ORS § 254.025 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.025
254.025 Construction of statutes applicable to primary elections
Status: in_force

(1) Statutes applicable to primary elections shall be construed as though the primary elections are separate elections for each major political party nominating candidates.

(2) The primary elections shall be conducted as nearly as possible according to the theory expressed in the preamble to chapter 1, Oregon Laws 1905. [1979 c.190 §226; 1987 c.267 §37; 1995 c.712 §53; 1999 c.999 §46]

Source: Section 254.025 — Construction of statutes applicable to primary elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.705 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.705
249.705 Nomination by other than major party
Status: in_force

A minor political party, assembly of electors or individual electors may nominate one candidate for each partisan public office to be filled at the general election by preparing and filing a certificate of nomination as provided in ORS 249.712 (Acceptance of nomination) to 249.850 (Filing of certificate to fill vacancy in nomination) . [1979 c.190 §125]

Source: Section 249.705 — Nomination by other than major party , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.245 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.245
255.245 Nominations to fill certain vacancies
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) , if a vacancy occurs in the office of district board member after the deadline for notice in ORS 255.069 (Delivery and preparation of form for updating information on members of district boards) (2) and on or before the 62nd day before the regular district election, the Secretary of State by rule shall provide a nominating schedule when practicable so that candidates’ names may be printed on the regular election ballot. With regard to this vacancy, requirements of publication of notice and sample ballots may be waived. The rule shall require notice of the vacancy and nominating procedure to the district electors by the most reasonable and expeditious means practicable under the circumstances, including but not limited to single publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the district. [Formerly 259.075; 1999 c.410 §65; 2019 c.449 §42]

Source: Section 255.245 — Nominations to fill certain vacancies; Secretary of State to adopt rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.149 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.149
250.149 Determination of sufficient funds for commission and citizen panels
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the date that is four months before the date of the general election in an even-numbered year, the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission shall determine whether moneys in sufficient amount are available in the account established under ORS 182.470 (Accounts for and investment of moneys collected or received by semi-independent state agencies) to carry out all the duties, functions and powers of the commission, implement ORS 250.139 (Citizen panels) to 250.143 (Evaluation of citizen panel procedures) and pay for any statements to be printed in the voters’ pamphlet under ORS 251.185 (Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet) .

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If the commission determines that the account has sufficient moneys under subsection (1) of this section, the commission shall carry out all the duties, functions and powers of the commission, implement ORS 250.139 (Citizen panels) to 250.143 (Evaluation of citizen panel procedures) and may submit statements to be printed in the voters’ pamphlet under ORS 251.185 (Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet) .

(b) If the commission determines that the account has insufficient moneys under subsection (1) of this section, for the general election in that even-numbered year, the commission may not carry out all the duties, functions and powers of the commission, implement ORS 250.139 (Citizen panels) to 250.143 (Evaluation of citizen panel procedures) or submit statements to be printed in the voters’ pamphlet under ORS 251.185 (Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet) . [2011 c.365 §9; 2013 c.722 §17]

Source: Section 250.149 — Determination of sufficient funds for commission and citizen panels , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.200 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.200
260.200 Secretary of State rules for accounts, forms, material to be retained and material not subject to disclosure
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State by rule shall:

(1) Prescribe a uniform system for accounts required by ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) .

(2) Prescribe forms for statements and other information required under this chapter to be filed with filing officers, and furnish those forms to persons required to file those statements and other information.

(3) Prescribe materials, including financial institution account statements and copies of checks, that a candidate, political committee or petition committee must retain or provide to the secretary for purposes of administering or enforcing the provisions of this chapter. The secretary shall prescribe personal or confidential information that is not required to be disclosed under this subsection. [1971 c.749 §17; 1979 c.190 §356; 1985 c.808 §58; 1993 c.493 §72; 1999 c.999 §12; 2005 c.809 §7; 2009 c.818 §29]

Source: Section 260.200 — Secretary of State rules for accounts, forms, material to be retained and material not subject to disclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.021 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.021
248.021 Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson
Status: in_force

(1) An elector may nominate a separate elector as a write-in candidate for the office of precinct committeeperson if the elector making the nomination submits, not later than 8 p.m. on the date of the primary election, a write-in nomination on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State by rule. The write-in nomination shall:

(a) Certify that both the elector making the nomination and the write-in candidate:

(A) Are members of the same major political party; and

(B) Reside in the same county and within the same district boundary for the House of Representatives listed in ORS 188.300 (District boundaries for House of Representatives) .

(b) Request that the county elections official count any write-in votes received by the write-in candidate.

(2) An elector who is nominated as a write-in candidate under this section is not eligible for election to the office of precinct committeeperson unless:

(a) The write-in candidate meets the qualifications set forth in ORS 248.015 (Precinct committeepersons) (4); and

(b) The write-in candidate receives three or more votes. [2019 c.675 §17; 2021 s.s.1 c.2 §8]

Note: See note under 248.019 (Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson) .

Source: Section 248.021 — Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.948 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.948
247.948 Information required for or prohibited from inclusion in lists of electors
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as set forth in ORS 247.965 (Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector) or 247.967 (Disclosure of residence address of elector or family member of elector) , or as otherwise prohibited by law, the following information about an elector contained within an elector’s registration file 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) and shall be included in lists delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) and 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) :

(A) The major political party or minor political party, if any, with which an elector is affiliated;

(B) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the residence address of an elector;

(C) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the address where an elector receives a ballot;

(D) The year in which an elector was born;

(E) The name or number of the precinct in which the elector resides;

(F) The precinct split of an elector;

(G) The administrative number for an elector that is used by the Secretary of State to determine which elections an elector may vote in;

(H) The telephone number of an elector;

(I) Whether or not an elector voted in previous elections; and

(J) During an election period, the ballot status of an elector. In order to comply with this subparagraph, during the election period, the secretary shall maintain a list of the ballot status of electors. The secretary shall update the list, and make available an updated version of the list, on each business day of the election period.

