983 c.567 §5; 1989 c.1054 §14; 1991 c.87 §3; 1991 c.719 §5; 1995 c.607 §15; 2009 c.11 §21; 2019 c.449 §7; 2023 c.528 §3]

Source: Section 249.031 — Contents of petition or declaration , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.210 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.210
246.210 County clerk to supervise local elections officials
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the directives and instructions prepared and distributed or given by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.120 (Directives, instructions and assistance to county clerks) or 246.140 (Election law conferences for county clerks) , a county clerk may exercise general supervision of administration of election laws by each local elections official in the county for the purpose of achieving and maintaining a maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, efficiency and uniformity in the administration by local elections officials. In this regard the county clerk may assist local elections officials in answering questions concerning the proper administration of election laws.

(2) If under this section two or more county clerks exercise general supervision of the same local elections official, the county clerks shall cooperate and coordinate to insure uniformity of general supervision. [1957 c.608 §9; 1979 c.190 §11; 1985 c.448 §2]

Source: Section 246.210 — County clerk to supervise local elections officials , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.255 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.255
250.255 Application of ORS 250.265 to 250.346
Status: in_force

ORS 250.265 (Prospective petition) to 250.346 (Retention of petition materials) apply to the exercise of initiative or referendum powers regarding a city measure under section 1, Article IV, Oregon Constitution, unless the city charter or ordinance provides otherwise. [1979 c.190 §162]

Source: Section 250.255 — Application of ORS 250.265 to 250.346 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.471 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.471
254.471 Extension of deadline for returning ballots in case of emergency
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 171.185 (Dates for legislatively prescribed elections) , 203.085 (County election dates) , 221.230 (Election dates) , 221.621 (Disincorporation procedure) , 254.056 (Date and purpose of general election and primary election) , 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) , 254.655 (Order calling special election) , 255.335 (Regular district election) , 255.345 (Special election dates) , 258.075 (Effect of successful contest of measure) , 545.135 (Elections subsequent to organization of district) and 568.520 (Petitions nominating directors) , the Governor by written proclamation may extend the deadline for returning ballots in any state, county, city or district election if the Governor receives a written request for the extension from the Secretary of State. The secretary may request the Governor to extend the deadline for returning ballots under this section if, after consultation with affected county clerks, the secretary determines that it would be impossible or impracticable for electors to return ballots or for elections officials to tally ballots due to an emergency as defined in ORS 401.025 (Definitions for ORS chapter 401) .

(2) The Governor may not extend the deadline for returning ballots in any state, county, city or district election under subsection (1) of this section for more than seven calendar days after the date of the election.

(3) The written proclamation required under subsection (1) of this section shall state:

(a) The determination of the Governor;

(b) The reason the deadline for returning ballots was extended; and

(c) The date and time by which ballots must be returned in the election.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the Governor extends the deadline for returning ballots under subsection (1) of this section, a county clerk in any county in this state may not order a tally report from any vote tally machine in the election until the date and time set by the Governor by which ballots must be returned in the election. [2007 c.183 §2; 2009 c.718 §18]

Source: Section 254.471 — Extension of deadline for returning ballots in case of emergency , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.076 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.076
260.076 Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly
Status: in_force

(1) A legislative official, statewide official or candidate therefor, or the official’s or candidate’s principal campaign committee, shall file statements showing contributions received by or on behalf of the official, candidate or committee during the period beginning January 1 and ending upon adjournment of the regular session of the Legislative Assembly, or during any special session of the Legislative Assembly.

(2) The Governor, Governor-elect or a candidate for Governor, or the principal campaign committee of the Governor, Governor-elect or candidate, shall file statements showing contributions received by or on behalf of the Governor, Governor-elect, candidate or committee during the period beginning January 1 and ending 30 business days following adjournment of the regular session of the Legislative Assembly, or during any special session of the Legislative Assembly.

(3) A person or political committee affiliated with a political party, caucus of either house of the Legislative Assembly, legislative official, statewide official or the Governor, Governor-elect or candidate for Governor shall file statements showing contributions received by the person or committee on behalf of a legislative official, statewide official or candidate therefor, during the period beginning January 1 and ending upon adjournment of the regular session of the Legislative Assembly, or during any special session of the Legislative Assembly.

(4) A person or political committee affiliated with a political party, caucus of either house of the Legislative Assembly, legislative official, statewide official or the Governor, Governor-elect or candidate for Governor shall file statements showing contributions received by the person or committee on behalf of the Governor, Governor-elect or candidate for Governor, during the period beginning January 1 and ending 30 business days following adjournment of the regular session of the Legislative Assembly, or during any special session of the Legislative Assembly.

