ORS § 246.710 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.710
246.710 Declaring county elections emergency
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) , if the governing body of a county, after consultation with the county clerk or county director of elections, believes that the county is in a state of fiscal distress that compromises the county’s ability to conduct elections at a minimally adequate level, the governing body may request that the Governor declare a county elections emergency.

(2) Upon request pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the Governor shall consult with the Secretary of State to determine whether to declare a county elections emergency.

(3) Within 14 days after consultation with the secretary pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the Governor shall:

(a) Declare the existence of a county elections emergency in the county; or

(b) Issue a determination that the county’s fiscal situation does not cause the county to conduct elections at a less than minimally adequate level.

(4) As soon as practicable after declaration of an emergency pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section and after consultation with the county clerk or county director of elections, the secretary shall provide services in the county to the extent necessary to ensure a minimally adequate level of election services to the electors in the county and all municipal corporations in the county.

(5) If the secretary must perform services in a county pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, the secretary shall seek reimbursement from the Emergency Board for such additional funds and spending authority as the secretary considers necessary.

(6) At any time after declaration of an emergency pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section, the governing body of the county or the secretary may request that the Governor, after consultation with the secretary, issue a determination pursuant to subsection (3)(b) of this section.

(7) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The county shall resume conducting elections for the electors of the county and all municipal corporations in the county on the earlier of:

(A) The date on which a determination is issued pursuant to subsection (6) of this section; or

(B) Two years after the date on which an emergency is declared in the county pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section.

(b) The governing body of the county may request a declaration under subsection (1) of this section at any time before or after the elapse of the two-year period described in paragraph (a)(B) of this subsection in order to ensure continuity of election services in the county. [2013 c.730 §2]

Note: 246.710 (Declaring county elections emergency) was added to and made a part of ORS chapters 246 to 260 by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 246 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

COMPELLING OFFICERS, OFFICIALS TO PERFORM DUTIES

Source: Section 246.710 — Declaring county elections emergency; process; resumption of elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.056 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.056
254.056 Date and purpose of general election and primary election
Status: repealed

(1) The general election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. Except as provided in ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) , at the general election officers of the state and subdivisions of the state, members of Congress and electors of President and Vice President of the United States as are to be elected in that year shall be elected.

(2) The primary election shall be held on the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. At the primary election precinct committeepersons shall be elected and major political party candidates shall be nominated for offices to be filled at the general election held in that year. [1979 c.190 §229; 1979 c.316 §20a; 1987 c.267 §1; 1995 c.712 §1; 1999 c.59 §64; 1999 c.999 §28; 2001 c.965 §12; 2003 c.542 §7]

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, sections 2 to 5 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. Sections 1 to 5, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 1. Sections 2 to 5 of this 2023 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 254. [2023 c.220 §1]

Sec. 2. (1) Ranked choice voting as conducted in the manner set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act shall be used to determine the nomination by a major political party for the following offices:

(a) President of the United States.

(b) United States Senator and Representative in Congress.

(c) Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney General.

(2) Ranked choice voting as conducted in the manner set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act shall be used at the general election to determine election to the following offices:

(a) President and Vice President of the United States.

(b) United States Senator and Representative in Congress.

(c) Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney General.

(3) Ranked choice voting as conducted in the manner set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act shall be used at the primary election to determine election to the office of Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. [2023 c.220 §2]

Sec. 3. (1) Unless otherwise prohibited by home rule charter:

(a) A city may use ranked choice voting to determine election to city office.

(b) A county may use ranked choice voting to determine election to county office.

(c) A metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 may use ranked choice voting to determine election to office of a metropolitan service district.

(d) A school district as defined in ORS 330.005 (Division of state into school districts) may use ranked choice voting to determine election to office of the school district.

(e) Any local government or local service district, as both are defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) , may use ranked choice voting to determine election to office of the local government or local service district.

(2) Unless otherwise prohibited by home rule charter:

(a) For any partisan city office, a city may use ranked choice voting to determine the nomination for that office.

(b) For any partisan county office, a county may use ranked choice voting to determine the nomination for that office.

(c) For any partisan office that is part of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, the metropolitan service district may use ranked choice voting to determine the nomination for that office.

(d) For any partisan office of a school district as defined in ORS 330.005 (Division of state into school districts) , the school district may use ranked choice voting to determine the nomination for that office.

(e) For any partisan office of a local government or local service district, as both are defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) , the local government or local service district may use ranked choice voting to determine the nomination for that local government or local service district office.

(3) This section does not apply to the nomination for or election to any office described in section 2 of this 2023 Act.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) This section may not be construed to limit, restrict or preempt the authority of any home rule jurisdiction to provide for ranked choice voting conducted in the manner set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act to determine nomination for or election to any office in that jurisdiction.

(b) This section may not be construed to limit, restrict or preempt the authority of any home rule jurisdiction that, on or after November 8, 2016, and prior to the effective date of this 2023 Act, adopted ranked choice voting to determine elections to office or offices of that jurisdiction, to use ranked choice voting in any manner adopted, amended or revised by the jurisdiction, including using ranked choice voting as locally adopted, amended or revised for elections to office or offices of that jurisdiction in lieu of the method of ranked choice voting set forth in section 4 of this 2023 Act and any rules adopted by the Secretary of State for the purpose of implementing section 4 of this 2023 Act.

(5) The secretary, in consultation with county clerks and elections officers as defined in ORS 255.005 (Definitions) , shall:

(a) Adopt rules to implement this section; and

(b) Provide formal and informal guidance to cities, counties, metropolitan service districts organized under ORS chapter 268, school districts as defined in ORS 330.005 (Division of state into school districts) and local governments and local service districts, as both are defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) , regarding the implementation of this section. [2023 c.220 §3]

Sec. 4. (1) When a nomination for or an election to an office is determined by ranked choice voting, the winner or winners of the nomination or election shall be determined in the manner set forth in this section.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The ballot shall provide electors with the option of ranking as many choices of qualified candidates and qualified write-in candidates as practicable.

(b) Each ballot that is cast shall count as one vote for the highest-ranked active candidate on that ballot. The tallying of ballots shall proceed in rounds, with each round proceeding sequentially as follows:

(A) If an active candidate has a majority of votes in a round, the candidate with the greatest number of votes is nominated or elected and the tallying of ballots is complete for that office.

(B) If no active candidate has a majority of votes in a round:

(i) The active candidate with the fewest votes is defeated and is no longer an active candidate;

(ii) Votes that had been counted for the defeated candidate are transferred to each ballot’s next highest-ranked active candidate; and

(iii) A new round of vote tallying begins with ballots retallied in the manner described in this subparagraph.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section and except as otherwise expressly provided by law, when an election to an office is determined by ranked choice voting, and more than one person is to be elected to a single office, the people elected to the office shall be determined by a proportional methodology adopted by rule by the Secretary of State. Any rules adopted under this subsection shall provide that candidates are elected to office by:

(a) Receiving more votes than a threshold determined by dividing the total votes counted for active candidates in the first round of tabulation by the sum of the number of people to be elected plus one, with all votes that are received by a candidate that are in excess of the minimum number of votes required to be elected to office being transferred to lower-ranked active candidates in the manner set forth in the proportional methodology adopted by the secretary under this subsection; or

(b) If the number of active candidates is less than or equal to the number of seats remaining to be filled, by being one of the active candidates.

(4) This section may not be interpreted to limit, restrict or preempt a major political party from selecting delegates for President of the United States according to party rules that are not inconsistent with ORS chapter 248.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Secretary of State, in consultation with county clerks and elections officers as defined in ORS 255.005 (Definitions) , shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this section, including, but not limited to:

(A) Determining the number of qualified candidates and qualified write-in candidates that are practicable to be ranked on the ballot for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) of this section;

(B) The tally processes for ranked choice voting; and

(C) Clearly defining any processes and terms needed for effectively implementing ranked choice voting.

(b) Prior to adopting rules relating to the nomination of candidates for President of the United States, the secretary shall also consult with, and receive input from, the Oregon chairperson from each major political party.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Active candidate” means a candidate who has not, for the election at which ballots are being tallied:

(A) Withdrawn;

(B) Been defeated; or

(C) Been nominated or elected.

(b) “Highest-ranked active candidate” means the active candidate assigned to a higher ranking on a ballot than any other active candidate.

(c) “Ranking” means the number available to be assigned by an elector to a candidate to express the elector’s choice for that candidate, with the number 1 being the highest ranking, followed by the number 2, then the number 3, with any additional rankings authorized under this section following sequentially.

(d) “Round” means an instance of the sequence of voting tabulation:

(A) In the manner described in subsection (2)(b) of this section for elections in which no more than one person is to be elected to a single office;

(B) Adopted under subsection (3) of this section for elections in which more than one person is to be elected to a single office; or

(C) Established in conformity with subsection (4) of this section for the presidential primary election of a major political party. [2023 c.220 §4]

Sec. 5. (1) The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a program to educate electors about how ranked choice voting will be conducted in elections held in this state.

(2) The program established under this section shall:

(a) Involve community-based organizations;

(b) Be culturally appropriate; and

(c) Be available to electors in English and in the five most commonly spoken languages in this state, other than English, that have been identified by the secretary under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) . [2023 c.220 §5]

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. See section 20, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023. Sections 16 and 17, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 16. (1) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the county clerks, shall analyze the election laws of this state to determine whether existing laws are inconsistent with the effective and efficient implementation of ranked choice voting elections.

(2) The Secretary of State and county clerks shall jointly submit two reports in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , and may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to elections:

(a) Setting forth the results of the analysis conducted under subsection (1) of this section; and

(b) Detailing, to the degree practicable, each expenditure, and the associated cost of each expenditure, that the secretary and county clerks have determined is necessary to make in order to successfully implement this 2023 Act by the operative date specified in section 18 of this 2023 Act [January 1, 2028], including but not limited to expenditures related to:

(A) Staff training;

(B) Purchasing or updating new equipment;

(C) Voter education;

(D) Purchasing or updating new software; and

(E) Hiring additional staff.

(3) The Secretary of State and the county clerks shall submit:

(a) The first report required under subsection (2) of this section no later than March 15, 2025.

(b) The final report required under subsection (2) of this section no later than September 15, 2026. [2023 c.220 §16]

Sec. 17. Section 16 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2027. [2023 c.220 §17]

Source: Section 254.056 — Date and purpose of general election and primary election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.057 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.057
260.057 Electronic campaign finance filing system
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall adopt an electronic filing system to be used by:

(a) All candidates and political committees to file with the secretary statements of contributions received and expenditures made by the candidates and political committees, as described in ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) .

(b) Treasurers of petition committees organized under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) to file with the secretary statements of contributions received and expenditures made by the treasurers or chief petitioners as described in ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) .

(c) Persons who make independent expenditures as provided in ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) to file with the secretary statements of independent expenditures made by the persons as described in ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) .

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a candidate or political committee shall file a statement of contributions received and expenditures made described in subsection (1)(a) of this section not later than 30 calendar days after a contribution is received or an expenditure is made.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A candidate for nomination or election at any primary or general election or a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate or measure at any primary or general election shall file a statement described in subsection (1)(a) of this section not later than seven calendar days after a contribution is received or an expenditure is made. This paragraph applies to contributions received and expenditures made:

(A) During the period beginning on the 42nd calendar day before the date of any primary election and ending on the date of the primary election; and

(B) During the period beginning on the 42nd calendar day before the date of any general election and ending on the date of the general election.

(b) For any special election, the secretary by rule may establish a period during which a candidate for nomination or election at the special election or a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate or measure at the special election must file a statement described in subsection (1) of this section not later than seven calendar days after a contribution is received or an expenditure is made.

(c) If the candidate or political committee receives a contribution or makes an expenditure prior to the 42nd calendar day before the date of the primary or general election and the candidate or political committee has not filed a statement of the contribution or expenditure under subsection (2) of this section by the 43rd calendar day before the date of the primary or general election, the candidate or political committee shall file a statement described in subsection (1)(a) of this section not later than whichever of the following dates occurs first:

(A) The date required under subsection (2) of this section; or

(B) The 35th calendar day before the date of the primary or general election.

(4) The electronic filing system shall be provided free of charge by the secretary and shall:

(a) Accept electronic files that conform to the format prescribed by the secretary by rule; or

(b) Be compatible with any other electronic filing application provided or approved by the secretary.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the secretary shall make all data filed electronically under subsection (1)(a) of this section and all information filed with the secretary under ORS 260.049 (Reports to be filed by certain corporations) or 260.085 (Listing of occupation of contributor) available on the Internet to the public free of charge according to a schedule adopted by the secretary by rule. The secretary shall make the data available in a searchable database that is easily accessible by the public. When the secretary makes data or information available on the Internet under this subsection, the secretary shall display any contribution received from a person or political committee with an out-of-state address in a different colored font than a contribution received from a person or political committee with an in-state address.

(b) The secretary may not make data that are filed electronically under subsection (1)(a) of this section available to the public under this section, unless the data are required to be listed under ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) . The secretary may not disclose under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) any data that are filed electronically under subsection (1)(a) of this section, unless the data are required to be listed under ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) .

(6) Each statement required by this section shall be signed and certified as true by the candidate, treasurer, designee of the candidate or treasurer or person who files a statement of independent expenditures under ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) , as appropriate. Signatures shall be supplied in the manner specified by the secretary by rule.

(7) This section does not apply to:

(a) Candidates for federal office;

(b) Candidates who are not required to file a statement of organization under ORS 260.043 (Exemptions for candidate who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $750 or $3,500) ; or

(c) Candidates, political committees or petition committees that file certificates under ORS 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) . [2005 c.809 §14; 2007 c.570 §1; 2007 c.848 §12; 2008 c.41 §1; 2009 c.818 §8; 2013 c.756 §2; 2013 c.758 §5; 2017 c.749 §36; 2018 c.70 §1]

Source: Section 260.057 — Electronic campaign finance filing system; schedule for filing; Internet availability; exclusions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.407 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.407
260.407 Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, amounts received as contributions by a candidate, the principal campaign committee of a candidate or the principal campaign committee of a holder of public office may be:

(A) Used to defray any expenses incurred in connection with the recipient’s duties as a holder of public office;

(B) Transferred to any national, state or local political committee of any political party;

(C) Contributed to any organization described in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or to any charitable corporation as defined in ORS 128.620 (Definitions for ORS 128.610 to 128.769) ; or

(D) Used for any other lawful purpose.