(b) As used in this subsection:

(A) “Ballot status” means whether or not an elector has cast a ballot in the election;

(B) “Election period” means the period of time beginning on the date that ballots for an election are first mailed to electors and ending on the date of the election; and

(C) “Precinct split” means the enhanced precinct name or number used to determine the specific ballot configuration that will be received by an elector who resides in a precinct that:

(i) Has more than one election district subdivision; and

(ii) Requires more than one ballot configuration for electors in the precinct.

(2) Except as set forth in ORS 247.973 (Status of signature on voter registration card as public record) or as otherwise required by law, the following information about an elector contained within an elector’s registration file is not 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) and may not be disclosed by the Secretary of State or a county clerk:

(a) Information that is required to be kept confidential under ORS 247.965 (Exemption from disclosure as public record of residence address of elector or family member of elector) or as part of the Address Confidentiality Program under ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) to 192.868 (Grants, donations and gifts) ;

(b) The birth month of an elector;

(c) The day of the month on which an elector was born;

(d) The Social Security number of an elector;

(e) The driver license number of an elector; and

(f) The signature of an elector.

(3) The residence address of an elector may not be included in lists delivered under ORS 247.940 (Statewide list of electors) and 247.945 (List of county or statewide electors) if the elector:

(a) Is either a candidate for elected office or a holder of elected office; and

(b) Has chosen to limit the public accessibility of the elector’s residence address in the manner described in ORS 249.021 (Candidate and public office holder residence address) .

(4) Nothing in this section is intended to limit or restrict the disclosure of information that is otherwise 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) . [2018 c.70 §21; 2023 c.528 §6; 2023 c.600 §8]

Source: Section 247.948 — Information required for or prohibited from inclusion in lists of electors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.056 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.056
249.056 Filing fees
Status: in_force

(1) At the time of filing a declaration of candidacy a candidate for the following offices shall pay to the officer with whom the declaration is filed the following fee:

(a) United States Senator, $150.

(b) Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, Representative in Congress, judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or Oregon Tax Court, or executive officer or auditor of a metropolitan service district, $100.

(c) County officer, district attorney, county judge who exercises judicial functions or circuit court judge, $50.

(d) State Senator or Representative or councilor of a metropolitan service district under ORS chapter 268, $25.

(2) No filing fee shall be required of persons filing a declaration of candidacy for precinct committeeperson or justice of the peace. [Formerly 249.271; 1981 c.173 §22; 1983 c.567 §6; 1993 c.493 §90; 2009 c.511 §5; 2011 c.731 §11]

Source: Section 249.056 — Filing fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.575 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.575
254.575 Procedure when tie vote
Status: in_force

When two or more candidates for the same office, after a full recount of votes, have an equal and the highest number of votes:

(1) For election to state Senator or Representative, a party office, or a public office for which the elections officer is other than the Secretary of State, the elections officer shall have the candidates meet publicly to decide by lot who is elected.

(2) For election to a public office other than Governor or those referred to in subsection (1) of this section, the Secretary of State by proclamation shall order a new election to fill the office.

(3) For election to Governor, the Legislative Assembly at the beginning of the next regular session shall meet jointly and elect one of the candidates.

(4) For nomination by one major political party to an office, the elections officer who receives filings for nomination to the office shall have the candidates meet publicly to decide by lot who is nominated. [1979 c.190 §279; 2001 c.965 §43]

Source: Section 254.575 — Procedure when tie vote , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.476 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.476
254.476 Personnel for counting ballots
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk may employ personnel as necessary to open envelopes, handle ballots, prepare ballots for counting and count ballots. The personnel may not all be members of the same political party. A candidate on the ballot at an election, other than an incumbent candidate for county clerk, or a person who is a member of the household, spouse, domestic partner, child, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sibling, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepparent or stepchild of any candidate on the ballot may not be employed and may not serve as a volunteer in the capacity described in this section.

(2) As used in this section, “member of the household” has the meaning given that term in ORS 244.020 (Definitions) . [1999 c.410 §41; 2009 c.511 §10; 2023 c.266 §1]

Source: Section 254.476 — Personnel for counting ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.290 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.290
258.290 Automatic full recount required in certain elections on measures
Status: in_force

(1) If the official canvass of votes of an election reveals that the difference in the number of votes cast for or against any measure is not more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes cast for and against the measure, the Secretary of State, in the case of a measure for which the Secretary of State is the filing officer, and the county clerk who conducted the election in the case of any other measure shall order a full recount of all votes cast for the measure.

(2) The cost of a full recount conducted under this section shall be paid by the state, county, city or special district for which the measure was proposed.

(3) This section does not apply if the election on the measure is an election at which at least 50 percent of registered voters eligible to vote in the election must cast a ballot under sections 11 and 11k, Article XI, Oregon Constitution, and less than 50 percent of registered voters eligible to vote in the election cast ballots. [Formerly 251.645; 1993 c.493 §51; 1997 c.541 §313e; 2001 c.965 §41; 2010 c.9 §6]

Source: Section 258.290 — Automatic full recount required in certain elections on measures; costs of recount to be paid by governmental unit; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.017 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.017
247.017 Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Department of Transportation
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall by rule establish a schedule by which the Department of Transportation shall provide to the secretary electronic records containing the legal name, age, residence and citizenship information for, and the electronic signature of, each person who meets qualifications identified by the secretary by rule.

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

(a) Decline being registered as an elector.

(b) Adopt a political party affiliation.