(5) A statement described in subsections (1) to (4) of this section shall be filed with the Secretary of State on a form prescribed by the secretary. For contributions received during the period beginning on January 1 and ending on the first day of the regular session, a statement shall be filed not later than two business days after the first day of the regular session. For contributions received on or after the first day of the regular session, a statement shall be filed not later than two business days after the date a contribution is received. For contributions received during any special session of the Legislative Assembly, a statement shall be filed not later than two business days after the date a contribution is received.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Legislative official” means any member or member-elect of the Legislative Assembly.

(b) “Statewide official” means the Secretary of State or Secretary of State-elect, State Treasurer or State Treasurer-elect, Attorney General or Attorney General-elect and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries or the Commissioner-elect of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. [2001 c.82 §2; 2005 c.797 §23; 2005 c.809 §32a; 2007 c.570 §6; 2009 c.818 §9; 2011 c.545 §74; 2011 c.731 §17; 2013 c.758 §6]

Source: Section 260.076 — Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.035 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.035
250.035 Form of ballot titles for state and local measures
Status: repealed

(1) The ballot title of any measure, other than a state measure, to be initiated or referred shall consist of:

(a) A caption of not more than 10 words which reasonably identifies the subject of the measure;

(b) A question of not more than 20 words which plainly phrases the chief purpose of the measure so that an affirmative response to the question corresponds to an affirmative vote on the measure; and

(c) A concise and impartial statement of not more than 175 words summarizing the measure and its major effect.

(2) The ballot title of any state measure to be initiated or referred shall consist of:

(a) A caption of not more than 15 words that reasonably identifies the subject matter of the state measure. The caption of an initiative or referendum amendment to the Constitution shall begin with the phrase, “Amends Constitution,” which shall not be counted for purposes of the 15-word caption limit;

(b) A simple and understandable statement of not more than 25 words that describes the result if the state measure is approved. The statement required by this paragraph shall include either the phrase, “I vote” or “vote yes,” or a substantially similar phrase, which may be placed at any point within the statement;

(c) A simple and understandable statement of not more than 25 words that describes the result if the state measure is rejected. The statement required by this paragraph shall not describe existing statutory or constitutional provisions in a way that would lead an average elector to believe incorrectly that one of those provisions would be repealed by approval of the state measure, if approval would not have that result. Any thing or action described both in the statement required by paragraph (b) of this subsection and in the statement required by this paragraph shall be described using the same terms in both statements, to the extent practical. Any different terms must be terms that an average elector would understand to refer to the same thing or action. The statement shall include either the phrase, “I vote” or “vote no,” or a substantially similar phrase, which may be placed at any point within the statement; and

(d) A concise and impartial statement of not more than 125 words summarizing the state measure and its major effect.

(3) The statements required by subsection (2)(b) and (c) of this section shall be written so that, to the extent practicable, the language of the two statements is parallel.

(4) The statement required by subsection (2)(b) of this section shall be written so that an affirmative response to the statement corresponds to an affirmative vote on the state measure.

(5) The statement required by subsection (2)(c) of this section shall be written so that an affirmative response to the statement corresponds to a negative vote on the state measure.

(6) In the statements required by subsection (2)(b), (c) and (d) of this section, reasonable discretion shall be allowed in the use of articles and conjunctions, but the statements shall not omit articles and conjunctions that are necessary to avoid confusion to or misunderstanding by an average elector. [1979 c.190 §143; 1979 c.675 §1; 1985 c.405 §1; 1987 c.556 §1; 1987 c.875 §1; 1995 c.534 §1; 1997 c.541 §312; 1999 c.793 §1; 2001 c.104 §78; 2009 c.566 §3]

Source: Section 250.035 — Form of ballot titles for state and local measures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.027 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.027
250.027 Signature on petition subject to inspection as public record
Status: in_force

(1) The signature of an individual that is submitted for verification on a petition or prospective petition that is circulated in accordance with the laws of this state is subject to inspection as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) . The signature may be inspected in the office of the chief elections officer.

(2) The chief elections officer may not make a copy of, or provide to another person a copy of, an individual’s signature that has been submitted for verification on a petition or prospective petition that has been circulated in accordance with the laws of this state unless the chief elections officer is explicitly required to do so as part of the official duties of the chief elections officer under ORS chapters 246 to 260 or rules adopted by the Secretary of State.

(3) As used in this section, “chief elections officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 254.005 (Definitions) . [2023 c.600 §14]

Note: 250.027 (Signature on petition subject to inspection as public record) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 250 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 250.027 — Signature on petition subject to inspection as public record; copy of signature on petition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.021 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.021
246.021 Time within which election documents must be received by elections officer
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) and subsection (2) of this section, an election document and an accompanying payment of fees required to be filed with the Secretary of State, county clerk or other filing officer must be delivered to and actually received at the office of the designated officer not later than 5 p.m. of the day the document or fee is due or, if the day due is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, on the next business day.