(b) Amounts received as contributions by a candidate, the principal campaign committee of a candidate for public office or the principal campaign committee of a holder of public office may not be:

(A) Converted by any person to any personal use other than to defray any expenses incurred in connection with the person’s duties as a holder of public office or to repay to a candidate any loan the proceeds of which were used in connection with the candidate’s campaign;

(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any money award as defined in ORS 18.005 (Definitions) included as part of a judgment in a civil or criminal action or any civil penalty imposed by an agency as defined in ORS 183.310 (Definitions for chapter) or by a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) . Contributions described in this paragraph may be used to pay a civil penalty imposed under this chapter, other than a civil penalty imposed for a violation of this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ;

(C) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any legal expenses incurred by the candidate or public official in any civil, criminal or other legal proceeding or investigation that relates to or arises from the course and scope of the duties of the person as a candidate or public official. Contributions described in this paragraph may be used to pay legal expenses incurred by the candidate or public official in connection with a legal proceeding brought under ORS chapters 246 to 260, other than a proceeding brought under this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ; or

(D) Used to make payments in connection with a nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment. A nondisclosure agreement made in violation of this subparagraph is void and may not be enforced by a court of this state.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, amounts received as contributions by a political committee that is not a principal campaign committee may be:

(A) Used to repay to the political committee any loan the proceeds of which were used in connection with the campaign;

(B) Transferred to any national, state or local political committee of any political party;

(C) Contributed to any organization described in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or to any charitable corporation as defined in ORS 128.620 (Definitions for ORS 128.610 to 128.769) ; or

(D) Used for any other lawful purpose.

(b) Amounts received as contributions by the political committee may not be:

(A) Converted by any person to any personal use;

(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any money award as defined in ORS 18.005 (Definitions) included as part of a judgment in a civil or criminal action or any civil penalty imposed by an agency as defined in ORS 183.310 (Definitions for chapter) or by a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) . Contributions described in this subsection may be used to pay a civil penalty imposed under this chapter, other than a civil penalty imposed for a violation of this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ;

(C) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any legal expenses incurred by a treasurer or director of a political committee in any civil, criminal or other legal proceeding or investigation that relates to or arises from the course and scope of the duties of the person as a treasurer or director. Contributions described in this subsection may be used to pay legal expenses incurred by a treasurer or director in connection with a legal proceeding brought under ORS chapters 246 to 260, other than a proceeding brought under this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ; or

(D) Used to make payments in connection with a nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment. A nondisclosure agreement made in violation of this subparagraph is void and may not be enforced by a court of this state.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, amounts received as contributions by a chief petitioner or treasurer of a petition committee may be:

(A) Used to repay to the chief petitioner any loan the proceeds of which were used in connection with the initiative, referendum or recall petition;

(B) Transferred to any national, state or local political committee of any political party;

(C) Contributed to any organization described in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or to any charitable corporation as defined in ORS 128.620 (Definitions for ORS 128.610 to 128.769) ; or

(D) Used for any other lawful purpose.

(b) Amounts received as contributions by a chief petitioner or treasurer of a petition committee may not be:

(A) Converted by any person to any personal use;

(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any money award as defined in ORS 18.005 (Definitions) included as part of a judgment in a civil or criminal action or any civil penalty imposed by an agency as defined in ORS 183.310 (Definitions for chapter) or by a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) . Contributions described in this subsection may be used to pay a civil penalty imposed under this chapter, other than a civil penalty imposed for a violation of this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ;

(C) Except as provided in this subparagraph, used to pay any legal expenses incurred by a chief petitioner or the treasurer of a petition committee in any civil, criminal or other legal proceeding or investigation that relates to or arises from the course and scope of the duties of the person as a chief petitioner or treasurer. Contributions described in this subsection may be used to pay legal expenses incurred by a chief petitioner or treasurer in connection with a legal proceeding brought under ORS chapters 246 to 260, other than a proceeding brought under this section or ORS 260.409 (Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate) ; or

(D) Used to make payments in connection with a nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment. A nondisclosure agreement made in violation of this subparagraph is void and may not be enforced by a court of this state.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) “Contribution” and “expenditure” include a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of an initiative, referendum or recall petition.

(b) “Funds donated” means all funds, including but not limited to gifts, loans, advances, credits or deposits of money that are donated for the purpose of supporting the activities of a holder of public office. “Funds donated” does not mean funds appropriated by the Legislative Assembly or another similar public appropriating body or personal funds of the office holder donated to an account containing only those personal funds.

(c) “Public office” does not include national or political party office.

(d) “Workplace harassment” means conduct that constitutes discrimination prohibited by ORS 659A.030 (Discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age or expunged juvenile record prohibited) , including conduct that constitutes sexual assault as defined in ORS 181A.323 (Definitions for ORS 181A.323 to 181A.328) . [1995 c.1 §18; 1999 c.999 §20; 2007 c.877 §14; 2009 c.818 §17; 2010 c.9 §9; 2013 c.758 §14; 2017 c.749 §40; 2019 c.462 §1]

Source: Section 260.407 — Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.830 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.830
249.830 Procedure for withdrawing nomination
Status: in_force

(1) A person who has been nominated and has accepted the nomination under ORS 249.712 (Acceptance of nomination) may withdraw from the nomination by filing with the officer with whom the certificate of nomination was filed a written statement declining the nomination and stating the reason for withdrawal.

(2) The statement must be:

(a) Signed by the person withdrawing from the nomination; and

(b) Filed not later than the 67th day before the general election.

(3) The statement may be sent to the Secretary of State through a county clerk, as provided by ORS 249.850 (Filing of certificate to fill vacancy in nomination) . [Amended by 1957 c.608 §117; 1967 c.86 §1; 1979 c.190 §133; 2007 c.155 §6]

Source: Section 249.830 — Procedure for withdrawing nomination , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.069 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.069
255.069 Delivery and preparation of form for updating information on members of district boards
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 115th day before a regular district election, or not later than the 135th day before a district election held on the date of a primary election or general election, the elections officer shall deliver to each district elections authority a form for updating information on members of district boards. The form shall include, at a minimum, the district offices to be filled or for which candidates are to be nominated or elected at the next district election and information concerning the candidates.

(2) Not later than the 105th day before a regular district election or not later than the 125th day before a district election held on the date of a primary election or general election, the district elections authority shall return to the elections officer the form for updating information on members of district boards.

(3) The elections officer shall prepare the notice required by ORS 255.075 (Publication of notice of district election to elect district board or district school board) by using the form completed by the district elections authority and any other information available. If the form is not returned by the district elections authority by the deadline specified in subsection (2) of this section, the elections officer shall prepare the notice for the district using the most current information available. If the form is returned by the district elections authority after the deadline, the elections officer shall prepare a corrected notice. The district shall be liable for any additional costs incurred in preparing and publishing a corrected notice.

(4) The elections officer shall retain the completed forms in a file maintained for that purpose. All forms shall be kept for a period of at least four years after the district election for which the form was completed.

(5) If a district is located in more than one county, the elections officer shall immediately certify the information contained on the form required under subsection (2) of this section to the county clerk of any other county in which the district is located.

(6) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish the forms and procedures the elections officer and the district elections authority shall use in maintaining adequate records for preparation of the form required under subsection (1) of this section. [1991 c.719 §58; 1995 c.712 §69; 2015 c.169 §4]

Source: Section 255.069 — Delivery and preparation of form for updating information on members of district boards; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.095 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.095
250.095 State measures affecting a county or district
Status: in_force

A law enacted by the Legislative Assembly relating only to a county or district may be referred by the Legislative Assembly or by petition to the people of the county or district. The percentage of signatures required under section 1, Article IV, Oregon Constitution, for a referendum petition filed under this section shall be based on the vote for Governor within the county or district. [1979 c.190 §148]

Source: Section 250.095 — State measures affecting a county or district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.722 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.722
249.722 Time for filing certificate
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a certificate of nomination of a candidate for public office shall be filed not sooner than the 15th day after the date of the primary election and not later than the 70th day before the date of the general election.

(2) A certificate of nomination of a candidate for:

(a) State office, United States Senator or Representative in Congress shall be filed with the Secretary of State.

(b) County office shall be filed with the county clerk.

(c) City office shall be filed with the chief city elections officer.

(3) For a special election, including an election to fill a vacancy that occurs after the 70th day before the general election, the Secretary of State by rule may adopt a schedule specifying the period within which a certificate of nomination must be filed. If the Secretary of State does not adopt a rule under this subsection, a certificate of nomination must be filed before the 61st day preceding the election. [1979 c.190 §128; 1987 c.267 §23; 1993 c.493 §§8,9; 1995 c.607 §20; 1995 c.712 §32; 1999 c.999 §39; 2001 c.145 §2; 2005 c.593 §3; 2005 c.797 §33]

Source: Section 249.722 — Time for filing certificate; filing officers; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.435 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.435
251.435 Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet
Status: in_force

Material submitted for inclusion in any state or county voters’ pamphlet shall not be admitted as evidence in any suit or action against the county clerk to restrain or enjoin the publication of the voters’ pamphlet. [1989 c.1031 §16]

Source: Section 251.435 — 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 § 246.540 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.540
246.540 Joint purchase, maintenance and use
Status: in_force

(1) In purchasing voting machines or vote tally systems, a governing body of any county and the governing bodies of any incorporated cities, districts or other municipalities in the county, may provide for the joint purchase and subsequent ownership of voting machines or vote tally systems and for the care, maintenance and use of the machines or systems.

(2) The governing body of two or more counties may provide for the joint use of voting machines or vote tally systems. [Formerly 258.105]

Source: Section 246.540 — Joint purchase, maintenance and use , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.021 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.021
249.021 Candidate and public office holder residence address
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish a new provision that must be added to every nominating petition or declaration of candidacy used for public office. The provision established under this section shall:

(A) Allow each candidate for public office to check a box indicating that the candidate does not want the residence address of the candidate to be disclosed on:

(i) Publicly accessible versions of the nominating petition or declaration of candidacy used by the candidate; or

(ii) A list of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) ; and

(B) Require that each candidate who chooses to check the box described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph includes an alternative mailing address that will be included on each list of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) .

(b) The residence address of a candidate who checks the box described in paragraph (a)(A) of this subsection:

(A) May not be visible on any publicly accessible nominating petition or declaration of candidacy;

(B) May not be disclosed on a list of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) until:

(i) The relevant filing officer determines that the person is no longer a candidate for the public office described in the nominating petition or declaration of candidacy and was not elected to that public office;

(ii) The relevant filing officer determines that a candidate who is elected to the public office described in the nominating petition or declaration of candidacy ceases to hold that public office; or

(iii) The candidate indicates to the relevant filing officer in a manner determined by the Secretary of State by rule that the candidate would like the candidate’s residence address to be visible on publicly accessible nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy or to appear on lists of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) ; and

(C) Until one of the criteria in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph is satisfied, 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) only to a person who has filed a written public records request.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a method to allow any public office holder to indicate that the public office holder does not want the residence address of the public office holder to be disclosed on a list of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) .

(b) The residence address of a public office holder who makes an indication described in paragraph (a) of this subsection:

(A) May not be disclosed on a list of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) until:

(i) The relevant filing officer determines that the public office holder no longer holds that public office; or

(ii) The public office holder indicates to the relevant filing officer in a manner determined by the Secretary of State by rule that the public office holder would like the public office holder’s residence address to appear on lists of electors delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) or 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) ; and

(B) Until one of the criteria in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is satisfied, 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) only to a person who has filed a written public records request.

(3) This section does not apply to:

(a) Nominating petitions or declarations of candidacy for candidates for precinct committeeperson; or

(b) Precinct committeepersons.

(4) The Secretary of State may adopt any rules necessary to effectively implement this section.

(5) As used in this section, “filing officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 260.005 (Definitions) . [2023 c.528 §2]

Note: 249.021 (Candidate and public office holder residence address) 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 249.021 — Candidate and public office holder residence address; exceptions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.540 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.540
253.540 Application for ballot by military or overseas elector
Status: in_force

(1) Any military or overseas elector may secure a ballot by submitting an application as specified in subsection (2) of this section to the clerk of the county of the military or overseas elector’s residence, or to the Secretary of State. If the application is addressed to the Secretary of State, the secretary shall forward it to the appropriate county clerk.

(2) An application for a ballot by a military or overseas elector shall be made in the form of a written request and may be submitted by mail, electronic mail, a facsimile machine or other means identified by the Secretary of State by rule. The application shall be valid for every subsequent election until the elector otherwise notifies the clerk or is no longer an elector of the county. The application shall be signed by the applicant and contain:

(a) The name and current mailing address of the applicant;

(b) A statement that the applicant is a citizen of the United States;

(c) A statement that the applicant will be 18 years of age or older on the date of the election;

(d) A statement that for more than 20 days preceding the election the applicant’s home residence has been in this state, and giving the address of the last home residence;

(e) A statement of the facts that qualify the applicant as a military or overseas elector or as the spouse or a dependent of a military or overseas elector;

(f) A statement that the applicant is not requesting a ballot from any other state and is not voting in any other manner in the election except by the requested ballot; and

(g) If the applicant desires to vote in a primary election, a designation of the applicant’s political party affiliation or a statement that the applicant is not affiliated with any political party. An applicant not affiliated with any political party may request a ballot for a major political party. The applicant shall be sent the ballot for the political party that the applicant requested if that political party has provided under ORS 254.365 (Voting at primary election by major party members and nonaffiliated electors) for a primary election that admits electors not affiliated with any political party. [1955 c.332 §§7,8; 1957 c.641 §16; 1973 c.827 §25; 1975 c.675 §31; 1979 c.190 §220; 1979 c.519 §26; 1987 c.719 §7; 1991 c.168 §2; 1995 c.712 §49; 1999 c.999 §43; 2013 c.520 §8; 2019 c.675 §2]

Source: Section 253.540 — Application for ballot by military or overseas elector , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.275 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.275
247.275 Limits on considering registration of elector inactive
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of ORS chapters 246 to 260, the registration of an elector may not be considered inactive due to an elector not voting or updating the elector’s registration for any period of time.

(2) The registration of an elector shall be considered active if the only reason for the registration of an elector being considered inactive is that the elector neither voted nor updated the elector’s registration for any period of time.

(3) The Secretary of State may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. [2021 c.233 §2]

Source: Section 247.275 — Limits on considering registration of elector inactive; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.083 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.083
260.083 Contents of statements
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) For a contribution, except as provided in ORS 260.085 (Listing of occupation of contributor) , 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) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) shall list:

(A) The name, occupation and address of each person, and the name and address of each political committee or petition committee, that contributed an aggregate amount of more than $100 in a calendar year on behalf of a candidate or to a political committee or petition committee and the total amount contributed by that person or committee; and

(B) The total amount of other contributions as a single item, but shall specify how those contributions were obtained.

(b) For an expenditure, including an independent expenditure, 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) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) shall list:

(A) The amount and purpose of each expenditure made in an aggregate amount of more than $100 to a payee, the name or, if applicable, the business name of the payee of the expenditure, and the city, or county if the payee is not located in a city, and state in which the payee is located; and

(B) The total amount of other expenditures as a single item.

(c) For each loan, whether repaid or not, made by or to a candidate, political committee or petition committee, 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) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) shall list:

(A) The name and address of each person shown as a cosigner or guarantor on a loan and the amount of the obligation undertaken by each cosigner or guarantor;

(B) The name of the lender holding the loan; and

(C) The terms of the loan, including the interest rate and repayment schedule.

(2) An expenditure shall be reported as an account payable only if the expenditure is not paid within the time specified in ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) .

(3) Anything of value paid for or contributed by any person shall be listed as both an in-kind contribution and an expenditure by the candidate or committee for whose benefit the payment or contribution was made.