(3) If a person notified under subsection (2) of this section does not decline to be registered as an elector within 21 calendar days after the Secretary of State or county clerk issues the notification, the person’s electronic record and electronic signature submitted under subsection (1) of this section will constitute a completed registration card for the person for purposes of this chapter. The person shall be registered to vote if the county clerk determines that the person is qualified to vote under Article II, section 2, of the Oregon Constitution, and the person is not already registered to vote.

(4) A county clerk may not send a ballot to, or add to an elector registration list, a person who meets eligibility requirements until at least 21 calendar days after the Secretary of State or county clerk provided notification to the person as described in subsection (2) of this section.

(5) In addition to providing electronic records to the Secretary of State under subsection (1) of this section, the Department of Transportation may by rule develop, and require the availability or use of, any form or application the department determines is necessary to ensure compliance with the voter registration provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-31).

(6) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules required to implement subsections (1) to (4) of this section. [Formerly 802.090; 1995 c.742 §2; 2007 c.555 §4; 2015 c.8 §1; 2019 c.701 §23c]

Source: Section 247.017 — Transfer of voter registration materials to Secretary of State from Department of Transportation; opt-out of voter registration; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.016 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.016
258.016 Grounds for contest
Status: in_force

The nomination or election of a person, the result of a recall election or the approval or rejection of a measure may be contested by any elector entitled to vote for the person, recall or measure, by any person who was a candidate at the election for the same nomination or office, by the public officer subject to the recall, by the Secretary of State if the contest involves a state measure, the recall of a state officer or a candidate for whom the Secretary of State is the filing officer, or by the county clerk who conducted the election, only for the following causes:

(1) Deliberate and material violation of any provision of the election laws in connection with the nomination, election, recall election or approval or rejection of a measure.

(2) Ineligibility of the person elected to the office to hold the office at the time of the election.

(3) Illegal votes.

(4) Mistake or fraud in the canvass of votes.

(5) Fraud in the count of votes.

(6) Nondeliberate and material error in the distribution of the official ballots by a local elections official, as that term is defined in ORS 246.012 (Definitions) , or a county clerk.

(7) A challenge to the determination of the number of electors who were eligible to participate in an election on a measure conducted under section 11 (8), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [Formerly 251.025; 1983 c.170 §1; 1993 c.493 §48; 1997 c.541 §313a; 2001 c.965 §29; 2009 c.511 §13]

Source: Section 258.016 — Grounds for contest; persons authorized to contest , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 253.550 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 253 / Section 253.550
253.550 Applications made under federal statutes
Status: in_force

Whenever provision is made for absentee voting by a statute of the United States, including the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff (Public Law 99-410), an application for a ballot made under that law may be given the same effect as an application for a ballot made under ORS 253.500 (Construction of military or overseas elector law) to 253.640 (Coordination with federal authorities) . [1955 c.332 §2; 1979 c.190 §222; 1991 c.71 §12; 2013 c.520 §10]

Source: Section 253.550 — Applications made under federal statutes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors253.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.580 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.580
247.580 County clerk to retain notices or elector listings for two years
Status: in_force

(1) Copies of all notices and other correspondence issued under ORS 247.195 (Inquiry into validity of registration) , 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) , 247.296 (Verification of addresses of electors) , 247.563 (Notice to elector whose registration appears invalid) and 247.570 (Notice of deaths to Secretary of State and county clerk) shall be retained by the county clerk for two years.

(2) If the elector registration records of a county are mechanically maintained, the county clerk may satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) of this section by maintaining for two years:

(a) Computer listings of electors to whom the clerk issued notices or any other correspondence under ORS 247.195 (Inquiry into validity of registration) , 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) , 247.296 (Verification of addresses of electors) , 247.563 (Notice to elector whose registration appears invalid) and 247.570 (Notice of deaths to Secretary of State and county clerk) and facsimile copies of notices and correspondence; or

(b) Microfilm records of the listings and copies. [1963 c.346 §5; 1975 c.766 §3; 1979 c.190 §61; 1981 c.173 §18; 1985 c.808 §8b; 1993 c.713 §26; 1999 c.410 §20]

Source: Section 247.580 — County clerk to retain notices or elector listings for two years , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.307 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.307
247.307 Issuance of ballot when registration updated after registration deadline
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, if the county clerk receives information updating the registration of an elector after the deadline in ORS 247.025 (Registration deadline) :

(a) The county clerk shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector’s registration was inactive prior to updating; or

(b) The county clerk shall issue a replacement ballot upon request from the elector if the elector’s registration was active prior to updating.

(2) If the county clerk receives a registration card updating an elector’s residence or mailing address after the deadline in ORS 247.025 (Registration deadline) , the county clerk shall reissue a ballot to the elector if the elector’s registration was active prior to updating.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If the county clerk is required to reissue a ballot under subsection (2) of this section, the county clerk shall:

(A) Verify the registration of the elector and ensure that another ballot has not been returned by the elector;

(B) Mark the return identification envelope clearly so that it may be readily identified as a reissued ballot; and

(C) Reissue the ballot by mail or other means.

(b) A ballot reissued under this section must be received at the office of the county clerk, a place of deposit designated by the county clerk or any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) not later than the end of the period determined under ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) (1) on the date of the election. Upon receiving a voted ballot reissued under this section, the county clerk shall process the ballot.