(2) If, at 5 p.m. of the day an election document is due, an individual is physically present in the office of the secretary, county clerk or other filing officer and in line waiting to deliver the document, the individual is considered to have begun the act of delivering the document and is permitted to file it.

(3) Except as provided in ORS 253.540 (Application for ballot by military or overseas elector) , 253.565 (Application for special ballot by military or overseas elector) and 253.690 (Casting ballot using facsimile machine or by electronic mail) , any election document required to be filed with the filing officer other than ballots, voter registration cards or petitions requiring signatures of electors may also be filed by means of an electronic facsimile transmission machine or electronic mail. If an election document is required to be filed by a specified time, the entire document must be received at the office of the filing officer not later than 5 p.m. of the day the document is due or, if the day due is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, on the next business day.

(4) Notwithstanding any provision of subsections (1) to (3) of this section, if a statement is required to be filed electronically under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) :

(a) The statement must be received electronically at the office of the Secretary of State not later than 11:59 p.m. of the day the statement is due or, if the day due is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, on the next business day; and

(b) The Secretary of State may not accept the filing of the statement in any form other than an electronic format.

(5) As used in this section, “election document” includes, but is not limited to, a declaration of candidacy for nomination for public or political party office, completed nominating petitions, statements and portraits for voters’ pamphlets, statements of election campaign contributions and expenditures, and initiative, referendum or recall petitions. [Formerly 246.510; 1967 c.228 §1; 1979 c.190 §2; 1991 c.719 §4; 1993 c.713 §27; 1999 c.824 §9; 2005 c.809 §46; 2007 c.570 §5; 2008 c.41 §2; 2009 c.619 §3; 2017 c.749 §2; 2019 c.675 §4]

Source: Section 246.021 — Time within which election documents must be received by elections officer; electronic facsimile and electronic mail transmissions; electronic campaign finance statements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.245 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.245
251.245 Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly
Status: in_force

(1) For any measure referred to the electors by the Legislative Assembly, an argument prepared by the Legislative Assembly in support of the measure may be printed in the voters’ pamphlet. The size and length of an argument under this section shall be determined as specified in ORS 251.255 (Filing arguments for or against measure) .

(2) A joint committee consisting of one Senator, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and two Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall be appointed to prepare the argument. The committee shall electronically file the argument with the Secretary of State 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. There shall be no fee for including an argument submitted under this section in the voters’ pamphlet. [Formerly 255.465; 1987 c.267 §33; 1995 c.712 §43; 1999 c.318 §17; 2011 c.646 §7]

Source: Section 251.245 — Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.005 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.005
255.005 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

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

(2) “District board” means the governing body of a district.

(3) “District election” means any election authorized or required to be held by a district.

(4) “District elections authority” means the county court or board of county commissioners, district board or other body or officer authorized or required to call a district election.

(5) “Elections officer” means the:

(a) County clerk of the county in which the administrative office of the district is located regarding a measure, or a candidate for an office, to be voted on in a district located in more than one county.

(b) County clerk regarding a measure, or a candidate for an office, to be voted on in a district situated wholly within the county.

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

(7) “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.

(8) “Regular district election” means the election held each year for the purpose of electing members of any district board as defined in subsection (2) of this section.

(9) “School district” means a common school district, a union high school district, an education service district or a community college district. [Formerly 259.010; 1983 c.392 §6; 1985 c.808 §39; 1987 c.707 §20]

Source: Section 255.005 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.420 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.420
247.420 Special ballot for voting under ORS 247.410
Status: in_force

(1) A county clerk shall give a ballot marked “Federal only” to any person eligible under ORS 247.410 (Eligibility to vote for President or Vice President, or electors, only) who personally appears in the office of the county clerk, completes a registration card and verifies eligibility to vote under ORS 247.410 (Eligibility to vote for President or Vice President, or electors, only) .

(2) No person shall supply any information under subsection (1) of this section, knowing it to be false. [1961 c.114 §3; 1969 c.153 §1; 1975 c.678 §19; 1979 c.190 §55; 1999 c.410 §16; 2017 c.749 §3]

Source: Section 247.420 — Special ballot for voting under ORS 247.410 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.170 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.170
249.170 Withdrawal of candidacy
Status: in_force

(1) A candidate who has filed a declaration of candidacy or a nominating petition may withdraw not later than the 67th day before the date of the primary election by filing a statement of withdrawal with the filing officer with whom the declaration or petition was filed. The statement shall be made under oath and state the reasons for withdrawal.