(4) If a candidate, political committee or petition committee under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) makes an expenditure that must be reported as an in-kind contribution and an expenditure as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the candidate, political committee or petition committee making the original expenditure shall, in any statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.078 (Reporting contributions and expenditures not previously reported) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , identify the expenditure as an in-kind contribution and identify the candidate, political committee or petition committee for whose benefit the expenditure was made.

(5) If a political committee makes an expenditure that qualifies as an independent expenditure under ORS 260.005 (Definitions) (10), the listing of the expenditure under this section shall identify any candidates or measures that are the subject of the independent expenditure and state whether the independent expenditure was used to advocate the election, passage or defeat of the candidates or measures.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Address” has the meaning given that term in rules adopted by the Secretary of State.

(b) “Contribution” and “expenditure” include a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of an initiative, referendum or recall petition. [Formerly 260.162; 1981 c.234 §11; 1985 c.732 §5; 1989 c.80 §4; 1989 c.503 §42; 1989 c.1054 §12; 1991 c.258 §1; 1991 c.719 §15; 1993 c.493 §68; 1995 c.1 §20; 1995 c.607 §87; 1999 c.262 §3; 1999 c.814 §1; 1999 c.999 §10; 2001 c.82 §5; 2001 c.965 §59; 2003 c.542 §14; 2005 c.797 §13; 2005 c.809 §§8,16; 2009 c.818 §10; 2013 c.756 §3]

Source: Section 260.083 — Contents of statements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.537 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.537
260.537 False publication intended to mislead electors
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not cause to be written, printed, published, posted, communicated or circulated, including by electronic or telephonic means, any letter, circular, bill, placard, poster, photograph or other publication, or cause any advertisement to be placed in a publication, or singly or with others pay for any advertisement or circulate an advertisement by electronic or telephonic means, with knowledge or with reckless disregard that the letter, circular, bill, placard, poster, photograph, publication or advertisement contains a false statement of material fact that is intended to mislead electors regarding:

(a) The date of the election;

(b) The deadline for depositing a ballot in order for the ballot to be tallied;

(c) The voter registration deadline;

(d) The methods by which an elector may register to vote;

(e) The locations at which an elector may deposit a ballot in order for the ballot to be tallied;

(f) The qualifications an individual must meet to be eligible to vote in an election; or

(g) An elector’s voter registration status.

(2) As used in subsection (1) of this section, “cause” does not include the broadcast of an advertisement by a radio or television station or cable television company unless the advertisement is created by the owner, licensee or operator of the station or company.

(3) This section applies only to a letter, circular, bill, placard, poster, photograph, publication or advertisement that is written, printed, published, posted, communicated or circulated, including by electronic or telephonic means, within:

(a) 30 calendar days before a primary election or special election; or

(b) 60 calendar days before a general election.

(4) The Secretary of State may institute proceedings to enjoin any violation of this section, except that in the case of a violation by the Secretary of State or a candidate for the office of the Secretary of State, the Attorney General may institute proceedings to enjoin any violation of this section. In any action brought under this section, the circuit court may at any time enter such injunctions, prohibitions or restraining orders, or take any other actions as the court may deem proper. A restraining order, prohibition or injunction may be issued under this section without proof of injury or damage to any person. The circuit court shall give priority to the hearing and determination under this section. The court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal.

(5) Upon proof of any violation of this section, the court shall impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000. All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the General Fund.

(6) The remedy provided by this section is the exclusive remedy for a violation of this section. [2021 c.291 §2]

Source: Section 260.537 — False publication intended to mislead electors; civil action; penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.413 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.413
260.413 Prohibition on committee providing consideration in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the requirements set forth in ORS 260.407 (Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes) , a political committee or petition committee may not provide any form of consideration in connection with a nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Consideration in connection with a nondisclosure agreement” includes any form of consideration provided in exchange for the silence of an individual on issues relating to workplace harassment, including but not limited to:

(A) Money;

(B) Stock, personal property or other items with a resale value;

(C) Severance pay or benefits for an individual who resigned or was fired from a place of employment without cause;

(D) The promise of a positive reference or assistance in obtaining future employment in a position in which the individual’s salary is paid for with public moneys;

(E) The promise of a bonus payment of moneys in addition to the individual’s salary;

(F) Alternative work arrangements that have the effect of reducing the amount of work required to be performed by the individual, or of removing the individual from the workplace; or

(G) Any agreement that terminates the employment of the individual and includes a waiver of past or future claims against the holder of public office, the public body or any public employee.

(b) “Workplace harassment” means conduct that constitutes discrimination prohibited by ORS 659A.030 (Discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age or expunged juvenile record prohibited) , including conduct that constitutes sexual assault as defined in ORS 181A.323 (Definitions for ORS 181A.323 to 181A.328) . [2019 c.462 §5]

Source: Section 260.413 — Prohibition on committee providing consideration in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.875 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.875
249.875 Time for completing filing
Status: in_force

(1) A recall petition shall be void unless completed and filed not later than the 120th day after filing the prospective petition described in ORS 249.865 (Filing prospective petition) . Not later than the 90th day after filing the prospective petition the petition shall be submitted to the filing officer who shall verify the signatures not later than the 30th day after the submission. The filed petition shall contain only original signatures. A recall petition shall not be accepted for signature verification if it contains less than 100 percent of the required number of signatures. The petition shall not be accepted for filing until 100 percent of the required number of signatures of electors have been verified.

(2) The provisions for verification of signatures on an initiative or referendum petition contained in ORS 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) , are applicable to the verification of signatures on a recall petition. [Formerly 254.420; 1989 c.68 §4; 1991 c.719 §9; 2022 c.84 §3]

Source: Section 249.875 — Time for completing filing; verification of signatures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.360 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.360
248.360 Election time and number of presidential electors to be elected
Status: in_force

(1) At the general election in a year when a President and Vice President of the United States are to be elected, the electors of this state shall elect as many electors of President and Vice President as this state is entitled to elect Senators and Representatives in Congress.

(2) The names of the electors shall not be printed on the general election ballot. A vote for the candidates for President and Vice President shall be a vote for the 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. [Amended by 1979 c.190 §90; 1993 c.493 §4]

Source: Section 248.360 — Election time and number of presidential electors to be elected; names of presidential electors not printed on ballot , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.179 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.179
246.179 Reimbursement of county clerk for special elections for United States Senator or Representative and for recall elections involving state office
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 246.250 (Personnel) , the Secretary of State shall reimburse each county clerk for necessary expenses of an election described in subsection (2) of this section based on a claim filed by the county clerk and approved by the Secretary of State. The claim shall be made on a form designed by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall make the reimbursement from funds made available to the Secretary of State by the Emergency Board.

(2) The Secretary of State shall reimburse each county clerk for necessary expenses of:

(a) A special primary election or a special election to fill a vacancy in the election or office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress held on a date other than the date of the primary election or the general election; or

(b) A recall election involving the holder of a state office. As used in this subsection, “state office” has the meaning given that term in ORS 249.002 (Definitions) . [1983 c.567 §2; 1987 c.267 §2; 1993 c.194 §§1,2; 1995 c.712 §2]

Source: Section 246.179 — Reimbursement of county clerk for special elections for United States Senator or Representative and for recall elections involving state office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.335 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.335
255.335 Regular district election
Status: in_force

Except as provided in ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) :

(1) The regular district election shall be held by each district for the purpose of electing members of the district board to succeed a member whose term expires the following June 30 and to elect members to fill any vacancy which then may exist. The election shall be held in each such district in each odd-numbered year on the third Tuesday in May.

(2) A district shall not conduct more than one election of board members in any year.

(3) The first regular district election in a district shall be held on the regular district election date next following the year in which the first members of the district board were elected or appointed.

(4) The term of a board member elected at the regular district election shall commence on the first day of July next following the election and shall expire June 30 next following the regular district election at which a successor is elected.

(5) Each district board shall hold a regular organizational meeting following the regular district election and not later than the last day of July of that year. [Formerly 259.240; 1981 c.639 §8; 1983 c.350 §80; 1983 c.379 §4; 1989 c.923 §16; 1995 c.258 §1; 1995 c.712 §115a; 2001 c.73 §1; 2019 c.449 §44]

Source: Section 255.335 — Regular district election; terms of board members; organizational meeting , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.315 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.315
250.315 Filing officer
Status: in_force

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

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

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

(4) The Secretary of State may employ professional assistance to determine the sampling technique referred to in subsection (3) of this section. [1979 c.190 §168; 1989 c.68 §8; 1991 c.580 §3]

Source: Section 250.315 — Filing officer; filing requirements; signature verification , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.002 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.002
248.002 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Committee office” means chairperson, vice chairperson or other office the county or state central committee of a political party creates to govern the business of the committee.

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

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

(4) “Member” means an individual who is registered as being affiliated with the political party. [1979 c.190 §67]

Source: Section 248.002 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.345 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.345
260.345 Complaints or other information regarding violations
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector may file with any filing officer a written complaint alleging that a violation of an election law or rule adopted by the Secretary of State under ORS chapters 246 to 260 has occurred and stating the reason for believing that the violation occurred and any evidence relating to it. A complaint and any evidence relating to it may be filed electronically. A complaint alleging a violation involving the Secretary of State, a candidate for the office of Secretary of State, or any political committee or person supporting the Secretary of State or a candidate for the office of Secretary of State may be filed with the Attorney General. The Secretary of State or Attorney General shall not accept an anonymous complaint.

(2) The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the procedure for processing a complaint filed with any person other than the Secretary of State. If the complaint concerns the Secretary of State, any candidate for the office of the Secretary of State, or any political committee or person supporting the candidacy of the Secretary of State or of another person for the office of Secretary of State, the complaint and any additional information relating to the complaint shall be sent to the Attorney General.

(3) Upon receipt of a complaint under subsection (1) or (2) of this section the Secretary of State or Attorney General immediately shall examine the complaint to determine whether a violation of an election law or rule has occurred and shall make any investigation the Secretary of State or Attorney General considers necessary. Except as provided in this subsection, within three business days of determining that an investigation is necessary to determine whether a violation of an election law or rule has occurred, the Secretary of State or Attorney General shall notify the person who is the subject of the complaint that an investigation will take place. If the Secretary of State or Attorney General receives a complaint or complaints involving 10 or more individuals, political committees or petition committees in any 48-hour period, the Secretary of State or Attorney General need not notify the persons who are the subjects of those complaints within three business days of receiving the complaints but shall notify those persons not later than 10 business days after determining that an investigation is necessary to determine whether a violation of election law or rule has occurred.

(4) If the Secretary of State believes after an investigation under subsection (3) of this section that a violation of an election law or rule has occurred, the secretary:

(a) In the case of a violation that is subject to a penalty under ORS 260.993 (Criminal penalties) , immediately shall report the findings to the Attorney General and request prosecution. If the violation involves the Attorney General, a candidate for that office or a political committee or person supporting or opposing the Attorney General or a candidate for that office, the Secretary of State shall appoint another prosecutor for that purpose;

(b) In the case of a violation not subject to a penalty under ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) or 260.993 (Criminal penalties) , may impose a civil penalty under ORS 260.995 (Civil penalties) ; or

(c) In the case of a violation under ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) , may institute civil proceedings in the manner described in ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) .

(5) Upon receipt of a complaint or report under subsection (1), (2) or (4) of this section involving an alleged violation subject to a penalty under ORS 260.993 (Criminal penalties) or an alleged violation of ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) , the Attorney General or other prosecutor immediately shall examine the complaint or report to determine whether a violation of an election law has occurred. If the Attorney General or prosecutor determines that a violation has occurred, the Attorney General or prosecutor immediately shall begin prosecution or civil proceedings in the name of the state. The Attorney General or other prosecutor shall have the same powers in any county of this state as the district attorney for the county.

(6) Upon receipt of a complaint under subsection (1) or (2) of this section involving an alleged violation of an election law or rule not subject to a penalty under ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) or 260.993 (Criminal penalties) , the Attorney General shall examine the complaint to determine whether a violation of an election law or rule has occurred and shall make any investigation the Attorney General considers necessary. If the Attorney General believes after an investigation that a violation of an election law or rule has occurred, the Attorney General may impose a civil penalty under ORS 260.995 (Civil penalties) .

(7) In the case of an alleged violation subject to a civil penalty under ORS 260.995 (Civil penalties) or an alleged violation of ORS 260.537 (False publication intended to mislead electors) , a complaint shall be filed by an elector under this section no later than 90 days following the election at which a violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, or 90 days following the date the violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, whichever is later.

(8) A filing officer having reason to believe that a violation of an election law or rule has occurred shall proceed promptly as though the officer had received a complaint. Except as provided in ORS 260.234 (Notice of civil penalty) , a filing officer shall proceed under this subsection no later than two years following the election at which a violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, or two years following the date the violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, whichever is later. If a filing officer has not proceeded within two years because of fraud, deceit, misleading representation or the filing officer could not have reasonably discovered the alleged violation, the filing officer shall proceed no later than five years following the election at which a violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, or five years following the date the violation of an election law or rule is alleged to have occurred, whichever is later. [Formerly 260.105; 1973 c.744 §24; 1979 c.190 §365; 1987 c.718 §2; 1987 c.727 §9; 1989 c.171 §35; 1989 c.301 §1; 1989 c.571 §2; 1991 c.719 §32; 1993 c.493 §81; 2009 c.818 §23; 2011 c.607 §14; 2021 c.291 §3; 2022 c.84 §4; 2023 c.600 §22]

Source: Section 260.345 — Complaints or other information regarding violations; action by Secretary of State and Attorney General , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.171 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.171
247.171 State and federal voter registration cards
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in this subsection, the Secretary of State shall design, prepare and distribute state voter registration cards. The Secretary of State shall also distribute federal registration cards. Any person may apply in writing to the Secretary of State for permission to print, copy or otherwise prepare and distribute the registration cards designed by the Secretary of State. The secretary may revoke any permission granted under this subsection at any time. All registration cards shall be distributed to the public without charge.

(2) The Secretary of State shall approve any voter registration application form developed for use by any agency designated as a voter registration agency under ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) .

(3) Each voter registration card designed or approved by the Secretary of State shall describe the penalties for knowingly supplying false information on the registration card and shall contain space for a person to provide the following information:

(a) Full name;

(b) Residence address, mailing address or any other information necessary to locate the residence of the person offering to register to vote;

(c) The name of the political party with which the person is affiliated, if any;

(d) Date of birth;

(e) An indication that the person is a citizen of the United States; and

(f) A signature attesting to the fact that the person is qualified to be an elector.

(4) Any form containing a voter registration card may also include space for a person to provide:

(a) A telephone number where the person may be contacted; and

(b) If previously registered to vote in this state, the name then supplied by the person and the county and, if known, the address of previous registration.

(5) A person shall not supply any information under subsection (3) or (4) of this section knowing it to be false.

(6) A county clerk or other person accepting registration cards shall not request any information unless it is authorized by state or federal law.

(7) A person shall attest to the information supplied on the voter registration card by signing the completed registration card.