(4) Ballots issued under this section need not be mailed to electors after the fifth day before the date of the election and may be obtained by the elector in person from the county clerk up until and including the date of the election. [1999 c.410 §11; 2007 c.154 §7; 2008 c.53 §4; 2009 c.511 §23]

Source: Section 247.307 — Issuance of ballot when registration updated after registration deadline , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.011 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.011
248.011 Enforcement of ORS 248.005 or political party rules
Status: in_force

Except as expressly required by law, the Secretary of State, a county clerk or any other elections official shall not enforce the provisions of ORS 248.005 (Parties to insure widest and fairest representation of members) or any other rule adopted by a political party. [1995 c.606 §2]

Source: Section 248.011 — Enforcement of ORS 248.005 or political party rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.150 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.150
246.150 Rules
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State may adopt rules the secretary considers necessary to facilitate and assist in achieving and maintaining a maximum degree of correctness, impartiality and efficiency in administration of the election laws. [1957 c.608 §8; 1979 c.190 §8; 1985 c.448 §1]

Source: Section 246.150 — Rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.023 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.023
248.023 Certificates of election
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 27th day after a primary election, the county elections official shall mail a certificate of election to each newly elected precinct committeeperson within the county. The county elections official also shall mail an “Acceptance of Office” form to each person elected by write-in votes to the office of precinct committeeperson who was nominated under ORS 248.021 (Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson) . The form shall include a statement to be signed by the person elected that the person is qualified to hold the office.

(2) A person elected by write-in votes to the office of precinct committeeperson shall be certified for the office by filing with the county elections official, not later than the 33rd day after the date of the primary election, a signed “Acceptance of Office” form.

(3) Not later than the 35th day after a primary election, the county elections official shall prepare, maintain and furnish to the chairpersons of the respective retiring county central committees within the county and the chairpersons of the state central committees, a list of the party precinct committeepersons elected and certified. At the same time the county elections official shall declare the other offices of precinct committeeperson vacant. [1965 c.407 §§4,5; 1975 c.779 §5; 1977 c.644 §2; 1979 c.190 §74; 1987 c.267 §10; 1995 c.607 §75; 1995 c.712 §19; 2019 c.675 §19; 2022 c.84 §7]

Source: Section 248.023 — Certificates of election; acceptance of office; list of precinct committeepersons; offices declared vacant when no committeeperson elected , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.043 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.043
248.043 Procedure if meeting not called
Status: in_force

If a newly elected county central committee fails to meet or to organize or if no person within a county is elected by a major political party as a precinct committeeperson, the chairperson of the retiring state central committee shall appoint a temporary chairperson of the county central committee. The temporary chairperson shall call an organizational meeting and organize the committee as provided by applicable provisions of ORS 248.033 (Organizational meeting) and 248.035 (Transfer of property) . A temporary chairperson appointed when no precinct committeeperson is elected may appoint members to fill the vacancies in the office of precinct committeeperson for the precinct in which the persons are registered. A person so appointed may be removed from office at the pleasure of the central committee, but otherwise shall hold the office of precinct committeeperson for the unexpired term and shall have the powers, duties and privileges of a precinct committeeperson. When a person is appointed to the office of precinct committeeperson pursuant to this subsection, the temporary chairperson shall notify, in writing, the county elections official of the appointment. The county elections official shall place the name of the person appointed on the list of precinct committeepersons. [1965 c.407 §9(5),(6); 1979 c.190 §82; 2019 c.675 §25]

Source: Section 248.043 — Procedure if meeting not called; filling vacancies when no precinct committeeperson elected; term of appointee; notice to county clerk , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.005 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.005
260.005 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) “Candidate” means:

(A) An individual whose name is printed on a ballot, for whom a declaration of candidacy, nominating petition or certificate of nomination to public office has been filed or whose name is expected to be or has been presented, with the individual’s consent, for nomination or election to public office;

(B) An individual who has solicited or received and accepted a contribution, made an expenditure, or given consent to an individual, organization, political party or political committee to solicit or receive and accept a contribution or make an expenditure on the individual’s behalf to secure nomination or election to any public office at any time, whether or not the office for which the individual will seek nomination or election is known when the solicitation is made, the contribution is received and retained or the expenditure is made, and whether or not the name of the individual is printed on a ballot; or

(C) A public office holder against whom a recall petition has been completed and filed.

(b) For purposes of this section and ORS 260.035 (Treasurer and statement of organization for political committees and candidates) to 260.156 (Rules for reporting expenditures and contributions) , “candidate” does not include a candidate for the office of precinct committeeperson.

(2) “Committee director” means any person who directly and substantially participates in decision-making on behalf of a political committee concerning the solicitation or expenditure of funds and the support of or opposition to candidates or measures. The officers of a political party shall be considered the directors of any political party committee of that party, unless otherwise provided in the party’s bylaws.

(3) Except as provided in ORS 260.007 (Exclusions from definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.”) , “contribute” or “contribution” includes:

(a) The payment, loan, gift, forgiving of indebtedness, or furnishing without equivalent compensation or consideration, of money, services other than personal services for which no compensation is asked or given, supplies, equipment or any other thing of value:

(A) For the purpose of influencing an election for public office or an election on a measure, or of reducing the debt of a candidate for nomination or election to public office or the debt of a political committee; or

(B) To or on behalf of a candidate, political committee or measure; and

(b) The excess value of a contribution made for compensation or consideration of less than equivalent value.

(4) “Controlled committee” means a political committee that, in connection with the making of contributions or expenditures:

(a) Is controlled directly or indirectly by a candidate or a controlled committee; or

(b) Acts jointly with a candidate or controlled committee.

(5) “Controlled directly or indirectly by a candidate” means:

(a) The candidate, the candidate’s agent, a member of the candidate’s immediate family or any other political committee that the candidate controls has a significant influence on the actions or decisions of the political committee; or

(b) The candidate’s principal campaign committee and the political committee both have the candidate or a member of the candidate’s immediate family as a treasurer or director.

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

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

(8) Except as provided in ORS 260.007 (Exclusions from definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.”) , “expend” or “expenditure” includes the payment or furnishing of money or anything of value or the incurring or repayment of indebtedness or obligation by or on behalf of a candidate, political committee or person in consideration for any services, supplies, equipment or other thing of value performed or furnished for any reason, including support of or opposition to a candidate, political committee or measure, or for reducing the debt of a candidate for nomination or election to public office. “Expenditure” also includes contributions made by a candidate or political committee to or on behalf of any other candidate or political committee.