(2) The official with whom a declaration of candidacy is filed, upon request received not later than the 67th day before the date of the primary election, shall refund the filing fee of a candidate who dies, withdraws or becomes ineligible for the nomination. [1979 c.190 §120; 1987 c.267 §20; 1995 c.712 §29]

Source: Section 249.170 — Withdrawal of candidacy; refund of filing fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.139 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.139
250.139 Citizen panels
Status: in_force

(1) The Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission shall select one or more state measures proposed by initiative petition to be voted on at a general election and convene a separate citizen panel to review each selected measure.

(2) In selecting a measure to be reviewed by a citizen panel, the commission shall consider the following criteria:

(a) The fiscal impact of a measure.

(b) Whether the measure amends the Oregon Constitution.

(c) The availability of funds to conduct reviews.

(d) Any other criteria established by the commission by rule.

(3) Each citizen panel shall evaluate and write statements for the measure considered by the panel.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The commission shall select citizens for each panel from a representative sample of anonymous electors, using survey sampling methods that, to the extent practicable, give every elector a similar chance of being selected. Each citizen panel shall consist of not fewer than 18 and not more than 24 electors.

(b) The commission shall ensure, to the extent practicable and legally permissible, that the demographic makeup of each panel fairly reflects the population of the electorate of this state as a whole, with respect to the following characteristics, prioritized in the following order:

(A) The location of the elector’s residence.

(B) The elector’s party affiliation, if any.

(C) The elector’s voting history.

(D) The elector’s age.

(c) In addition to the criteria described in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the commission may also consider:

(A) The elector’s gender.

(B) The elector’s ethnicity.

(C) Any other criteria.

(5) The commission shall, from moneys in the account established under ORS 182.470 (Accounts for and investment of moneys collected or received by semi-independent state agencies) :

(a) Compensate each elector for each day served on a panel in an amount established by the commission by rule;

(b) Reimburse each elector who serves on a panel for travel expenses in accordance with reimbursement policies determined by the commission by rule;

(c) Provide for costs required to convene and conduct a citizen panel; and

(d) Transfer to the Secretary of State all moneys necessary to pay the costs of printing any statements described in ORS 250.141 (Citizen panel statements) in the voters’ pamphlet.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Each panel shall meet to review the measure on not fewer than three and not more than five consecutive days for a total of not less than 24 hours unless otherwise provided by commission rule.

(b) Each panel shall conduct public hearings at which the panel shall receive testimony or other information from both proponents and opponents of the measure. Unless otherwise determined by a majority of the panelists, equal time shall be allotted to proponents and opponents of a measure.

(c) The chief petitioners of the measure shall designate two persons to provide information in favor of the measure to the citizen panel. If the chief petitioners fail to timely designate two persons to appear before the panel, the commission may designate two persons who support the measure to provide information in favor of the measure.

(d) The commission shall designate two persons who oppose the measure to provide information in opposition to the measure.

(e) The commission, by rule, may specify additional criteria regarding the public hearings.

(7) The commission shall provide each panel with any complaints regarding the panel not later than the third day the panel convenes.

(8) The commission shall, by rule, establish qualifications for moderators for each citizen panel. A moderator must have experience in mediation and shall complete a training course established by the commission.

(9) The commission shall contract with two moderators for each panel and shall compensate each moderator for service. [2011 c.365 §5; 2013 c.722 §15; 2014 c.72 §2]

Source: Section 250.139 — Citizen panels; composition; compensation; selection and review of certain state measures; moderators; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.355 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.355
260.355 Deprivation of nomination or office for deliberate and material election violation
Status: in_force

If, after a plea of guilty by or verdict of guilty against a person nominated or elected to a public office in a criminal prosecution of the person for violation of an election law in regard to either the person’s nomination or election, the court determines that the violation was deliberate and material, the court, in addition to any other punishment it may impose, shall deprive the person of the nomination or, if the person was elected to an office other than state Senator or state Representative, of the office. In making the determination the court, in its discretion, may hear evidence, by testimony in open court or, if authorized by the court, by deposition, at a specified time and upon notice to the parties as the court may direct. [1971 c.749 §30; 1979 c.190 §367]

Source: Section 260.355 — Deprivation of nomination or office for deliberate and material election violation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.027 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.027
248.027 Committeeperson to continue on central committee despite change in precinct
Status: in_force

A precinct committeeperson who represents a precinct which is subsequently combined, consolidated or abolished shall continue to be a member of the county central committee until the end of that committeeperson’s regular term of office. [Formerly 248.057]

Source: Section 248.027 — Committeeperson to continue on central committee despite change in precinct , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.135 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.135
251.135 Withdrawal of material
Status: in_force

(1) Material filed for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet may be withdrawn on or before the deadline for filing material under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) .