(8) Any completed and signed registration card described in subsection (3) of this section shall be the official registration card of the elector. [1957 c.608 §36; 1965 c.464 §2; 1971 c.241 §5; 1975 c.678 §16; 1977 c.168 §4; 1979 c.190 §47; 1985 c.808 §4; 1985 c.833 §3; 1987 c.320 §150; 1987 c.719 §11; 1987 c.733 §3; 1989 c.20 §3; 1989 c.173 §1; 1989 c.979 §5; 1993 c.713 §10; 1995 c.742 §3; 2015 c.8 §4]

Note: The amendments to 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) by section 7, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative June 1, 2026. See section 9, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative on and after June 1, 2026, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) . (1) Except as provided in this subsection, the Secretary of State shall design, prepare and distribute state voter registration cards. The Secretary of State shall also distribute federal registration cards. Any person may apply in writing to the Secretary of State for permission to print, copy or otherwise prepare and distribute the registration cards designed by the Secretary of State. The secretary may revoke any permission granted under this subsection at any time. All registration cards shall be distributed to the public without charge.

(2) The Secretary of State shall approve any voter registration application form developed for use by any agency designated as a voter registration agency under ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) .

(3) Each voter registration card designed or approved by the Secretary of State shall describe the penalties for knowingly supplying false information on the registration card and shall contain space for a person to provide the following information:

(a) Full name;

(b) Residence address, mailing address or any other information necessary to locate the residence of the person offering to register to vote;

(c) The name of the political party with which the person is affiliated, if any;

(d) Date of birth;

(e) An indication that the person is a citizen of the United States; and

(f) Except as provided in ORS 247.018 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority) , a signature attesting to the fact that the person is qualified to be an elector.

(4) Any form containing a voter registration card may also include space for a person to provide:

(a) A telephone number where the person may be contacted; and

(b) If previously registered to vote in this state, the name then supplied by the person and the county and, if known, the address of previous registration.

(5) A person shall not supply any information under subsection (3) or (4) of this section knowing it to be false.

(6) A county clerk or other person accepting registration cards shall not request any information unless it is authorized by state or federal law.

(7) Except as provided in ORS 247.018 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority) , a person shall attest to the information supplied on the voter registration card by signing the completed registration card.

(8) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, any completed and signed registration card described in subsection (3) of this section shall be the official registration card of the elector.

Source: Section 247.171 — State and federal voter registration cards; Secretary of State approval of voter registration application forms of voter registration agencies; content of voter registration cards , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.038 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.038
250.038 Form of ballot title for measure authorizing imposition or renewal of local option taxes or establishing permanent rate limitation
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to meeting other applicable requirements of this chapter:

(a) The ballot title for a measure authorizing the imposition of local option taxes shall contain the statement required by ORS 280.070 (Manner of holding elections for local option tax or permanent rate limit) (4) and the information required by ORS 280.070 (Manner of holding elections for local option tax or permanent rate limit) (5);

(b) The ballot title for a measure authorizing the establishment of a permanent rate limitation shall contain the information required by ORS 280.070 (Manner of holding elections for local option tax or permanent rate limit) (6); and

(c) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the front of the outer envelope in which the ballot title is delivered shall state, clearly and boldly printed in red, one of the following statements:

(A) For a measure authorizing the imposition of local option taxes, “CONTAINS VOTE ON PROPOSED TAX INCREASE”; or

(B) For a measure authorizing a renewal of current local option taxes, “CONTAINS VOTE ON RENEWAL OF CURRENT LOCAL OPTION TAXES.”

(2) If a ballot contains a measure authorizing the imposition of local option taxes and a measure authorizing the renewal of a current local option tax, the front of the outer envelope in which the ballot is delivered shall state, clearly and boldly printed in red, “CONTAINS VOTE ON PROPOSED TAX INCREASE.” [1999 c.632 §25; 2007 c.154 §11; 2009 c.720 §2]

Source: Section 250.038 — Form of ballot title for measure authorizing imposition or renewal of local option taxes or establishing permanent rate limitation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.062 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.062
250.062 Identical draft ballot titles required for certain state measures
Status: in_force

If the Attorney General determines that the subject, purpose and major effect of two or more state initiative measures to be submitted at the same election are substantially similar, the Attorney General shall provide identical draft ballot titles for the measures. [2009 c.566 §2]

Source: Section 250.062 — Identical draft ballot titles required for certain state measures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.695 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.695
260.695 Prohibitions relating to voting
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a person prints or circulates an imitation of the ballot or sample ballot:

(A) The imitation ballot or sample ballot and the back of any return envelope enclosed with the ballot or sample ballot shall state the following: “THIS IS NOT A REAL BALLOT. DO NOT USE TO VOTE.” The statement on the imitation ballot or sample ballot shall be in bold print that is at least two times as large as the majority of the text on the ballot or sample ballot or 20-point type, whichever is larger. The statement on the back of a return envelope shall be in bold print that is at least 36-point type.

(B) The word “UNOFFICIAL” must be superimposed on the imitation ballot or sample ballot so that the word extends diagonally across the ballot from one margin of the text to the other. The superimposed word may be printed in lighter ink than other text on the ballot or sample ballot.

(b) For purposes of this subsection, an imitation of the ballot or sample ballot includes an imitation of a portion of the ballot or sample ballot.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) As used in this subsection, “imitation voters’ pamphlet” means a document that imitates the physical characteristics or appearance of a voters’ pamphlet or a portion of a voters’ pamphlet published by the Secretary of State or county clerk, as defined in ORS 251.005 (Definitions) , under ORS chapter 251 and likely misleads or confuses a reasonable person as to whether the document is an official voters’ pamphlet or a portion of an official voters’ pamphlet in the absence of the required statement.

(b) If a person prints or circulates an imitation voters’ pamphlet, including by electronic means:

(A) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) The imitation voters’ pamphlet shall state the following: “THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL VOTERS’ PAMPHLET.” Except as provided in sub-subparagraph (ii) of this subparagraph, the statement on the imitation voters’ pamphlet shall be in bold print that is at least 36-point type.

(ii) For an imitation voters’ pamphlet that is circulated electronically, the statement described in sub-subparagraph (i) of this subparagraph shall be in bold print in a typeface of contrasting color and in a font size that is at least three times as large as the font size used for the majority of the text in the imitation voters’ pamphlet.

(B) The word “UNOFFICIAL” must be superimposed on each page of the imitation voters’ pamphlet so that the word extends diagonally across the imitation voters’ pamphlet from one margin of text to the other. The superimposed word may be printed or displayed in lighter ink than other text on the imitation voters’ pamphlet.

(3) A person may not do any electioneering, including circulating any cards or handbills, or soliciting of signatures to any petition, within any building in which any state or local government elections office designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) is located, or within 100 feet measured radially from any entrance to the building. A person may not do any electioneering by public address system located more than 100 feet from an entrance to the building if the person is capable of being understood within 100 feet of the building. The electioneering need not relate to the election being conducted. This subsection applies during the business hours of the building or, if the building is a county elections office, during the hours the office is open to the public, during the period beginning on the date that ballots are mailed to electors as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) and ending on election day at 8 p.m. or when all persons waiting in line at the building who began the act of voting as described in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (12) by 8 p.m. have finished voting.

(4) A person may not obstruct an entrance of a building in which ballots are issued or a place designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) or any voting booth maintained under ORS 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) is located. This subsection applies during the period beginning on the date that ballots are mailed to electors as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) and ending on election day at 8 p.m. or when all persons waiting in line at the building or location who began the act of voting as described in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (12) by 8 p.m. have finished voting.

(5) A person may not vote or offer to vote in any election knowing the person is not entitled to vote.

(6) A person may not make a false statement about the person’s inability to mark a ballot.

(7) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties or another person providing assistance to an elector as described in ORS 254.445 (Assistance in marking ballot) , may not ask a person at any place designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) or at any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) for whom that person intends to vote, or examine or attempt to examine the person’s ballot.

(8) An elections official, other than in the performance of duties, may not disclose to any person any information by which it can be ascertained for whom any elector has voted.

(9) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties, may not do anything to a ballot to permit identification of the person who voted.

(10) An elector may not willfully leave at any place designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) or at any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) anything that will show how the elector’s ballot was marked.

(11) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties, may not remove a ballot from any place designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) or any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) .

(12) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties or a person authorized by that official, may not willfully deface, remove, alter or destroy a posted election notice.

(13) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties, may not willfully remove, alter or destroy election equipment or supplies, or break the seal or open any sealed package containing election supplies.

(14) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties, may not provide elections advice or attempt to collect voted ballots within any building in which any state or local government elections office designated for the deposit of ballots under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) is located, or within 100 feet measured radially from any entrance to the building.

(15) A person, except an elections official in performance of duties, may not establish a location to collect ballots voted by electors unless:

(a) The person prominently displays at the location a sign stating: “NOT AN OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP SITE”; and

(b) The sign is printed in all capital letters in bold 50-point type. [1979 c.190 §390; 1993 c.713 §37; 1999 c.318 §44; 2001 c.805 §5; 2001 c.965 §16; 2007 c.154 §55; 2007 c.881 §10; 2010 c.35 §1; 2014 c.67 §6; 2014 c.112 §6; 2021 c.291 §5; 2021 c.551 §12]

Source: Section 260.695 — Prohibitions relating to voting , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.295 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.295
247.295 Verification of addresses of electors
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall subscribe to a change of address service that is approved or endorsed by the United States Postal Service and use the service to verify the accuracy of the addresses of electors contained in the centralized voter registration system.

(2) If the secretary determines that the address of an elector is different from the address for the elector as contained in the records of the county clerk, the secretary shall provide the information obtained under this section to the county clerk of each affected county. Based on information received under this section, each county clerk shall update the registration of electors in the county if the clerk determines that an update is required. [2008 c.53 §8; 2010 c.9 §3]

Source: Section 247.295 — Verification of addresses of electors; change of address service , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.170 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.170
251.170 Requirements for translation of voters’ pamphlets
Status: in_force

(1) The translation of a state voters’ pamphlet or county voters’ pamphlet required under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) shall be made in the manner described in this section.

(2) For each state voters’ pamphlet and county voters’ pamphlet mailed to residents of a county, the Secretary of State shall have the following portions of the voters’ pamphlet professionally translated into each language for which a translation is required under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) :

(a) Any official statement or communication made by the Secretary of State, county clerk, filing office or other public elections official, including any information described in ORS 251.026 (Statements and information included in voters’ pamphlets) or 251.315 (Information required to be included in voters’ pamphlet) (1)(a) to (d) and (g) and any other information regarding services offered by elections offices, how to cast a ballot and key dates for the election;

(b) The ballot title for each measure;

(c) The explanatory statement for each measure;

(d) The financial estimate for each measure and any statement prepared for a measure under ORS 250.125 (Estimate of financial impact of state measures) ;

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

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

(g) Except an argument for a measure prepared by the Legislative Assembly under ORS 251.245 (Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly) , any other statement for a measure created by a public body as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) .

(3) In addition to the materials that the Secretary of State is required to have professionally translated under subsection (2) of this section, the Secretary of State shall allow to be included in the translated version of each state voters’ pamphlet that is made available on the website of the Secretary of State or of a county under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) :

(a) Translations of a candidate statement submitted under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , provided that:

(A) The candidate is a candidate for federal or statewide office;

(B) The translation is filed by a candidate or the principal campaign committee of a candidate described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;

(C) Neither the translation nor the candidate statement submitted under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) is rejected under ORS 251.055 (Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet) ;

(D) The candidate statement meets the requirements of a candidate statement set forth in this chapter; and

(E) Any translation filed under this paragraph is in one of the five most commonly spoken languages in this state, other than English, as listed by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) .

(b) Translations of an argument in support of or in opposition to a state measure filed under ORS 251.255 (Filing arguments for or against measure) , provided that:

(A) The translation is filed by the person who filed the argument in support of or in opposition to a state measure under ORS 251.255 (Filing arguments for or against measure) ;

(B) Neither the translation nor the argument in support of or in opposition to a state measure filed under ORS 251.255 (Filing arguments for or against measure) is rejected under ORS 251.055 (Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet) ;

(C) The statement in support of or in opposition to a state measure meets the requirements of a statement in support of or in opposition to a state measure set forth in this chapter; and

(D) Any translation filed under this paragraph is in one of the five most commonly spoken languages in this state, other than English, as listed by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) .

(c) Translations of any argument for a measure prepared by the Legislative Assembly under ORS 251.245 (Committee to prepare and file argument in support of measure referred by Legislative Assembly) submitted by the Legislative Assembly, provided that any translation filed under this paragraph is in one of the five most commonly spoken languages in this state, other than English, as listed by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) .

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A translation that is permitted or required under this section is not required to be identical in words to the original version but must be consistent with the meaning of the original version.

(b) A translation is not subject to any limitations on the number of words allowed set forth in this chapter.

(5) A county may at its own expense make or accept for publication on the county’s website, as part of a translated voters’ pamphlet required under ORS 251.167 (Secretary of State creation of list of five most commonly spoken languages) , any portion of a state or county voters’ pamphlet that is not described in this section.

(6) The Secretary of State:

(a) May adopt any rules necessary to implement this section; and

(b) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, is responsible for all costs necessary to comply with this section.

(7) As used in this section, “statewide office” means Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, or judge on the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Court of Appeals or the Oregon Tax Court. [2021 c.464 §3]

Source: Section 251.170 — Requirements for translation of voters’ pamphlets; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.043 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.043
260.043 Exemptions for candidate who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $750 or $3,500
Status: in_force

(1) A candidate who serves as the candidate’s own treasurer and who expects neither the aggregate contributions to be received nor the aggregate expenditures to be made by or on behalf of the candidate to exceed $750 in total amount during a calendar year is not required to:

(a) File a statement of organization under ORS 260.039 (Content of statement of organization of candidate or principal campaign committee) ;

(b) Establish a single exclusive campaign account under ORS 260.054 (Political committee campaign account) ; or

(c) File statements under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) .

(2) A candidate described in subsection (1) of this section must keep contribution and expenditure records for the previous 24 months.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If at any time during the calendar year either the aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $750, the candidate must file a statement of organization under ORS 260.039 (Content of statement of organization of candidate or principal campaign committee) , establish a single exclusive campaign account as required under ORS 260.054 (Political committee campaign account) and file statements as required in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, if at any time during the calendar year either the aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $750, the candidate must file a statement under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) showing all contributions received and expenditures made. After aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $750 during a calendar year, the statement shall be filed under the time frames established in ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) (3).

(B) If the candidate expects neither the aggregate contributions to be received nor the aggregate expenditures to be made by or on behalf of the candidate to exceed $3,500 during the calendar year, the candidate may file a statement to that effect under ORS 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) , rather than file statements under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) . Notwithstanding ORS 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) (2), the statement shall be filed not later than seven calendar days after aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $750 during a calendar year.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) For purposes of this section, a fee paid under ORS 251.095 (Candidate space in voters’ pamphlet) , a fee paid for a candidate to be included in a county voters’ pamphlet or de minimis costs associated with printing and circulating a petition in lieu of a candidate paying a fee for inclusion in a voters’ pamphlet are exempt and may not be considered when calculating:

(A) The expected aggregate amount of contributions received or expenditures made; or

(B) The actual aggregate amount of contributions received or expenditures made.

(b) The Secretary of State by rule shall define “de minimis costs” for purposes of this subsection.