(9) “Filing officer” means:

(a) The Secretary of State:

(A) Regarding a candidate for public office;

(B) Regarding a statement required to be filed under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) ;

(C) Regarding any measure; or

(D) Regarding any political committee.

(b) In the case of an irrigation district formed under ORS chapter 545, “filing officer” means:

(A) The county clerk, regarding any candidate for office or any measure at an irrigation district formation election where the proposed district is situated wholly in one county;

(B) The county clerk of the county in which the office of the secretary of the proposed irrigation district will be located, regarding any candidate for office or any measure at an irrigation district formation election where the proposed district is situated in more than one county; or

(C) The secretary of the irrigation district for any election other than an irrigation district formation election.

(10) “Independent expenditure” means an expenditure by a person for a communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate or measure that is not made with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate, or any political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure. For purposes of this subsection:

(a) “Agent” means any person who has:

(A) Actual oral or written authority, either express or implied, to make or to authorize the making of expenditures on behalf of a candidate or on behalf of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure; or

(B) Been placed in a position within the campaign organization where it would reasonably appear that in the ordinary course of campaign-related activities the person may authorize expenditures.

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) “Clearly identified” means, with respect to candidates:

(i) The name of the candidate involved appears;

(ii) A photograph or drawing of the candidate appears; or

(iii) The identity of the candidate is apparent by unambiguous reference.

(B) “Clearly identified” means, with respect to measures:

(i) The ballot number of the measure appears;

(ii) A description of the measure’s subject or effect appears; or

(iii) The identity of the measure is apparent by unambiguous reference.

(c) “Communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate or measure” means:

(A) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

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

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

(B) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) The communication involves aggregate expenditures of more than $250 by a person;

(ii) The communication refers to a clearly identified candidate or measure that will appear on the ballot or to a political party; and

(iii) The communication is published and disseminated to the relevant electorate within 60 calendar days before a primary election, 120 calendar days before a general election or 90 calendar days before an election other than a primary election or a general election.

(d) “Made with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate, or any political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure”:

(A) Means any arrangement, coordination or direction by the candidate or the candidate’s agent, or by any political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure, prior to the publication, distribution, display or broadcast of the communication. An expenditure shall be presumed to be so made when it is:

(i) Based on information about the plans, projects or needs of the candidate, or of the political committee supporting or opposing a measure, and provided to the expending person by the candidate or by the candidate’s agent, or by any political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure, with a view toward having an expenditure made; or

(ii) Made by or through any person who is or has been authorized to raise or expend funds, who is or has been an officer of a political committee authorized by the candidate or by a political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure, or who is or has been receiving any form of compensation or reimbursement from the candidate, the candidate’s principal campaign committee or agent or from any political committee or agent of a political committee supporting or opposing a measure.

(B) Does not mean providing to the expending person upon request a copy of this chapter or any rules adopted by the Secretary of State relating to independent expenditures.

(11) “Initiative petition” means a petition to initiate a measure for which a prospective petition has been filed but that is not yet a measure.

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

(13) “Mass mailing” means more than 200 substantially similar pieces of mail, but does not include a form letter or other mail that is sent in response to an unsolicited request, letter or other inquiry.

(14) “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.

(15) “Occupation” means:

(a) The nature of an individual’s principal business; and

(b) If the individual is employed by another person, the business name and address, by city and state, of the employer.

(16) “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, labor organization, association, firm, partnership, joint stock company, club, organization or other combination of individuals having collective capacity.

(17) “Petition committee” means an initiative, referendum or recall petition committee organized under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) .

(18) “Political committee” means a combination of two or more individuals, or a person other than an individual, that has:

(a) Received a contribution for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate, measure or political party; or

(b) Made an expenditure for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate, measure or political party. For purposes of this paragraph, an expenditure does not include:

(A) A contribution to a candidate or political committee that is required to report the contribution on a statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) or a certificate filed 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) ; or

(B) An independent expenditure for which a statement is required to be filed by a person under ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) .

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

(20) “Recall petition” means a petition to recall a public officer for which a prospective petition has been filed but that is not yet a measure.

(21) “Referendum petition” means a petition to refer a measure for which a prospective petition has been filed but that is not yet a measure.

(22) “Regular district election” means the regular district election described in ORS 255.335 (Regular district election) .

(23) “State office” means the office of Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, state Senator, state Representative, judge or district attorney. [1971 c.749 §1; 1973 c.744 §1; 1975 c.683 §6; 1977 c.678 §1; 1979 c.190 §339; 1983 c.350 §81; 1983 c.392 §8; 1985 c.808 §52; 1987 c.727 §1; 1989 c.80 §1; 1989 c.503 §41; 1991 c.87 §4; 1991 c.719 §61; 1993 c.18 §44; 1993 c.493 §52; 1993 c.710 §1; 1993 c.797 §30; 1995 c.1 §1; 1995 c.607 §56; 1997 c.249 §77; 1999 c.318 §42; 1999 c.999 §1; 2001 c.82 §11; 2003 c.542 §9; 2005 c.797 §1; 2005 c.809 §§20,21; 2007 c.848 §28; 2009 c.818 §1; 2011 c.652 §3; 2011 c.731 §16; 2013 c.756 §8; 2013 c.758 §1; 2017 c.419 §1; 2018 c.70 §14; 2019 c.637 §7]

Source: Section 260.005 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.041 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.041
260.041 Principal campaign committee
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 260.005 (Definitions) (18) and except as provided in ORS 260.043 (Exemptions for candidate who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $750 or $3,500) , a candidate shall designate a political committee as the candidate’s principal campaign committee. A candidate may designate only one political committee as the candidate’s principal campaign committee.