(2) A person who paid a fee for filing material for inclusion in a voters’ pamphlet may receive a refund from the Secretary of State if the request for a refund is received by the secretary on or before the deadline for filing material under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) . When a refund is made, the material for which the fee was paid may not be included in the voters’ pamphlet. [1979 c.190 §183; 2013 c.518 §5]

Source: Section 251.135 — Withdrawal of material; refund of filing fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.016 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.016
249.016 Nomination of candidates of major political party or for nonpartisan office
Status: in_force

A candidate of a major political party for public office or a candidate for nonpartisan office shall be nominated only in the manner provided in ORS 249.016 (Nomination of candidates of major political party or for nonpartisan office) to 249.205 (Filling vacancy in nomination to nonpartisan office) . [1957 c.608 §65 (2); 1979 c.190 §102; 1993 c.797 §7; 2001 c.721 §4]

Note: Chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, was 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, section 7 becomes operative January 1, 2028, and applies to elections and nominations occurring on or after January 1, 2028. See sections 18, 19 and 20, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023. Sections 6 and 7, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 6. Section 7 of this 2023 Act is added to and made a part of ORS chapter 249. [2023 c.220 §6]

Sec. 7. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 249.016 (Nomination of candidates of major political party or for nonpartisan office) or any other provision of law:

(a) There may not be a nominating election for the office of Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries; and

(b) The office of Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries shall be elected at the primary election by ranked choice voting conducted in the manner set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act.

(2) Except as otherwise expressly provided by this section or other law, the requirements of ORS 249.016 (Nomination of candidates of major political party or for nonpartisan office) to 249.205 (Filling vacancy in nomination to nonpartisan office) apply to candidates for the office of Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. [2023 c.220 §7]

Source: Section 249.016 — Nomination of candidates of major political party or for nonpartisan office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.091 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.091
249.091 Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office
Status: in_force

(1) If a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy is filed by no more than two candidates for the office of sheriff, county treasurer or county clerk or by no more than two candidates to fill a vacancy in a nonpartisan office:

(a) The candidate or candidates are nominated; and

(b) The name or names of the candidate or candidates may not be printed on the ballot at the nominating election.

(2) If a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy is filed by more than two candidates for the office of sheriff, county treasurer or county clerk or by more than two candidates to fill a vacancy in a nonpartisan office:

(a) Unless a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes are nominated.

(b) If a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, that candidate alone is nominated.

(3) The application of this section is subject to the provisions of a home rule charter. [1995 c.92 §4; 1995 c.607 §77a; 2007 c.154 §9; 2011 c.607 §3]

Note: The amendments to 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) by section 14, 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. 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) , as amended by section 14, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) . (1) If a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy is filed by no more than two candidates for the office of sheriff, county treasurer or county clerk or by no more than two candidates to fill a vacancy in a nonpartisan office:

(a) The candidate or candidates are nominated; and

(b) The name or names of the candidate or candidates may not be printed on the ballot at the nominating election.

(2) If a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy is filed by more than two candidates for the office of sheriff, county treasurer or county clerk or by more than two candidates to fill a vacancy in a nonpartisan office:

(a) Unless a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes are nominated.

(b) If a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, that candidate alone is nominated.

(3) The application of this section is subject to the provisions of a home rule charter.

(4) This section does not apply to any election for the office of sheriff, county treasurer or county clerk, or to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office, for which ranked choice voting as conducted in the manner set forth in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is used to determine election to the office.

Source: Section 249.091 — Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.345 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.345
255.345 Special election dates
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a special election called by a district elections authority shall not be held on any date other than:

(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.

(2) A special election may be held on a date other than that provided in subsection (1) of this section, if the district elections authority by resolution finds that an election sooner than the next available election date is required on a measure to finance repairs to property damaged by fire, vandalism or a natural disaster.