(5) This section does not apply to candidates for federal office. [1999 c.999 §6; 2005 c.809 §§6,24; 2009 c.818 §5; 2010 c.9 §7; 2017 c.80 §1; 2017 c.749 §33; 2023 c.600 §20]

Source: Section 260.043 — Exemptions for candidate who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $750 or $3,500; exemptions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.399 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.399
254.399 When ballot considered legally cast
Status: in_force

(1) A ballot shall be considered legally cast if the person casting the ballot is an elector at the time the ballot is cast.

(2) A vote for a particular candidate or on a measure shall be counted if the elector is qualified to vote for the particular candidate or on the measure.

(3) If an elector has voted in any election, the elector may not register or update a registration and vote in any election held on the same date. [Formerly 247.007]

Source: Section 254.399 — When ballot considered legally cast; when vote counted; prohibition on voting more than once in same election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.215 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.215
251.215 Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 99th day before a special election held on the date of a primary election or any general election at which any state measure is to be submitted to the people, the committee appointed under ORS 251.205 (Appointment of committee to draft explanatory statement of measure proposed by initiative or referendum) shall prepare and electronically file with the Secretary of State, an impartial, simple and understandable statement explaining the measure. The statement shall not exceed 500 words.

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

(3) The committee for each measure shall consider suggestions and any other information submitted under subsection (2) of this section, and may file a revised statement with the Secretary of State not later than the 90th day before the election.

(4) The original statement and any revised statement must be approved by at least three members of the committee. If a member does not concur, the statement shall show only that the member dissents.

(5) For purposes of this section, “measure” includes an initiative petition relating to a state measure that has been filed with the Secretary of State for the purpose of verifying signatures under ORS 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) . The requirements of this section shall not apply to the petition if the secretary determines that the petition contains less than the required number of signatures of electors. [Formerly 254.222; 1991 c.719 §49; 1993 c.493 §20; 1993 c.811 §14; 1995 c.712 §42; 2001 c.965 §10; 2011 c.646 §5]

Source: Section 251.215 — Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.014 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.014
251.014 Electronic filing system
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall adopt an electronic filing system to allow estimates, portraits, statements or arguments to be filed electronically using the Internet.

(2) The Secretary of State may adopt rules to administer this section. [2011 c.646 §9]

Note: 251.014 (Electronic filing system) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 251 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 251.014 — Electronic filing system; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.565 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.565
246.565 Audit of computerized voting system by Secretary of State
Status: in_force

(1) Any voting machine or vote tally system involving the use of computers, a computer network, computer program, computer software or computer system shall be subject to audit by the Secretary of State at any time for the purpose of checking the accuracy of the voting machine or vote tally system.

(2) The county clerk shall obtain a copy of the written instructions for the operation and maintenance of any component of a vote tally system described in subsection (1) of this section. The clerk shall obtain the copy from the manufacturer or vendor of any component and shall retain the copy.

(3) The county clerk shall keep a log of all maintenance performed on any component of a vote tally system after the component is purchased and installed. The county clerk shall distinguish maintenance performed during the period that occurs after the preparatory test conducted under ORS 254.235 (Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems) (1) and before the public certification test conducted under ORS 254.525 (Test of vote tally system) .

(4) As used in this section:

(a) “Computer” means, but is not limited to, an electronic device that performs logical, arithmetic or memory functions by the manipulations of electronic or magnetic impulses and includes all input, output, processing, storage, software or communication facilities that are connected or related to such a device in a system or network.

(b) “Computer network” means, but is not limited to, the interconnection of communication lines, including microwave or other means of electronic communication, with a computer through remote terminals or a complex consisting of two or more interconnected computers.

(c) “Computer program” means, but is not limited to, a series of instructions or statements, in a form acceptable to a computer, that permits the functioning of a computer system in a manner designed to provide appropriate products from the computer system.

(d) “Computer software” means, but is not limited to, computer programs, procedures and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a computer system.

(e) “Computer system” means, but is not limited to, a set of related, connected or unconnected computer equipment, devices and software. [1989 c.959 §2; 2001 c.965 §25; 2007 c.71 §77]

Source: Section 246.565 — Audit of computerized voting system by Secretary of State; copy of instructions for operation and maintenance; maintenance log , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.008 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.008
248.008 Qualification as minor political party
Status: in_force

(1) An affiliation of electors becomes a minor political party in the state, a county or other electoral district, qualified to make nominations for public office in that electoral district and in any other electoral district wholly contained within the electoral district, when the affiliation of electors has acted as described in either paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection:

(a) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) When the affiliation of electors has filed with the Secretary of State a petition with the signatures of at least a number of electors equal to one and one-half 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.

(B) The petition must contain only original signatures and must be filed not later than two years following the date the prospective petition is filed. The petition must state the intention to form a new political party and designate a name for the political party.

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

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

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

(D) The circulator shall certify on each signature sheet that the circulator witnessed the signing of the signature sheet by each individual whose signature appears on the signature sheet and that the circulator believes each individual is an elector registered in the electoral district.

(E) The Secretary of State shall verify whether the petition contains the required number of signatures of electors. The Secretary of State may not accept a petition for filing if it contains less than 100 percent of the required number of signatures. The Secretary of State by rule shall designate a statistical sampling technique to verify whether a petition contains the required number of signatures of electors. A petition may not be rejected for the reason that it contains less than the required number of signatures unless two separate sampling processes both establish that the petition lacks the required number of signatures. The second sampling must contain a larger number of signatures than the first sampling. The Secretary of State may employ professional assistance to determine the sampling technique. The statistical sampling technique may be the same as that adopted under ORS 250.105 (Petition filing requirements) .

(b) When the affiliation of electors has polled for any one of its candidates for any public office in the electoral district at least one percent of the total votes cast in the electoral district for all candidates for:

(A) Presidential elector at the last general election at which candidates for President and Vice President of the United States were listed on the ballot; or

(B) Any single state office to be voted upon in the state at large for which nominations by political parties are permitted by law at the most recent election at which a candidate for the office was elected to a full term.

(2) After satisfying either subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section, the minor political party may nominate candidates for election at the next general election.

(3) A filing officer may not accept a certificate of nomination of a candidate nominated by a minor political party for a subsequent general election unless the minor political party has maintained status as a minor political party as described in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) In order to maintain status as a minor political party for a subsequent general election:

(a) Following each general election, at any time during the period beginning on the date of the next primary election and ending on the 90th day before the next general election, a number of electors equal to at least one-quarter of one percent of the total number of registered electors in this state must be registered as members of the party; or

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Following each general election, at any time during the period beginning on the date of the next primary election and ending on the 90th day before the next general election, a number of electors equal to at least one-tenth of one percent of the total votes cast in the state or electoral district for all candidates for Governor at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term must be registered as members of the party; and

(B) At least once in a four-year period, a candidate or candidates of the party must poll at least one percent of the total votes cast in the electoral district for all candidates for:

(i) Presidential elector at the last general election at which candidates for President and Vice President of the United States were listed on the ballot; or

(ii) Any single state office to be voted upon in the state at large for which nominations by political parties are permitted by law at the most recent election at which a candidate for the office was elected to a full term.

(5) An affiliation of electors that fails to maintain status as a minor political party ceases to be a minor political party on the 90th day before the date of the next general election.

(6) During the period beginning on the date of the primary election and ending on the 90th day before the date of the general election, the Secretary of State shall determine at least once each month whether registration requirements to maintain status as a minor political party have been satisfied.

(7) If a minor political party changes its name, only those electors who register on or after the effective date of the name change as members of the party under the new party name shall be counted as members of the party.

(8) An affiliation of electors or a minor political party may not nominate a candidate who is the nominee of another political party at the same election in order to satisfy the one percent requirement referred to in subsection (1)(b) or (4)(b)(B) of this section.

(9) For purposes of this section, “subsequent general election” means any general election that is held after the first general election following qualification as a minor political party under subsection (1) of this section. [1979 c.190 §70; 1983 c.756 §5; 1989 c.68 §1; 1989 c.923 §27; 1993 c.797 §§2,2a; 1995 c.606 §3; 1995 c.712 §16; 1997 c.287 §1; 1999 c.318 §23; 2001 c.331 §1; 2001 c.721 §3; 2007 c.848 §22; 2009 c.511 §4; 2013 c.517 §1; 2019 c.675 §31; 2022 c.84 §10]

Source: Section 248.008 — Qualification as minor political party; party member registration requirement; eligibility to nominate candidates; maintenance of status as minor political party; loss of status as minor party , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.017 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.017
248.017 Eligibility for candidacy for office of precinct committeeperson
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of ORS 248.015 (Precinct committeepersons) :

(1) An otherwise qualified person who will attain the age of 18 years after the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson and on or before the date of the primary election, and who is registered as a member of the major political party not later than 180 days before the date of the primary election, is eligible to file a declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson, to be listed on the ballot and to be elected to the office, including by write-in votes; and

(2) An otherwise qualified person who becomes a United States citizen during the period beginning 251 days before the date of the primary election and ending on the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson, and who is registered as a member of the major political party on or before the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson, is eligible to file a declaration of candidacy for the office of precinct committeeperson, to be listed on the ballot and to be elected to the office, including by write-in votes. [1993 c.583 §2; 1995 c.712 §18; 2019 c.675 §27; 2023 c.136 §1]

Source: Section 248.017 — Eligibility for candidacy for office of precinct committeeperson , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.215 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.215
255.215 Notice by mail in lieu of or in addition to newspaper publication
Status: in_force

In lieu of or in addition to publication of notice under ORS 255.085 (Notice of district election on issuance of bonds or on other measure) , if it is expedient to do so the elections officer may give notice by mail to each elector of the district. The notice shall have postage prepaid and shall be considered given when mailed. Mailed notice of a district election under ORS 255.085 (Notice of district election on issuance of bonds or on other measure) shall be made not later than three days after receipt of the ballot title. Proof of mailing shall be by affidavit of the elections officer. The affidavit shall state the time and place the notice was mailed. [Formerly 259.110; 1981 c.173 §33; 1981 c.639 §7; 1985 c.808 §45; 1991 c.107 §14; 2007 c.154 §51]

Source: Section 255.215 — Notice by mail in lieu of or in addition to newspaper publication , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.005 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.005
250.005 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) “Elector” means an individual qualified to vote under section 2, Article II, Oregon Constitution.

(3) “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.

(4) “Prospective petition” means the information, except signatures and other identification of petition signers, required to be contained in a completed petition. [1979 c.190 §140; 1983 c.392 §3]

Source: Section 250.005 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.650 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.650
254.650 Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election
Status: in_force

(1) If the Secretary of State determines that a vacancy exists in the nomination of a candidate of a major political party for state office, that the vacancy is due to the death of the candidate and that the vacancy occurred after the 47th day before the date of the general election:

(a) The election for that state office may not be held at the general election;

(b) The county clerks may not count ballots cast for candidates for that state office at the general election; and

(c) The Secretary of State shall order a special election as provided in ORS 254.655 (Order calling special election) .

(2) The candidates listed on the ballot at the special election shall be:

(a) The candidates who were listed on the general election ballot, other than the candidate whose nomination became vacant; and

(b) The candidate selected to fill the vacancy in the nomination as provided in ORS 249.190 (Filling vacancy in nomination of major party) or 249.205 (Filling vacancy in nomination to nonpartisan office) .

(3) As used in this section “state office” means the office of Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, state Senator or state Representative. [2003 c.542 §2; 2009 c.366 §2]

Source: Section 254.650 — Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.315 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.315
260.315 Distribution of copies of law
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State, at the expense of the state, shall make available to the other filing officers copies of this chapter.

(2) A filing officer shall make available a copy of this chapter to each candidate or person whom the officer has reason to believe is required to file a statement with the officer under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.112 (Filing of certificate by candidate or treasurer of political committee or petition committee who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $3,500) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) . [Formerly 260.030; 1979 c.190 §364; 1993 c.493 §80; 2001 c.82 §10; 2003 c.542 §22; 2005 c.809 §45; 2013 c.758 §13; 2023 c.600 §23]

Source: Section 260.315 — Distribution of copies of law , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.019 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.019
247.019 Electronic voter registration
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall adopt an electronic voter registration system to be used by qualified persons who have a valid:

(a) Oregon driver license, as defined in ORS 801.245 (“Driver license.”) ;

(b) Oregon driver permit, as defined in ORS 801.250 (“Driver permit.”) ;

(c) State identification card, issued under ORS 807.400 (Issuance) ; or

(d) Social Security number.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The electronic voter registration system shall:

(A) Require a person registering to vote under subsection (1)(d) of this section to enter only the final four digits of the person’s valid Social Security number;

(B) Allow a person registering to vote under subsection (1)(d) of this section to electronically submit an image of the person’s signature; and

(C) Allow a qualified person to complete and deliver a registration card electronically.

(b) A registration card delivered under this section is considered delivered to the Secretary of State for purposes of this chapter.

(3) A person who completes a registration card electronically under this section consents to the use of the person’s driver license, driver permit or state identification card signature, or an electronically submitted image of the person’s signature, for voter registration purposes.

(4) If available, the Department of Transportation shall provide to the Secretary of State a digital copy of the driver license, driver permit or state identification card signature of each person who completes a registration card under this section.

(5) The electronic voter registration system may also include an application programming interface to allow third-party organizations to securely submit registration cards electronically on behalf of individuals. In order to submit registration cards under this subsection, a third-party organization must be approved as a voter registration organization under a process designed by the Secretary of State by rule. [2009 c.914 §2; 2022 c.19 §1]

Note: Section 2, chapter 19, Oregon Laws 2022, provides:

Sec. 2. The Secretary of State shall implement the amendments to ORS 247.019 (Electronic voter registration) by section 1 of this 2022 Act no later than January 1, 2026. [2022 c.19 §2]

Note: The amendments to 247.019 (Electronic voter registration) by section 8, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative June 1, 2026. See section 9, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative on and after June 1, 2026, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

247.019 (Electronic voter registration) . (1) The Secretary of State by rule shall adopt an electronic voter registration system to be used by qualified persons who have a valid:

(a) Oregon driver license, as defined in ORS 801.245 (“Driver license.”) ;

(b) Oregon driver permit, as defined in ORS 801.250 (“Driver permit.”) ;

(c) State identification card, issued under ORS 807.400 (Issuance) ; or

(d) Social Security number.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The electronic voter registration system shall:

(A) Require a person registering to vote under subsection (1)(d) of this section to enter only the final four digits of the person’s valid Social Security number;

(B) Allow a person to electronically submit an image of the person’s signature; and

(C) Allow a qualified person to complete and deliver a registration card electronically.

(b) A registration card delivered under this section is considered delivered to the Secretary of State for purposes of this chapter.

(3) A person who completes a registration card electronically under this section consents to the use of the person’s driver license, driver permit or state identification card signature, or an electronically submitted image of the person’s signature, for voter registration purposes.

(4) If available, the Department of Transportation shall provide to the Secretary of State a digital copy of the driver license, driver permit or state identification card signature of each person who completes a registration card under this section.