(2) A political committee may not be designated as the principal campaign committee of more than one candidate. [1979 c.190 §343; 1999 c.999 §7; 2005 c.809 §23; 2009 c.818 §3]

Source: Section 260.041 — Principal campaign committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.185 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.185
254.185 Printing or furnishing of ballots by county clerk
Status: in_force

The county clerk shall print or furnish all the required ballots and shall provide them for use by electors in the county. Only ballots printed or furnished under this section may be used in an election. [Formerly 250.080; 2007 c.154 §30]

Source: Section 254.185 — Printing or furnishing of ballots by county clerk , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.470 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.470
254.470 Procedures for conducting election by mail
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish requirements and criteria for the designation of places of deposit for the ballots cast in an election. The rules shall also specify the dates and times the places of deposit must be open and the security requirements for the places of deposit. At a minimum, the places designated under this section shall be open on the date of the election for a period of eight or more hours, but must be open until at least 8 p.m. At each place of deposit designated under this section, the county clerk shall prominently display a sign stating that the location is an official ballot drop site.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) to (e) of this subsection, the county clerk shall mail by nonforwardable mail an official ballot with a return identification envelope and a secrecy envelope not sooner than the 20th day before the date of an election and not later than the 14th day before the date of the election, to each active elector of the electoral district as of the 21st day before the date of the election.

(b) If the county clerk determines that an active elector of the electoral district as of the 21st day before the date of the election does not receive daily mail service from the United States Postal Service, the county clerk shall mail by nonforwardable mail an official ballot with a return identification envelope and a secrecy envelope to the elector not sooner than the 20th day before the date of an election and not later than the 18th day before the date of the election.

(c) In the case of ballots to be mailed to addresses outside this state to electors who are not military or overseas electors, the county clerk may mail the ballots not sooner than the 29th day before the date of the election.

(d) If an active elector of the electoral district requests an absentee ballot because the elector will be absent from the electoral district during the period of time described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the county clerk may, if the elector’s ballot is available:

(A) Allow the elector to receive the elector’s ballot in person at the office of the county clerk not sooner than the 43rd day before the date of the election; or

(B) Mail by nonforwardable mail an official ballot with a return identification envelope and a secrecy envelope to the elector not sooner than the 43rd day before the date of the election.

(e) The county clerk is not required to mail a secrecy envelope under this subsection if the Secretary of State has approved a different procedure under ORS 254.458 (Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures) that provides substantially the same degree of secrecy.

(3) For an election held on the date of a primary election:

(a) The county clerk shall mail the official ballot of a major political party to each elector who is registered as being affiliated with the major political party as of the 21st day before the date of the election.

(b) The county clerk shall mail the official ballot of a major political party to an elector not affiliated with any political party if the elector has applied for the ballot as provided in this subsection and that 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.

(c) An elector not affiliated with any political party who wishes to vote in the primary election of a major political party shall apply to the county clerk in writing. The application must be completed, signed and submitted by the elector electronically, in person or by mail, in a manner determined by the secretary by rule and must indicate which major political party ballot the elector wishes to receive. Except for electors described in subsection (4) of this section, and subject to ORS 247.203 (Change, termination or adoption of party affiliation before primary election) , the application must be received by the county clerk not later than 5 p.m. of the 21st day before the date of the election.

(d) If the primary election ballot includes city, county or nonpartisan offices or measures, the county clerk shall mail to each elector who is not eligible to vote for party candidates a ballot limited to those offices and measures for which the elector is eligible to vote.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) For each elector who updates a voter registration after the deadline in ORS 247.025 (Registration deadline) , the county clerk shall make the official ballot, the return identification envelope and the secrecy envelope available either by mail or at the county clerk’s office or at another place designated by the county clerk. An elector to whom this subsection applies must request a ballot from the county clerk.

(b) The county clerk is not required to make available a secrecy envelope under this subsection if the Secretary of State has approved a different procedure under ORS 254.458 (Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures) that provides substantially the same degree of secrecy.

(5) The ballot shall contain the following warning:

Any person who, by use of force or other means, unduly influences an elector to vote in any particular manner or to refrain from voting is subject to a fine.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Upon receipt of any ballot described in this section, the elector shall mark the ballot, sign the return identification envelope supplied with the ballot and comply with the instructions provided with the ballot.

(b) The elector may return the marked ballot to the county clerk by United States mail or by depositing the ballot at the office of the county clerk, at any place of deposit designated by the county clerk or at any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) .

(c) The ballot must be returned in the return identification envelope.

(d) Subject to paragraph (e) of this subsection, if a person returns a ballot for an elector, the person shall deposit the ballot in a manner described in paragraph (b) of this subsection not later than two days after receiving the ballot.

(e) If the elector deposits the ballot at the office of the county clerk, at any place of deposit designated by the county clerk or at any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) , the ballot must be received at the office of the county clerk, at the designated place of deposit or at any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) not later than the end of the period determined under subsection (1) of this section on the date of the election. If the elector returns the ballot by mail:

(A) The ballot must be received at the office of the county clerk not later than the end of the period determined under subsection (1) of this section on the date of the election; or

(B) The ballot must:

(i) Have a postal indicator showing that the ballot was mailed not later than the date of the election; and

(ii) Be received at the office of the county clerk not later than seven calendar days after the date of the election.

(f) If a county clerk receives a marked ballot for an elector who does not reside in the clerk’s county, the ballot shall be forwarded to the county clerk of the county in which the elector resides not later than the eighth day after the election.

(7) The following shall appear on the return identification envelope:

(a) Space for the elector to sign the envelope.