(3) As used in this section, “district elections authority” means the body or officer authorized or required to call an election for a public corporation formed under, and deriving its powers solely from, the statutes of this state, but does not include a city or county. [Formerly 259.260; 1981 c.639 §9; 1989 c.923 §17; 1991 c.71 §4; 1993 c.713 §53; 1995 c.607 §51; 1995 c.712 §116; 2021 c.551 §20]

Source: Section 255.345 — Special election dates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.012 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.012
249.012 Preservation of certain records
Status: in_force

Certificates of nomination, acceptances and withdrawals shall be preserved for two years after the election to which they relate. [1979 c.190 §99]

Source: Section 249.012 — Preservation of certain records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.125 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.125
255.125 Application of ORS 255.135 to 255.205
Status: in_force

ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) carry out the provisions of section 1, Article IV, Oregon Constitution, and shall apply to the exercise of initiative or referendum powers by the people of a district regarding a district measure. [1979 c.190 §291]

Source: Section 255.125 — Application of ORS 255.135 to 255.205 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.400 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.400
254.400 Elector right to cast vote in confidential manner
Status: in_force

(1) In each election, an elector has the right to cast the elector’s ballot in a confidential manner, with no other person knowing how the elector voted in the election.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Secretary of State or county clerk may not disclose as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) any information that would reveal how a particular elector voted in an election.

(b) As used in this subsection, “information” may be defined by the secretary by rule. [2023 c.600 §3]

Source: Section 254.400 — Elector right to cast vote in confidential manner; elector vote information not public record; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.351 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.351
260.351 Court proceedings for election law violations, generally
Status: in_force

A proceeding for violation of an election law shall be advanced on the docket of the court upon request of any party. However, the court may postpone or continue the trial if justice demands. As a condition of a continuance or postponement the court may impose costs. No petition shall be dismissed without the consent of the prosecutor, unless it is dismissed by the court. [Formerly 260.375; 1985 c.471 §15]

Source: Section 260.351 — Court proceedings for election law violations, generally , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.910 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.910
246.910 Appeal from Secretary of State, county clerk or other elections official to courts
Status: in_force

(1) A person adversely affected by any act or failure to act by the Secretary of State, a county clerk, a city elections officer or any other county, city or district official under any election law, or by any order, rule, directive or instruction made by the Secretary of State, a county clerk, a city elections officer or any other county, city or district official under any election law, may appeal therefrom to the circuit court for the county in which the act or failure to act occurred or in which the order, rule, directive or instruction was made.

(2) An appeal described in subsection (1) of this section of an order of the Secretary of State approving or disapproving a state initiative petition for circulation for the purpose of obtaining signatures of electors must be filed within 60 days following the date the order is served.

(3) Any party to the appeal proceedings in the circuit court under subsection (1) of this section may appeal from the decision of the circuit court to the Court of Appeals.

(4) The circuit courts and Court of Appeals, in their discretion, may give precedence on their dockets to appeals under this section as the circumstances may require.

(5) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy against any act or failure to act by the Secretary of State, a county clerk, a city elections officer or any other county, city or district official under any election law or against any order, rule, directive or instruction made by the Secretary of State, a county clerk, a city elections officer or any other county, city or district official under any election law. [1957 c.608 §19; 1975 c.227 §2; 1979 c.190 §38; 1983 c.514 §3; 1995 c.607 §10; 2005 c.797 §26]

Source: Section 246.910 — Appeal from Secretary of State, county clerk or other elections official to courts; deadline for filing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.185 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.185
246.185 Elections Fund
Status: in_force

(1) The Elections Fund is established separate and distinct from the General Fund of the State Treasury. Moneys in the Elections Fund may be invested as provided in ORS 293.701 (Definitions for ORS 293.701 to 293.857) to 293.857 (Separate accounts for each local government) . Interest earned by the Elections Fund and the earnings of any investments shall be credited to the fund.

(2) The Elections Fund consists of:

(a) Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislative Assembly or this state for carrying out the activities for which payments are made to this state under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252);

(b) Payments made to this state under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252);

(c) Other amounts as may be appropriated by law; and

(d) Interest earned on deposits in the fund.

(3) Moneys deposited to the credit of the Elections Fund are continuously appropriated to the Secretary of State for the purpose of paying the expenses of carrying out the activities for which payments are made to this state under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252). [2003 c.64 §2; 2005 c.797 §70]

Source: Section 246.185 — Elections Fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.570 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.570
246.570 Sale of vote recording systems to counties
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State may enter into an agreement, for a term of not more than five years, with any county within the state for the sale to the county of approved voting machines or vote tally systems or computers or computer systems described in ORS 246.590 (Loans from State Treasurer for purchase of voting equipment or computers) . The agreement shall include a provision creating a security interest for the Secretary of State in the voting machines or vote tally systems or computers or computer systems. The security interest shall not be released until the sale is completed and the terms of the sale agreement are satisfied.