(5) The electronic voter registration system may also include an application programming interface to allow third-party organizations to securely submit registration cards electronically on behalf of individuals. In order to submit registration cards under this subsection, a third-party organization must be approved as a voter registration organization under a process designed by the Secretary of State by rule.

Source: Section 247.019 — Electronic voter registration; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.321 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.321
254.321 Providing map of proposed boundaries for election on establishing or changing county or city boundaries
Status: in_force

At any election in which the question of establishing or changing the exterior boundaries of a county or city is submitted to a vote, the county clerk shall:

(1) Include with every mailed ballot a map indicating the proposed boundaries; or

(2) Print in a voters’ pamphlet prepared for the election a map indicating the proposed boundaries. [1983 c.350 §69; 1999 c.410 §52; 2007 c.154 §33]

Source: Section 254.321 — Providing map of proposed boundaries for election on establishing or changing county or city boundaries , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.068 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.068
249.068 Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing partisan petitions
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided for a candidate for nonpartisan office in ORS 249.072 (Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing nonpartisan petitions) :

(a) A nominating petition for an office to be voted for in the state at large or for a candidate for Representative in Congress shall contain signatures of members of the same major political party as the candidate. Except as provided in this subsection, there shall be at least 1,000 signatures or the number of signatures at least equal to two percent of the vote cast in the state or congressional district, as the case may be, for the candidates of that major political party for presidential electors at the last presidential election, whichever is less;

(b) For all elections beginning with the election next following any change in the district boundaries of a congressional district and ending with the presidential election next following any change in the district boundaries of the congressional district, there shall be at least 1,000 signatures or the number of signatures at least equal to two percent of the average number of votes cast in all congressional districts in this state, as the case may be, for the candidates of that major political party for presidential electors at the last presidential election, whichever is less;

(c) In the case of a candidate nominated by a major political party that did not nominate presidential electors at the last presidential election, there shall be at least 1,000 signatures; and

(d) If the office is one to be voted for in the state at large, the signatures shall include those of at least 100 electors registered in each congressional district.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section or for a candidate for nonpartisan office in ORS 249.072 (Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing nonpartisan petitions) :

(a) A nominating petition for an office not provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall contain the signatures of electors who are members of the same major political party as the candidate. There shall be at least 500 signatures or the number of signatures at least equal to two percent of the vote in the electoral district for the candidates of that major political party for presidential electors at the last presidential election, whichever is less;

(b) In the case of major political party candidates for the office of state Senator or state Representative, for all elections beginning with the election next following any change in the district boundaries of state Senators or state Representatives under Article IV, section 6, of the Oregon Constitution, and ending with the presidential election next following any change in the district boundaries of state Senators or state Representatives, there shall be at least 500 signatures or the number of signatures at least equal to two percent of the average number of votes cast in all state senatorial or state representative districts in this state, as the case may be, for the candidates of that major political party for presidential electors at the last presidential election, whichever is less; and

(c) In the case of a candidate nominated by a major political party that did not nominate presidential electors at the last presidential election, there shall be at least 500 signatures. [Formerly 249.041; 1983 c.567 §7; 1985 c.808 §13; 1993 c.493 §13; 1995 c.606 §5; 1999 c.410 §22; 2001 c.721 §5; 2005 c.797 §34; 2018 c.70 §13; 2019 c.675 §11; 2023 c.600 §25]

Source: Section 249.068 — Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing partisan petitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.395 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.395
251.395 Content of statements and arguments
Status: in_force

(1) Statements and arguments submitted for inclusion in a county voters’ pamphlet by a candidate, political party or assembly of electors, or a person supporting or opposing a measure shall consist only of words or numbers.

(2) The county clerk shall specify on any instructions for filing a statement, argument or other material in the voters’ pamphlet that the statement, argument or material may be excluded under ORS 251.415 (Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet) . [1989 c.1031 §11; 1993 c.351 §4]

Source: Section 251.395 — Content of statements and arguments; notice of material that may be excluded , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.024 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.024
248.024 Resignation or ineligibility of precinct committeeperson
Status: in_force

(1) A precinct committeeperson may resign from the office by filing a written notification of resignation with the county elections official. Upon receipt of this notification, the county elections official shall:

(a) Remove the name of the person from the list of precinct committeepersons.

(b) Declare that office vacant.

(c) Notify the appropriate county central committee.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The county central committee shall notify the county elections official when a precinct committeeperson changes party registration or dies or when a precinct committeeperson ceases to be registered in:

(A) The precinct in which the committeeperson was elected;

(B) A precinct adjoining the precinct in which the committeeperson was elected that is within the same county; or

(C) A precinct that is both within the same county and state Representative district as the precinct in which the committeeperson was elected.

(b) Upon receipt of this notification, if the county elections official determines that the notification is correct, the county elections official shall:

(A) Remove the name of the person from the list of precinct committeepersons.

(B) Declare that office vacant. [Formerly 248.047; 2019 c.675 §20]

Source: Section 248.024 — Resignation or ineligibility of precinct committeeperson , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.445 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.445
254.445 Assistance in marking ballot
Status: in_force

(1) If an elector is within the county and, because of a physical disability or an inability to read or write, is unable to mark the ballot, the elector may request and shall receive the assistance of two persons of different parties provided by the clerk or of some other person chosen by the elector in marking the ballot. The persons assisting the elector shall ascertain the wishes of the elector and assist the elector in voting the ballot accordingly, and thereafter may give no information regarding the vote.

(2) A person may not assist an elector under subsection (1) of this section if the person:

(a) Is an employer of the elector or an agent of the employer; or

(b) Is an officer or agent of the union of which the elector is a member.

(3) In preparing the ballot, an elector may use or copy a sample ballot, which may be marked in advance to assist the elector in marking the official ballot. [Formerly 250.690; 1985 c.471 §11; 1999 c.410 §56; 2007 c.154 §38]

Source: Section 254.445 — Assistance in marking ballot; use of sample ballot as aid in voting , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.014 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.014
247.014 Transfer of voter registration information by Department of Transportation
Status: in_force

In implementing ORS 247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) , 247.017 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Department of Transportation) and 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) , the Department of Transportation shall take steps reasonably necessary to allow transfer of voter registration information by electronic or magnetic medium. [1991 c.940 §4]

Note: The amendments to 247.014 (Transfer of voter registration information by Department of Transportation) by section 6, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative June 1, 2026. See section 9, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative on and after June 1, 2026, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

247.014 (Transfer of voter registration information by Department of Transportation) . In implementing ORS 247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) , 247.017 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Department of Transportation) , 247.018 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority) and 247.171 (State and federal voter registration cards) , the Department of Transportation and the Oregon Health Authority shall take steps reasonably necessary to allow transfer of voter registration information by electronic or magnetic medium.

Source: Section 247.014 — Transfer of voter registration information by Department of Transportation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.945 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.945
247.945 List of county or statewide electors
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk, upon request before the 45th day before a primary, general or special election, shall deliver to any person a list of electors. The list may not contain any information about participants in the Address Confidentiality Program established under ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) to 192.868 (Grants, donations and gifts) or any information that may not be publicly disclosed under ORS 247.948 (Information required for or prohibited from inclusion in lists of electors) . The lists shall be prepared in the manner requested, limited only to the capabilities of the Secretary of State or the county clerk.

(2) The county clerk shall collect and pay into the county treasury a charge for the actual cost of supplying lists under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The county clerk shall keep a record of all persons to whom a list of electors is delivered under this section.

(4) Upon request, the Secretary of State shall deliver to any person a statewide list of electors. Except as provided in ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) (4), the secretary shall charge a fee of $500 for delivering a list under this subsection. The list may not contain any information about participants in the Address Confidentiality Program established under ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) to 192.868 (Grants, donations and gifts) or any information that may not be publicly disclosed under ORS 247.948 (Information required for or prohibited from inclusion in lists of electors) . [1969 c.421 §§8,9; 1979 c.190 §64; 1989 c.637 §2; 1995 c.712 §13; 1999 c.999 §36; 2007 c.542 §17; 2007 c.570 §7a; 2019 c.675 §6]

Source: Section 247.945 — List of county or statewide electors; delivery to any person; charges , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.012 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.012
247.012 Method of registering or updating a registration
Status: in_force

(1) A qualified person may register to vote or update a registration to vote by:

(a) Delivering by mail, having a person deliver or otherwise delivering a completed registration card to any county clerk, the Secretary of State, any office of the Department of Transportation or any designated voter registration agency as described in ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) ;

(b) Personally delivering, or having a person deliver, the card to an official designated by a county clerk under subsection (7) of this section;

(c) Submitting the person’s legal name, age, residence and citizenship information and electronic signature to the Department of Transportation; or

(d) Completing a registration card using the electronic voter registration system described in ORS 247.019 (Electronic voter registration) .

(2) If a registration card is mailed or delivered to:

(a) Any person other than a county clerk or the Secretary of State, the person shall forward the card to a county clerk or the Secretary of State not later than the fifth day after receiving the card; or

(b) The Secretary of State or a county clerk for a county other than the county in which the person applying for registration resides, the Secretary of State or county clerk shall forward the card to the county clerk for the county in which the person resides not later than the fifth day after receiving the card.

(3) Registration of a qualified person occurs:

(a) When a legible, accurate and complete registration card is received in the office of any county clerk, the Office of the Secretary of State, an office of the Department of Transportation, a designated voter registration agency under ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) or at a location designated by a county clerk under subsection (7) of this section;

(b) On the date a registration card is postmarked if the card is received after the 21st day immediately preceding an election but is postmarked not later than the 21st day immediately preceding the election and is addressed to an office of any county clerk, the Office of the Secretary of State, an office of the Department of Transportation or any designated voter registration agency as described in ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) ; or

(c) In the case of a registration card missing a date of birth, containing an incomplete date of birth or containing an unintentional scrivener’s error that is supplied or corrected as described in subsection (4) or (6) of this section, on the date that registration would have occurred if the registration card had not been missing the date of birth, contained an incomplete date of birth or contained the scrivener’s error.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in ORS 247.125 (Alteration of registration card prohibited) , if a registration card is legible, accurate and contains, at a minimum, the registrant’s name, residence address, date of birth and signature, the county clerk shall register the person.

(b) If the information required under paragraph (a) of this subsection is missing from the registration card or the date of birth is incomplete, the county clerk shall attempt to obtain the missing or incomplete information from all sources available to the county clerk, including but not limited to current and previous addresses and phone numbers of the registrant. The county clerk may also supply the registrant’s date of birth from any previous registration of the registrant. If the missing or incomplete information cannot be obtained from sources available to the county clerk, the county clerk shall use reasonable efforts to contact the registrant by phone, mail and electronic mail to obtain the missing or incomplete information.

(5) If a registration card meets the requirements of subsection (4) of this section but is missing an indication of political party affiliation, the registrant shall be considered not affiliated with any political party. This subsection does not apply if an elector is updating a registration.

(6) If a registration card contains an unintentional scrivener’s error, the county clerk may attempt to contact the person to correct the error.

(7) A county clerk may appoint officials to accept registration of persons at designated locations. The appointments and locations shall be in writing and filed in the office of the county clerk. The county clerk shall be responsible for the performance of duties by those appointed.

(8) A registration card received and accepted under this section shall be considered an active registration.

(9) A registration may be updated at any time. [1979 c.190 §41; 1985 c.808 §1a; 1989 c.20 §1; 1989 c.173 §5; 1989 c.979 §2; 1993 c.713 §6; 1995 c.742 §1; 1999 c.410 §6; 1999 c.824 §1; 2008 c.53 §1; 2009 c.511 §1; 2009 c.914 §3; 2011 c.607 §1; 2015 c.8 §3; 2017 c.680 §1]

Note: The amendments to 247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) by section 4, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative June 1, 2026. See section 9, chapter 492, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative on and after June 1, 2026, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) . (1) A qualified person may register to vote or update a registration to vote by:

(a) Delivering by mail, having a person deliver or otherwise delivering a completed registration card to any county clerk, the Secretary of State, any office of the Department of Transportation or any designated voter registration agency as described in ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) ;

(b) Personally delivering, or having a person deliver, the card to an official designated by a county clerk under subsection (7) of this section;

(c) Submitting the person’s legal name, age, residence and citizenship information and electronic signature to the Department of Transportation;

(d) Submitting the person’s legal name, age, residence and citizenship information to the Oregon Health Authority for use in the Oregon Health Plan; or

(e) Completing a registration card using the electronic voter registration system described in ORS 247.019 (Electronic voter registration) .

(2) If a registration card is mailed or delivered to:

(a) Any person other than a county clerk or the Secretary of State, the person shall forward the card to a county clerk or the Secretary of State not later than the fifth day after receiving the card; or

(b) The Secretary of State or a county clerk for a county other than the county in which the person applying for registration resides, the Secretary of State or county clerk shall forward the card to the county clerk for the county in which the person resides not later than the fifth day after receiving the card.

(3) Registration of a qualified person occurs:

(a) When a legible, accurate and complete registration card is received in the office of any county clerk, the Office of the Secretary of State, an office of the Department of Transportation, a designated voter registration agency under ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) or at a location designated by a county clerk under subsection (7) of this section;

(b) On the date a registration card is postmarked if the card is received after the 21st day immediately preceding an election but is postmarked not later than the 21st day immediately preceding the election and is addressed to an office of any county clerk, the Office of the Secretary of State, an office of the Department of Transportation or any designated voter registration agency as described in ORS 247.208 (Voter registration agencies) ; or

(c) In the case of a registration card missing a date of birth, containing an incomplete date of birth or containing an unintentional scrivener’s error that is supplied or corrected as described in subsection (4) or (6) of this section, on the date that registration would have occurred if the registration card had not been missing the date of birth, contained an incomplete date of birth or contained the scrivener’s error.

(4)(a)(A) Except as provided in ORS 247.125 (Alteration of registration card prohibited) , if a registration card is legible, accurate and contains, at a minimum, the registrant’s name, residence address, date of birth and signature, the county clerk shall register the person.

(B) The county clerk shall register a person pursuant to ORS 247.018 (Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Oregon Health Authority) , regardless of whether the person’s registration card contains a signature, if the person’s registration card is legible, accurate and contains, at a minimum, the registrant’s name, residence address and date of birth.

(b) If the information required under paragraph (a)(A) of this subsection is missing from the registration card or the date of birth is incomplete, or if the signature of a person described in paragraph (a)(B) of this subsection has not been submitted, the county clerk shall attempt to obtain the missing or incomplete information from all sources available to the county clerk, including but not limited to current and previous addresses and phone numbers of the registrant. The county clerk may also supply the registrant’s date of birth from any previous registration of the registrant. If the missing or incomplete information cannot be obtained from sources available to the county clerk, the county clerk shall use reasonable efforts to contact the registrant by phone, mail and electronic mail to obtain the missing or incomplete information.

(5) If a registration card meets the requirements of subsection (4) of this section but is missing an indication of political party affiliation, the registrant shall be considered not affiliated with any political party. This subsection does not apply if an elector is updating a registration.

(6) If a registration card contains an unintentional scrivener’s error, the county clerk may attempt to contact the person to correct the error.

(7) A county clerk may appoint officials to accept registration of persons at designated locations. The appointments and locations shall be in writing and filed in the office of the county clerk. The county clerk shall be responsible for the performance of duties by those appointed.