(b) A notice designed by rule by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the county clerks, explaining that by signing the ballot the elector is attesting under penalty of perjury that the ballot was mailed no later than the date of the election.

(c) A summary of the applicable penalties for knowingly making a false statement, oath or affidavit under the election laws.

(8) If the elector returns the ballot by mail, and a postal indicator is not present or legible, the ballot shall be considered to be mailed on the date of the election and may be counted if the ballot is received no later than seven calendar days after the election.

(9) An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if the ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost or not received by the elector. Replacement ballots shall be issued and processed as described in this section and ORS 254.480 (Replacement ballots) . The county clerk shall keep a record of each replacement ballot provided under this subsection. Notwithstanding any deadline for mailing ballots in subsection (2) of this section, a replacement ballot may be mailed, made available in the office of the county clerk or made available at one central location in the electoral district in which the election is conducted. The county clerk shall designate the central location. A replacement ballot need not be mailed after the fifth day before the date of the election.

(10) A ballot shall be counted only if:

(a) It is returned in the return identification envelope;

(b) The envelope is signed by the elector to whom the ballot is issued, unless a certified statement is submitted under ORS 254.431 (Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature) ; and

(c) The signature is verified as provided in subsection (11) of this section.

(11) The county clerk shall verify the signature of each elector on the return identification envelope with the signature on the elector’s registration record, according to the procedure provided by rules adopted by the Secretary of State. Rules adopted by the secretary under this subsection must limit personnel authorized to verify signatures to the personnel authorized to count ballots under ORS 254.476 (Personnel for counting ballots) . If the county clerk determines that an elector to whom a replacement ballot has been issued has voted more than once, the county clerk shall count only one ballot cast by that elector.

(12) At 8 p.m. on election day, electors who are at the county clerk’s office, a place of deposit designated under subsection (1) of this section or any location described in ORS 254.472 (Compartments for marking ballots) or 254.474 (Voting booths for primary and general elections) and who are in line waiting to vote or deposit a voted ballot shall be considered to have begun the act of voting.

(13)(a)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the name of the Secretary of State may not appear in the secretary’s official capacity on the return identification envelope or on any instructions or materials included with the ballot if the secretary is a candidate in the election for which the ballot is printed.

(B) This paragraph does not prohibit the name of the Secretary of State from appearing in the secretary’s official capacity in the voters’ pamphlet.

(b) The name of the county clerk or other filing officer may not appear in the official capacity of the county clerk or filing officer on the return identification envelope or on any instructions or materials included with the ballot if the county clerk or filing officer is a candidate in the election for which the ballot is printed.

(c) As used in this subsection, “filing officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 254.165 (Adjusting ballot when vacancy occurs) .

(14) As used in this section, “postal indicator” means a postmark or other indicator on a mailed ballot, identified by the Secretary of State by rule, that demonstrates the date or time at which a ballot was mailed. [1981 c.805 §2; 1983 c.199 §2; 1985 c.575 §2; 1987 c.357 §3; 1987 c.733 §7a; 1993 c.493 §44; 1995 c.607 §43; 1995 c.712 §65; 1995 c.742 §17; 1999 c.410 §57; 1999 c.999 §54a; 1999 c.1002 §11; 2001 c.104 §79; 2001 c.805 §7; 2001 c.965 §14; 2005 c.797 §47; 2007 c.71 §78; 2007 c.154 §40a; 2008 c.53 §5; 2009 c.511 §24; 2013 c.520 §18; 2013 c.617 §3; 2013 c.679 §3; 2015 c.169 §3; 2017 c.749 §50; 2018 c.70 §4; 2019 c.508 §3; 2019 c.638 §3; 2021 c.473 §14; 2021 c.551 §1; 2023 c.266 §2; 2023 c.600 §30]

Source: Section 254.470 — Procedures for conducting election by mail; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.195 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.195
251.195 Form for printing proposed constitutional amendment
Status: in_force

The text of a proposed amendment to the Oregon Constitution shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet to indicate by the use of brackets and italic type the words that would be deleted from, and by boldfaced type the words that would be added to, the existing provision. [Formerly 255.440; 1989 c.503 §11]

Source: Section 251.195 — Form for printing proposed constitutional amendment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.046 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.046
260.046 Discontinuance of statement of organization
Status: in_force

(1) A filing officer, in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary of State, may discontinue the statement of organization of a candidate, principal campaign committee, political committee or petition committee if the candidate or committee has not filed a statement of contributions received or expenditures made under this chapter.

(2) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules prescribing conditions and procedures under which a filing officer may discontinue a statement of organization under this section.

(3) If a filing officer discontinues a statement of organization under this section, the filing officer shall provide written notice to the candidate, principal campaign committee, political committee or petition committee that the statement has been discontinued. [2005 c.797 §5; 2011 c.652 §7]

Source: Section 260.046 — Discontinuance of statement of organization; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.055 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.055
258.055 Publication of notice of contest
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, when a contestant files a petition of contest with the circuit court described under ORS 258.036 (Petition of contest) , the contestant shall, within three business days of filing the petition, publish a notice stating that the petition has been filed and identifying the date of the deadline described in this subsection for filing a motion to intervene. The notice must be published at least once in the next available issue of a newspaper of general circulation published in the county where the proceeding is pending. Jurisdiction over the election contest shall be complete within 10 days after the notice is published as provided in this subsection. Any person interested may at any time before the expiration of the 10 days appear and contest the validity of the proceeding, or of any of the acts or things enumerated in the proceeding.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if the contest involves:

(a) A state measure.

(b) The election of a candidate to the office of elector of President and Vice President of the United States.

(c) The nomination or election of a candidate to the office of United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries or a position of judge on the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Court of Appeals or the Oregon Tax Court.