(2) The Secretary of State on having entered into an agreement with a county may purchase the necessary voting machines or vote tally systems or computers or computer systems using money made available under the provisions of ORS 246.590 (Loans from State Treasurer for purchase of voting equipment or computers) . [Formerly 258.405; 1995 c.144 §15]

Source: Section 246.570 — Sale of vote recording systems to counties; security interest , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.472 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.472
254.472 Compartments for marking ballots
Status: in_force

The county clerk shall provide, at any location where ballots are issued, at least three suitable compartments, shelves or tables at which electors may mark their ballots. The arrangement of the compartments, shelves or tables shall ensure that the elector may conveniently mark the ballot with absolute secrecy. The compartments, shelves or tables shall be available during the entire time that ballots may be issued. [1999 c.410 §42]

Source: Section 254.472 — Compartments for marking ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.025 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.025
250.025 Qualifications for signers of petition
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector may sign an initiative or referendum petition for any measure on which the elector is entitled to vote.

(2) After an initiative or referendum petition is submitted for signature verification, no elector who signed the petition may remove the signature of the elector from the petition. [Formerly 254.160; 1985 c.808 §24]

Source: Section 250.025 — Qualifications for signers of petition; removal of signatures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.295 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.295
255.295 Preparing abstract
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 27th day after the date of an election, the elections officer shall prepare an abstract of the votes and deliver it to the district elections authority. Not later than the 45th day after the date of an election, the district elections authority shall determine from it the result of the election.

(2) Subject to ORS 254.548 (Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes) , the elections officer may issue a certificate of election only after the district elections authority has notified the elections officer in writing of the result of the election. [Formerly 259.200; 1989 c.221 §1; 1993 c.493 §102; 1995 c.712 §72; 1999 c.318 §50; 1999 c.999 §57; 2005 c.157 §5; 2014 c.67 §5; 2014 c.112 §5; 2017 c.749 §30; 2018 c.70 §10; 2021 c.551 §10]

Source: Section 255.295 — Preparing abstract; notification of results , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.232 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.232
260.232 Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State may impose a civil penalty as provided in this section, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, for:

(a) Failure to file a statement or certificate required to be filed 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) , 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) .

(b) Failure to include in a statement filed 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) , 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) the information required 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) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) .

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a person required to file has not filed a statement or certificate complying with applicable provisions of 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.085 (Listing of occupation of contributor) , 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) within the time specified in 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , the Secretary of State by first class mail or electronically shall notify the person or elector designated under ORS 260.042 (Content of statement of organization of political committee) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) that a penalty may be imposed and that the person has 20 days from the service date on the notice to request a hearing before the Secretary of State.

(b) If the person required to file is a candidate or the principal campaign committee of a candidate, the Secretary of State shall send the notice described in paragraph (a) of this subsection by first class mail or electronically to the candidate. The notice shall be used for purposes of determining the deadline for requesting a hearing under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) A hearing on whether to impose a civil penalty and to consider circumstances in mitigation shall be held by the Secretary of State:

(a) Upon request of the person against whom the penalty may be assessed, if the request is made not later than the 20th day after the service date on the notice sent under subsection (2) of this section;

(b) Upon request of the filing officer with whom a statement or certificate was required to be filed but was not filed; or

(c) Upon the Secretary of State’s own motion.

(4) A hearing under subsection (3) of this section shall be held not later than 45 days after the deadline for the person against whom the penalty may be assessed to request a hearing. However, if requested by the person against whom the penalty may be assessed, a hearing under subsection (3) of this section shall be held not later than 60 days after the deadline for the person against whom the penalty may be assessed to request a hearing.

(5) The Secretary of State shall issue an order not later than 90 days after a hearing or after the deadline for requesting a hearing if no hearing is held.

(6) The person against whom a penalty may be assessed need not appear in person at a hearing held under this section, but instead may submit written testimony and other evidence, sworn to before a notary public, to the Secretary of State for entry in the hearing record. The testimony and other evidence must be received by the secretary not later than three business days before the day of the hearing and may be submitted electronically.

(7) A civil penalty imposed under this section may not be more than the following:

(a) For failure to file a statement or certificate required to be filed 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) , 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) , 10 percent of the total amount of the contribution or expenditure required to be included in the statement or certificate; or

(b) For each failure to include in a statement filed 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) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) , 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) the information required 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) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , 10 percent of the total amount of the contribution or expenditure required to be included in the statement.

(8) The Secretary of State, upon a showing of mitigating circumstances, may reduce the amount of the penalty described in subsection (7) of this section.

(9) Except as otherwise provided by this section, civil penalties under this section shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745 (Civil penalty procedures) . [1979 c.190 §360; 1979 c.519 §34a; 1981 c.234 §13; 1983 c.71 §8; 1985 c.471 §14; 1991 c.319 §1; 1991 c.719 §30; 1991 c.734 §118; 1993 c.493 §77; 1993 c.743 §24; 1999 c.999 §17; 2001 c.82 §8; 2003 c.542 §19; 2005 c.797 §17; 2005 c.809 §41; 2009 c.818 §15; 2011 c.652 §9; 2013 c.756 §5; 2013 c.758 §11; 2017 c.517 §4; 2017 c.749 §38; 2021 c.473 §9]

Source: Section 260.232 — Civil penalty for failure to file statement or to include required information; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.495 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.495
254.495 Tally and return sheets
Status: in_force

(1) To tally ballots by hand, the counting board shall use the tally sheets and two copies of the return sheet.