(8) A registration card received and accepted under this section shall be considered an active registration.

(9) A registration may be updated at any time.

Source: Section 247.012 — Method of registering or updating a registration; when registration occurs; minimum registration information required; effect of missing registration information; registration locations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.063 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.063
258.063 Effect of successful contest of recall election
Status: in_force

(1) After the contest hearing, the circuit court shall render a judgment affirming or setting aside the results of the recall election. If the court sets aside the results of the election, a special election on the recall shall be held not later than 35 days after the date the judgment was rendered.

(2) The county of the county clerk or the local elections official who committed the error in the distribution of the official ballots shall bear the cost of the special election. [2009 c.511 §19]

Source: Section 258.063 — Effect of successful contest of recall election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.072 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.072
249.072 Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing nonpartisan petitions
Status: in_force

(1) If the nonpartisan office is to be voted for in the state at large, the nominating petition shall contain at least 1,000 signatures of electors, or a number of signatures of electors equal to at least one percent of the vote cast in the state for all candidates for Governor at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term, whichever is less. The signatures shall include those of at least 100 electors registered in each congressional district.

(2) The nominating petition for a nonpartisan office not provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall contain at least 500 signatures of electors in the electoral district, or a number of signatures of electors equal to at least one percent of the vote 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, whichever is less. [Formerly 252.810; 1987 c.707 §7; 1989 c.174 §2; 1999 c.410 §23; 2018 c.70 §12; 2019 c.675 §12]

Source: Section 249.072 — Requirements regarding number and distribution of persons signing nonpartisan petitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.022 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.022
255.022 Procedures for district elections
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section or by the law under which the district is formed or is operating, a district election shall be conducted in accordance with this chapter.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, district elections shall be subject to the election laws, excluding ORS chapter 251 providing for voters’ pamphlets unless specifically applicable, and shall be conducted as nearly as practicable as are general elections.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by the law under which the district is formed or is operating, candidates for any elected office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 shall be nominated and elected in accordance with ORS chapter 249. [Formerly 259.040; 1995 c.607 §47]

Source: Section 255.022 — Procedures for district elections; metropolitan service district candidates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.485 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.485
254.485 Tally of ballots
Status: in_force

(1) Ballots may be tallied by a vote tally system or by a counting board. A counting board may tally ballots at the precinct or in the office of the county clerk. In any event, the ballots shall be tallied and returned by precinct.

(2) If a vote tally system is used, the county clerk shall repeat the public certification test described under ORS 254.235 (Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems) (1). The test shall be conducted immediately prior to scanning any ballots. The test may be observed by persons described in ORS 254.235 (Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems) (2). The county clerk shall certify the results of the test.

(3) If a counting board has been appointed, the tally of ballots may begin on the date of the election.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If ballots are tallied by a counting board, after the tally has begun it shall continue until completed. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a counting board shall tally without adjournment and in the presence of the clerks and persons authorized to attend.

(b) A counting board may be relieved by another board if the tally is not completed after 12 hours.

(5) A counting board shall audibly announce the tally as it proceeds. The board shall use only pen and ink to tally.

(6) For ballots cast using a voting machine, the county clerk shall:

(a) Enter the ballots cast using the machine into the vote tally system; and

(b) In the event of a recount, provide the paper record copy recorded by the machine to the counting board.

(7) A person other than the county clerk, a member of a counting board or any other elections official designated by the county clerk may not tally ballots under this chapter.

(8) The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a procedure for announcing the status of the tally of the ballots received after the date of the election. Rules adopted under this subsection must:

(a) Consider the number of ballots being released in relation to the size of the district;

(b) Prioritize voter anonymity; and

(c) After prioritizing voter anonymity under paragraph (b) of this subsection, prioritize the importance of timely reporting election results. [1979 c.190 §270; 1995 c.607 §45; 1999 c.318 §37; 1999 c.410 §58; 2001 c.965 §23; 2005 c.731 §5; 2005 c.797 §68; 2007 c.154 §44; 2009 c.592 §3; 2021 c.551 §4]

Note: The amendments to 254.485 (Tally of ballots) by section 11, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, were referred to the people for their approval or rejection at the regular general election to be held throughout this state on November 5, 2024. If chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is approved by the people, the amendments become operative January 1, 2028, and apply to elections and nominations occurring on or after January 1, 2028. See sections 18, 19 and 20, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023. 254.485 (Tally of ballots) , as amended by section 11, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

254.485 (Tally of ballots) . (1) Ballots may be tallied by a vote tally system, by a counting board or in the manner determined by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) . A counting board may tally ballots at the precinct or in the office of the county clerk. Except as otherwise determined by the secretary under ORS 246.200 (County clerk to conduct elections) , the ballots shall be tallied and returned by precinct.

(2) If a vote tally system is used, the county clerk shall repeat the public certification test described under ORS 254.235 (Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems) (1). The test shall be conducted immediately prior to scanning any ballots. The test may be observed by persons described in ORS 254.235 (Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems) (2). The county clerk shall certify the results of the test.

(3) If a counting board has been appointed, the tally of ballots may begin on the date of the election.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If ballots are tallied by a counting board, after the tally has begun it shall continue until completed. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a counting board shall tally without adjournment and in the presence of the clerks and persons authorized to attend.

(b) A counting board may be relieved by another board if the tally is not completed after 12 hours.

(5) A counting board shall audibly announce the tally as it proceeds. The board shall use only pen and ink to tally.

(6) For ballots cast using a voting machine, the county clerk shall:

(a) Enter the ballots cast using the machine into the vote tally system; and

(b) In the event of a recount, provide the paper record copy recorded by the machine to the counting board.

(7) A person other than the Secretary of State, county clerk, a member of a counting board or any other elections official designated by the secretary or county clerk may not tally ballots under this chapter.

(8) The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a procedure for announcing the status of the tally of the ballots received after the date of the election. Rules adopted under this subsection must:

(a) Consider the number of ballots being released in relation to the size of the district;

(b) Prioritize voter anonymity; and

(c) After prioritizing voter anonymity under paragraph (b) of this subsection, prioritize the importance of timely reporting election results.

Source: Section 254.485 — Tally of ballots; test of vote tally system; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.458 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.458
254.458 Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) :

(a) A county clerk may apply to the Secretary of State for approval of any procedure to be used in lieu of the secrecy envelope procedures described in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) ; and

(b) Upon receiving an application under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the secretary may approve a procedure to be used in lieu of the secrecy envelope procedures described in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) if the secretary determines that the procedure will provide substantially the same degree of secrecy as ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) .

(2) A procedure approved by the secretary under this section must comply with the prohibitions set forth in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (13). [1995 c.607 §84; 2007 c.154 §39; 2019 c.508 §5; 2021 c.551 §14; 2022 c.84 §1]

Source: Section 254.458 — Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.067 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.067
250.067 Notice of draft ballot title
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State, upon receiving a draft ballot title from the Attorney General under ORS 250.065 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain state measures) or 250.075 (Preparation of ballot titles by Legislative Assembly) , shall provide reasonable statewide notice of having received the draft ballot title and of the public’s right to submit written comments as provided in this section. Written comments concerning a draft ballot title may be submitted to the secretary not later than the 10th business day after the secretary receives the draft title from the Attorney General. On the next business day after the deadline for submitting comments, the secretary shall send a copy of all written comments to the Attorney General. The secretary shall maintain a record of written comments received.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If written comments are submitted to the secretary under subsection (1) of this section, the Attorney General shall consider the comments and certify to the secretary either the draft ballot title or a revised ballot title not later than the 10th business day after receiving the comments from the secretary.

(b) If no written comments are submitted to the secretary, the Attorney General shall certify the draft ballot title not later than the 21st business day after the secretary receives the draft title from the Attorney General. If the Attorney General determines that a draft ballot title described in this paragraph contains a clerical error, the Attorney General may correct the error before certifying the corrected draft ballot title to the secretary.

(c) If the Attorney General determines that a ballot title certified under this subsection contains a clerical error, the Attorney General may correct the error and certify to the secretary a corrected ballot title not later than the 10th business day after the date the ballot title was certified.

(d) The secretary shall furnish the chief petitioner with a copy of each ballot title certified under this subsection.

(3) Unless the Supreme Court certifies a different ballot title, the latest ballot title certified by the Attorney General under subsection (2) of this section is the title to be printed in the voters’ pamphlet and on the ballot.

(4) If a petition is filed with the Supreme Court as provided in ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) , the Secretary of State shall file with the Supreme Court a copy of the written comments received as part of the record on review of the ballot title.

(5) The secretary by rule shall specify the means for providing reasonable statewide notice for submitting comments on a draft ballot title.

(6) As used in this section, “clerical error” means a typographical, arithmetical or grammatical error or omission that is evident from the text of the draft or certified ballot title or by comparison of the text of the draft or certified ballot title with a written explanation that was provided by the Attorney General and issued concurrently with the draft or certified ballot title. [1985 c.447 §5; 1989 c.503 §5; 2001 c.802 §1; 2005 c.797 §38; 2007 c.159 §1; 2007 c.848 §10; 2017 c.749 §15]

Source: Section 250.067 — Notice of draft ballot title; written comments; certification of title; correction of clerical errors; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.002 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.002
249.002 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Candidate” means an individual whose name is or is expected to be printed on the official ballot or a write-in candidate.

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

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

(4) “Judge” means judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit court or the Oregon Tax Court.

(5) “Member” means an individual who is registered as being affiliated with the political party.

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

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

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

(9) “Public office” means any national, state, county, city or district office or position, except a political party office, filled by the electors.

(10) “State office” means Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, judge, state Senator, state Representative or district attorney. [1979 c.190 §94; 1983 c.350 §64; 1985 c.324 §1; 1987 c.707 §6; 1993 c.493 §5; 1995 c.92 §1; 1995 c.107 §1; 1995 c.607 §76; 2001 c.430 §1; 2009 c.491 §6; 2010 c.18 §2; 2011 c.731 §10; 2017 c.749 §51; 2023 c.600 §10]

Source: Section 249.002 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.250 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.250
258.250 Payment of cost of recount
Status: in_force

(1) If the abstract of votes resulting from a full recount shows that the outcome of the election on the measure was changed or that a candidate for whose benefit the recount was demanded received a plurality of the votes, the deposit required by ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) shall be refunded by the Secretary of State to the person who filed the demand.

(2) The Secretary of State shall transfer the deposit required by ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) and any additional amount paid pursuant to subsection (5) of this section to a special account in the General Fund if:

(a) A full recount was not conducted; or

(b) The abstract of votes resulting from a full recount shows that:

(A) The outcome of the election on the measure was not changed; or

(B) A candidate for whose benefit the recount was demanded did not receive a plurality of the votes.

(3) Moneys deposited in the special account under subsection (2) of this section are continuously appropriated for the purpose of reimbursing the county, city or other political subdivision or public corporation for the cost of the recount and paying any refunds required by subsection (4) of this section.

(4) Upon receipt from the official directed to conduct the recount of a signed certificate itemizing the cost of the recount, the Secretary of State shall request the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to issue warrants for the amount so certified. Any portion of the deposit required by ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) remaining after the cost of the recount has been paid shall be refunded to the person who filed the demand upon receipt of a warrant from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services showing the amount of the refund to which the person is entitled.

(5) If the cost of the recount exceeds the amount of the deposit required by ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) , and if the person who filed the demand does not qualify for a refund under subsection (1) of this section, the person shall pay to the Secretary of State the amount of the excess cost. [Formerly 251.610; 1983 c.740 §66; 2001 c.965 §39; 2005 c.755 §7]

Source: Section 258.250 — Payment of cost of recount , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.426 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.426
254.426 Procedure on challenged ballot
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever any person offers to vote a ballot challenged under ORS 254.415 (Challenging ballot of person offering to vote) , the county clerk shall ensure that the ballot offered by the person includes the number of the written statement of challenge so that the ballot may be identified in any future contest of the election.

(2) The county clerk shall examine the challenge and determine if the person is validly registered to vote and if the vote was properly cast. The ballot shall be counted only if the county clerk determines the person is validly registered.

(3) The county clerk shall ensure that the information on the numbered written statement is treated as confidential so that in the event of a recount of votes it cannot be determined how any challenged person voted.

(4) The county clerk shall mail to each person offering to vote a ballot challenged under ORS 254.415 (Challenging ballot of person offering to vote) a written statement that describes the nature of the challenge. If the person does not provide evidence sufficient to verify the person’s registration by the deadline described in subsection (5) of this section, the registration of the person shall be considered inactive until the person updates or verifies the registration, the registration is canceled or the county clerk determines that the person is validly registered.

(5) The registration of each person offering to vote a ballot challenged under ORS 254.415 (Challenging ballot of person offering to vote) shall be verified not later than the 14th calendar day after the date of the election in order for the vote of the person to be counted. [1991 c.14 §3; 1993 c.713 §33; 1995 c.607 §82; 2009 c.511 §9; 2013 c.695 §1]

Source: Section 254.426 — Procedure on challenged ballot , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.400 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.400
255.400 Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) :

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, “board of a qualifying district” means:

(A) A district school board as defined in ORS 332.002 (Definitions for chapter) ;

(B) The board of directors of an education service district as defined in ORS 334.003 (Definitions for chapter) ; or

(C) A board as defined in ORS 341.005 (Definitions) .

(b) “Board of a qualifying district” does not include the board of directors of a pilot education service district described in ORS 334.108 (Number of board members) to 334.115 (Legislative report) .

(2) “Polarized voting” means voting in which there is a difference in the choice of candidates or other electoral choices that are preferred by electors in a protected class, and in the choice of candidates or electoral choices that are preferred by electors in the rest of the electorate.

(3) “Protected class” means a class of electors who are distinguished by race or color or are members of a language minority group, as the class of electors is referenced and defined in the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.), as amended, or its successors.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, “qualifying district” means:

(A) A school district as defined in ORS 332.002 (Definitions for chapter) ;

(B) An education service district as defined in ORS 334.003 (Definitions for chapter) ; or

(C) A community college district as defined in ORS 341.005 (Definitions) .

(b) “Qualifying district” does not include a pilot education service district described in ORS 334.108 (Number of board members) to 334.115 (Legislative report) .

(5) “Qualifying district election” means the nomination and election of members of the board of a qualifying district. [2019 c.449 §2]

Source: Section 255.400 — Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.563 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.563
260.563 Liability of contractor obtaining signatures on petition for violations committed by subcontractor
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Contractor” means a person who contracts on predetermined terms with a chief petitioner, or a person acting on behalf of a chief petitioner, of an initiative or referendum petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated for the purpose of obtaining signatures on the petition or prospective petition.

(b) “Subcontractor” means a person who contracts on predetermined terms with a contractor for the purpose of obtaining signatures on an initiative or referendum petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated and who has no direct contractual relationship with a chief petitioner or other person acting on behalf of a chief petitioner.

(2) If a contractor has knowledge or should have had knowledge of a violation of ORS 250.048 (Registration and training for paid petition circulators) , 260.555 (Prohibitions relating to petitions) , 260.558 (Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition) , 260.567 (Alteration of information on petition signature sheet) , 260.575 (Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money) , 260.665 (Undue influence to affect registration, voting, candidacy, signing petitions) or 260.715 (Prohibited conduct) (1) or section 1b, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution, or any rule adopted by the Secretary of State related to section 1b, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution, petition sheets or circulator training, registration or certification, by a subcontractor, the violation by the subcontractor is conclusively considered a violation by the contractor.

(3) A contractor is not liable under subsection (2) of this section if the contractor notifies the Secretary of State in writing not later than one business day after the contractor obtains knowledge of a potential violation. The notice shall state:

(a) That a potential violation has occurred;

(b) The nature of the potential violation; and

(c) All specific information known to the contractor regarding the potential violation.

(4) A contractor may not be held criminally liable under this section solely based on a violation committed by a subcontractor. [2007 c.848 §7; 2009 c.533 §6; 2009 c.720 §8]

Source: Section 260.563 — Liability of contractor obtaining signatures on petition for violations committed by subcontractor; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.019 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.019
248.019 Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to ORS 248.015 (Precinct committeepersons) (4), a person may participate as a write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson by filing with the county elections official a declaration of write-in candidacy. The declaration shall be made on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State by rule and must be filed no later than 8 p.m. on the date of the election. The form prescribed by the secretary must require that the person:

(a) States that the person will serve as a precinct committeeperson if elected;

(b) Requests that the county elections official count any write-in votes received by the write-in candidate; and

(c) Attests that the person is legally qualified to serve as a precinct committeeperson.

(2) Upon receipt of the form filed under subsection (1) of this section, the county elections official shall determine whether the person meets the qualifications to serve as a precinct committeeperson. If the county elections official determines that the person meets the qualifications, the county elections official shall record the write-in votes received by the person during that election.

(3) If no person qualifies as a candidate or write-in candidate for a position of precinct committeeperson, that position shall be vacant. [2019 c.675 §16]

Note: 248.019 (Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson) and 248.021 (Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson) were added to and made a part of ORS chapter 248 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 248.019 — Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson; process , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.015 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.015
250.015 Form of petition
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State by rule shall:

(1) Design the form of the prospective petition, and the initiative and the referendum petition, including the signature sheets, to be used in any initiative or referendum in this state.

(2) Designate the quality of paper to be used for signature sheets in order to ensure the legibility of the signatures.

(3) Prescribe a system for numbering the signature sheets to be used in any initiative or referendum in this state. [1979 c.190 §141; 1979 c.345 §1; 1981 c.909 §1; 1989 c.68 §5; 2005 c.22 §188]

Source: Section 250.015 — Form of petition; numbering of signature sheets; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.143 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.143
250.143 Evaluation of citizen panel procedures
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than February 1 of an odd-numbered year, each person who served as a moderator for a citizen panel that evaluated a measure voted on at the most recent general election shall:

(a) Convene to evaluate procedures related to the citizen panels and submit a written report to the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission summarizing the evaluation, along with any recommendations; and

(b) Appoint two moderators from among the moderators convened for the evaluation to be members of the commission.

(2) Not later than February 1 of an odd-numbered year, two electors from each citizen panel shall:

(a) Convene to evaluate procedures related to the citizen panels and submit a written report to the commission summarizing the evaluation, along with any recommendations; and

(b) Appoint two electors from among the former panelists convened for the evaluation to be members of the commission.

(3) Each year in which an evaluation is conducted by moderators and panelists under this section, the commission shall review the evaluations and make any findings and recommendations. The commission shall make all evaluations, findings and recommendations made under this section available to the public. [2011 c.365 §6]

Source: Section 250.143 — Evaluation of citizen panel procedures; findings and recommendations; appointment of certain commission members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.125 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.125
247.125 Alteration of registration card prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not alter any information supplied on a registration card except:

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

(b) The person who supplies the information on the registration card for the purpose of registering to vote.

(2) A county clerk may not register a person who alters any information printed on a registration card regarding:

(a) The indication that the person is a citizen of the United States; or

(b) The signature statement in which the person attests to the person’s qualifications as an elector and the information supplied on the voter registration card. [1985 c.808 §6; 2009 c.511 §2]

Source: Section 247.125 — Alteration of registration card prohibited; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.115 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.115
255.115 Definitions for ORS 255.125 to 255.205
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 255.125 (Application of ORS 255.135 to 255.205) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) , “district” means a district referred to in section 1 (5), Article IV, Oregon Constitution. [1979 c.190 §290]

Source: Section 255.115 — Definitions for ORS 255.125 to 255.205 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.530 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.530
253.530 Voting by spouse and dependents of military or overseas elector
Status: in_force

(1) A spouse or dependent of a military or overseas elector, temporarily living outside the county or city in which is situated the last home residence in this state of the spouse or dependent, may vote in the same manner as a military or overseas elector.

(2) A spouse or dependent of a military or overseas elector, not previously a resident of this state who intends to reside in this state, shall be considered a resident of this state for voting purposes, and may vote in the same manner as a military or overseas elector. The spouse or dependent shall be considered to have resided for more than 30 days at the last residence of the military or overseas elector in this state. [1955 c.332 §16; 1957 c.641 §15; 1965 c.153 §1; 1977 c.508 §11; 1979 c.190 §219; 2013 c.520 §7]

Source: Section 253.530 — Voting by spouse and dependents of military or overseas elector , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.052 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.052
260.052 Political committee identification number
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall assign an identification number to each political committee required to file a statement with the secretary under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) . The political committee shall include the identification number with each contribution made by the political committee. [1991 c.719 §64; 2005 c.809 §31]

Source: Section 260.052 — Political committee identification number , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.064 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.064
260.064 In-kind contribution from candidate, political committee or petition committee
Status: in_force

(1) If a candidate, political committee or petition committee receives updated information that an in-kind contribution received from another candidate, political committee or petition committee reported in a statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) is inaccurate or otherwise insufficient, the candidate, political committee or petition committee that received the in-kind contribution shall, without penalty, file an updated statement with the Secretary of State:

(a) Not later than the date that the statement is required to be filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) ; or

(b) If the filing deadline has passed, not later than 30 calendar days after the candidate, political committee or petition committee received the updated information.

(2) This section does not apply to a candidate, political committee or petition committee that knew or reasonably should have known that the information reported in the statement originally filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) was inaccurate or insufficient at the time of filing. [2009 c.818 §26]

Note: 260.064 (In-kind contribution from candidate, political committee or petition committee) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 260 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 260.064 — In-kind contribution from candidate, political committee or petition committee; insufficient filing; updated information , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.365 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.365
251.365 Cost of pamphlet preparation
Status: in_force

(1) Any county clerk preparing, printing and distributing a county voters’ pamphlet may apportion the cost of preparing, printing and distributing the county voters’ pamphlet as a cost of the election according to the formula established by the Secretary of State for the allocation of election costs. The apportioned election costs shall be reduced for each electoral district by the amount of any revenue received by the county clerk from the submission of candidate portraits, statements and arguments for that electoral district.

(2) Any revenue collected by the county clerk from the submission of candidate portraits, statements or arguments for any electoral district which may exceed the apportioned cost of the election for that electoral district shall be applied to reduce the shared costs of the election for all remaining electoral districts. [1989 c.1031 §8]

Source: Section 251.365 — Cost of pamphlet preparation; allocation of revenue , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.023 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.023
249.023 Nomination of major political party candidates who attain age of 18 years after deadline for filing nominating petition or declaration of candidacy
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, and except as provided in section 8, Article IV, Oregon Constitution, and section 2, Article V, Oregon Constitution, an otherwise qualified person who will attain the age of 18 years after the deadline for filing a nominating petition or declaration of candidacy for nomination to any major political party office and on or before the date of the primary election, and who is registered as a member of the major political party not later than the date of the primary election, is eligible to file a nominating petition for nomination to any major political party office, to be listed on the ballot and to be nominated for the office, including by write-in votes. [1993 c.583 §4; 1995 c.712 §24]

Source: Section 249.023 — Nomination of major political party candidates who attain age of 18 years after deadline for filing nominating petition or declaration of candidacy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.280 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.280
258.280 Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to a public office for which the Secretary of State is the filing officer, and the county clerk who conducted the election shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to any other public office if the canvass of votes of the election reveals that:

(a) Two or more candidates for that nomination or office have an equal and the highest number of votes; or

(b) The difference in the number of votes cast for a candidate apparently nominated or elected to the office and the votes cast for the closest apparently defeated opponent is not more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes for both candidates.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Unless otherwise provided by a home rule charter, at an election described in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , the Secretary of State shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to a nonpartisan office for which the Secretary of State is the filing officer, and the county clerk who conducted the election shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to any other nonpartisan office, if the canvass of votes of the election reveals that the number of votes cast for a candidate differs from a majority of votes cast for the office by not more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes cast for the office.

(b) This subsection does not apply to the office of sheriff, the office of county clerk, the office of county treasurer or a candidate to fill a vacancy, as described in ORS 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) .

(3) The cost of a full recount conducted under this section shall be paid by the county for a county office, by the city for a city office, by the special district for a special district office or by the state for any other office. [Formerly 251.640; 1985 c.808 §49; 1993 c.493 §50; 2001 c.965 §40; 2011 c.479 §1; 2013 c.1 §24]

Note: The amendments to 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) by section 15, 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. 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) , as amended by section 15, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) . (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the Secretary of State shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to a public office for which the Secretary of State is the filing officer, and the county clerk who conducted the election shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to any other public office if the canvass of votes of the election reveals that:

(A) Two or more candidates for that nomination or office have an equal and the highest number of votes; or

(B) The difference in the number of votes cast for a candidate apparently nominated or elected to the office and the votes cast for the closest apparently defeated opponent is not more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes for both candidates.

(b) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish when a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to a public office is required for an election in which ranked choice voting is conducted in the manner set forth in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, and the secretary is the filing officer. Any rules adopted under this paragraph shall, to the extent practicable, comply with the requirements set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Unless otherwise provided by a home rule charter, at an election described in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , the Secretary of State shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to a nonpartisan office for which the Secretary of State is the filing officer, and the county clerk who conducted the election shall order a full recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to any other nonpartisan office, if the canvass of votes of the election reveals that the number of votes cast for a candidate differs from a majority of votes cast for the office by not more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes cast for the office.

(b) This subsection does not apply to the office of sheriff, the office of county clerk, the office of county treasurer or a candidate to fill a vacancy, as described in ORS 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) .

(3) The cost of a full recount conducted under this section shall be paid by the county for a county office, by the city for a city office, by the special district for a special district office or by the state for any other office.

Source: Section 258.280 — Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office; costs of recount to be paid by governmental unit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.465 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.465
254.465 Elections to be conducted by mail
Status: in_force

(1) County clerks shall conduct all elections in this state by mail.

(2) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to:

(a) Provide for uniformity in the conduct of state elections by mail; and

(b) Govern the procedures for conducting elections by mail. [1981 c.805 §1; 1983 c.199 §1; 1985 c.575 §1; 1987 c.267 §80; 1987 c.357 §2; 1991 c.719 §12; 1993 c.493 §§41,42; 1995 c.712 §64; 1999 c.3 §1; 1999 c.999 §53; 2007 c.154 §1]

Source: Section 254.465 — Elections to be conducted by mail; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.995 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.995
260.995 Civil penalties
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, following an investigation under ORS 260.345 (Complaints or other information regarding violations) , the Secretary of State or Attorney General may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of any provision of Oregon Revised Statutes relating to the conduct of any election, any rule adopted by the secretary under ORS chapters 246 to 260 or any other matter preliminary to or relating to an election, for which a civil penalty is not otherwise provided.

(2) The secretary or the Attorney General may impose a civil penalty not to exceed:

(a) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, $1,000 plus the amount converted to personal use for each violation of ORS 260.407 (Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes) ;

(B) Two times the amount of the penalty provision for violating a nondisclosure agreement that is contained within each nondisclosure agreement entered into in violation of ORS 260.407 (Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes) or 260.413 (Prohibition on committee providing consideration in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to workplace harassment) ;

(b) 150 percent of the total cost of printing, transmitting or distributing a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate if the disclosure requirements set forth in ORS 260.266 (Statement of persons who paid for communication in support of or in opposition to clearly identified candidate) are not met; or

(c) $10,000 for each violation of ORS 260.555 (Prohibitions relating to petitions) , 260.558 (Payment for signing or not signing initiative, referendum or recall petition) , 260.575 (Use of threats and intimidation for purpose of extorting money) , 260.695 (Prohibitions relating to voting) (1) or (2) or 260.715 (Prohibited conduct) (1) or Article IV, section 1b, of the Oregon Constitution.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by this section, civil penalties under this section shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745 (Civil penalty procedures) . In addition to the requirements of ORS 183.745 (Civil penalty procedures) , the notice shall include:

(a) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; and

(b) If the person is an agency, corporation or an unincorporated association, a statement that such person must be represented by an attorney licensed in Oregon, unless the person is a political committee which may be represented by any officer identified in the most recent statement of organization filed with the filing officer.

(4) A hearing on whether to impose a civil penalty and to consider circumstances in mitigation shall be held by the secretary or Attorney General:

(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 (3) of this section; or

(b) Upon the secretary’s or Attorney General’s own motion.

(5) 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 or other evidence, sworn to before a notary public, to the secretary or Attorney General for entry in the hearing record. The testimony or other evidence must be received by the secretary or Attorney General not later than three business days before the day of the hearing and may be submitted electronically.

(6) All hearings under 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 (4) 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.

(7) The secretary or Attorney General 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.

(8) All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the General Fund.

(9) In the case of a civil penalty imposed under this section for a violation of ORS 260.407 (Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes) , the person against whom the penalty is assessed:

(a) Is personally responsible for the payment of the civil penalty;

(b) Shall pay the civil penalty from personal funds of the person; and

(c) May not pay the civil penalty from contributions received by a candidate, a candidate’s principal campaign committee, a political committee or a petition committee. [1987 c.718 §1; 1991 c.319 §2; 1991 c.734 §119; 1993 c.493 §83; 2005 c.797 §52; 2005 c.809 §1; 2009 c.533 §11; 2009 c.818 §19; 2010 c.9 §10; 2010 c.35 §2; 2013 c.617 §2; 2019 c.462 §6; 2019 c.636 §3; 2021 c.291 §8; 2021 c.473 §11]

Source: Section 260.995 — Civil penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.409 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.409
260.409 Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate
Status: in_force

A candidate or principal campaign committee of a candidate may not use amounts received as contributions by the candidate or committee to make an expenditure to or on behalf of the candidate in consideration for the rendering of professional services by the candidate. [2005 c.809 §12]

Source: Section 260.409 — Expenditures for professional services rendered by candidate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.569 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.569
260.569 Payment based on signatures obtained on nominating petition or voter registration card
Status: in_force

A person may not pay or receive money or another thing of value based on the number of:

(1) Signatures a person obtains for purposes of nominating a candidate for elective public office; or

(2) Signed voter registration cards a person collects. [2007 c.314 §2]

Source: Section 260.569 — Payment based on signatures obtained on nominating petition or voter registration card , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).