(2) The completed tally and return sheets shall contain:

(a) The offices on the ballot;

(b) The number and name of each candidate who received a vote;

(c) The total number of votes cast for each candidate and each measure voted upon; and

(d) The total number of votes cast for and against the measure.

(3) The tally and return sheets, when completed, shall be certified correct by the counting board that kept them. [Formerly 250.471; 2007 c.154 §45]

Source: Section 254.495 — Tally and return sheets; counting and tallying ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.054 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.054
260.054 Political committee campaign account
Status: in_force

(1) Each political committee shall establish a single exclusive campaign account and each petition committee organized under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) shall establish a single exclusive petition account in a financial institution, as defined in ORS 706.008 (Additional definitions for Bank Act) . The financial institution must be located in this state and must ordinarily conduct business with the general public in this state.

(2) A political committee shall maintain the campaign account in the name of the political committee. A petition committee shall maintain the petition account in the name of the petition committee.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section:

(a) All expenditures made by the political committee shall be drawn from the campaign account and:

(A) Issued on a check signed by the candidate on whose behalf the account is established, by the treasurer of the political committee or by an individual designated by the candidate or treasurer; or

(B) Paid using a debit card or other form of electronic transaction.

(b) All expenditures made by the petition committee shall be drawn from the petition account and:

(A) Issued on a check signed by the chief petitioner or treasurer of the petition committee or by an individual designated by the chief petitioner or treasurer; or

(B) Paid using a debit card or other form of electronic transaction.

(4) Subsection (3) of this section does not prohibit a person from making a cash or other expenditure on behalf of the political committee or petition committee and receiving reimbursement from the campaign or petition account.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Not later than seven business days after the date the contribution is received:

(A) A contribution received by a candidate or the treasurer of a political committee, directly or indirectly, shall be deposited into the campaign account.

(B) A contribution received by a chief petitioner or treasurer of a petition committee, directly or indirectly, shall be deposited into the petition account.

(b) This subsection does not apply to in-kind contributions received by a candidate, political committee or petition committee.

(6) This section does not prohibit the transfer of any amount deposited in a campaign or petition account into a certificate of deposit, stock fund or other investment instrument.

(7) A campaign or petition account may not include any private moneys, other than contributions received by the political committee or petition committee.

(8) A political committee or petition committee shall retain a copy of each financial institution account statement from the campaign or petition account described in this section for not less than two years after the date the statement is issued by the financial institution.

(9) This section does not apply to candidates described in ORS 260.043 (Exemptions for candidate who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $750 or $3,500) .

(10) As used in this section, “contribution” and “expenditure” include a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of an initiative, referendum or recall petition. [2005 c.809 §3; 2007 c.570 §8; 2009 c.818 §7; 2017 c.749 §34]

Source: Section 260.054 — Political committee campaign account; petition committee petition account , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.072 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.072
248.072 Authority of state central committee
Status: in_force

The state central committee is the highest party authority in the state and may adopt rules or resolutions for any matter of party government which is not controlled by the laws of this state. [1979 c.190 §84]

Source: Section 248.072 — Authority of state central committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.270 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.270
258.270 Payment of costs where more than one recount conducted simultaneously
Status: in_force

If two or more recounts are conducted simultaneously, payment of the costs of the recount in counties where the same precinct or precincts are designated for recount by more than one person shall be equitably apportioned among those persons. With the advice of the official directed to conduct the recount, the Secretary of State shall determine the apportionment of costs. [Formerly 251.615]

Source: Section 258.270 — Payment of costs where more than one recount conducted simultaneously , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.062 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.062
255.062 Date of election on measure referred by district elections authority
Status: in_force

Unless specifically provided otherwise, when the district elections authority of a district that holds regular district elections refers a measure to the electors of the district, the election on the measure shall be held on a district election date specified by the district elections authority in the order calling the election. The election date may not be sooner than the first available election date in ORS 255.345 (Special election dates) (1) for which the filing deadline can be met after the date of the order calling the election and may not be later than the next regular district election following the 61st day after the date of the order. [1983 c.350 §72; 1985 c.808 §40; 1989 c.923 §13]

Source: Section 255.062 — Date of election on measure referred by district elections authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).