(d) The recall of a person from the office of Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries or a position of judge on the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Court of Appeals or the Oregon Tax Court.

(3) Not later than two business days after the contestant files a petition of contest with the circuit court, the contestant shall serve a copy of the petition by certified mail on each contestee. If the Secretary of State or county clerk is not a contestee, not later than one business day after the contestant files a petition of contest with the circuit court, the contestant shall file a copy of the petition with:

(a) The Secretary of State if the petition involves a candidate for state office, the recall of a person from state office or a state measure; or

(b) The county clerk if the petition involves a candidate for county, city or district office, the recall of a person from county, city or district office or a county, city or district measure. As used in this paragraph, “county clerk” includes the county clerk of the county in which the administrative office of a city or district is located regarding a measure, a recall or a candidate for an office to be voted on in a city or district located in more than one county.

(4) The circuit court shall fix a time for the hearing by the circuit court of the contest proceeding, and not later than the fifth day before the hearing shall give written notice of the hearing to each party to the proceeding. In fixing the time for the hearing, the court shall consider the dates set in any notice published under subsection (1) of this section and the dates of service on the contestees. The contest proceeding shall take precedence over all other business on the circuit court docket.

(5) The circuit court shall hear and determine the proceeding without a jury and shall issue written findings of law and fact. The practice and procedure otherwise applicable to civil cases shall govern the proceeding, except that the contestant has the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence. [Formerly 251.070; 1995 c.607 §54; 2001 c.965 §31; 2009 c.511 §17; 2011 c.731 §15]

Source: Section 258.055 — Publication of notice of contest; service and filing of copies of petition of contest; court hearing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.416 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.416
255.416 Ability of board of qualifying district to remedy violation
Status: in_force

(1) The board of a qualifying district that intends to change the electoral system of the qualifying district in order to remedy a potential violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) , or in order to comply with a court order requiring the board of a qualifying district to remedy a violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) , shall, prior to voting on whether to adopt the proposed new electoral system:

(a) Provide public notice to residents of the qualifying district about the proposed remedy to a violation or potential violation of ORS 255.405 (Requirements for qualifying district elections) .

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Hold at least two public hearings over a period of not more than 60 calendar days in which the public is invited to provide input regarding the composition of the qualifying district or the board of the qualifying district. Before conducting these hearings, the board of the qualifying district may conduct outreach to the public, including to non-English-speaking communities, to explain the proposed electoral system and encourage public participation.

(B) The public hearings conducted under this paragraph must be conducted before a draft map or draft maps of the proposed qualifying district boundaries is drawn.

(c) Make publicly available:

(A) The draft map or draft maps of the proposed qualifying district boundaries;

(B) The methodology used to establish the draft map or draft maps of the qualifying district boundaries; and

(C) The potential sequence of elections if terms of office for members of the board of the qualifying district are staggered.

(d) Hold at least two public hearings over a period of not more than 60 calendar days in which the public is invited to provide input regarding the content of the draft map or draft maps and, if applicable, the proposed sequence of elections.

(e) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Make publicly available the final version of the map or maps to be voted on by the board of the qualifying district and the methodologies used to establish the final version of the map or maps. The materials described in this subparagraph must be made publicly available no later than seven days before the map or maps will be considered by the board of the qualifying district.

(B) If a map made publicly available under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is subsequently altered, the revised map and methodologies used to establish the revised map shall be made publicly available for at least seven days before the revised map will be considered by the board of the qualifying district.

(2) If the board of a qualifying district votes to change the electoral system of the qualifying district under this section, the new electoral system:

(a) May not apply to the first qualifying district election held after the vote by the board of a qualifying district; and

(b) Shall apply to qualifying district elections held after the election described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(3) In carrying out the actions described in subsection (1) of this section, the board of a qualifying district shall consult with the county clerk that administers the electoral system of the qualifying district and take into consideration any recommendations made by the county clerk. [2019 c.449 §5]

Source: Section 255.416 — Ability of board of qualifying district to remedy violation; process , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.250 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.250
246.250 Personnel
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk may employ personnel and procure equipment, supplies, materials, books, papers, records and facilities of every kind as the clerk considers necessary to facilitate and assist in administering the election laws.

(2) The necessary expenses incurred by the county clerk in administering the election laws shall be allowed by the county governing body and paid out of the county treasury.

(3) The county clerk and deputies may administer oaths and affirmations in connection with the performance of their functions in administering the election laws. [1957 c.608 §14; 1979 c.190 §15; 2007 c.154 §5]

Source: Section 246.250 — Personnel; equipment, materials and facilities; payment of expenses; administering oaths , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.215 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.215
260.215 Periodic examination and investigation of statements
Status: in_force

(1) For statements filed during each calendar year, each filing officer shall examine each statement filed with the filing officer under ORS 260.044 (Statement of independent expenditures) , 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , 260.083 (Contents of statements) , 260.112 (Filing of certificate by candidate or treasurer of political committee or petition committee who expects neither contributions nor expenditures to exceed $3,500) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) (6) to determine whether the statement is sufficient. The filing officer shall examine statements under this section not later than 90 days after the end of each calendar quarter for statements filed during the previous calendar quarter.

(2) The filing officer may require any person to answer in writing and upon oath or affirmation before a judge, justice of the peace, county clerk or notary public any question within the knowledge of that person concerning the source of any contribution. The filing officer shall advise the person of the penalty for failure to answer. [1971 c.749 §19; 1973 c.744 §19; 1979 c.190 §358; 1981 c.142 §7; 1983 c.71 §7; 1993 c.493 §74; 1995 c.712 §78; 1999 c.999 §14; 2003 c.542 §17; 2005 c.809 §§39,39a; 2007 c.848 §15; 2009 c.818 §13; 2013 c.758 §9; 2017 c.517 §5; 2018 c.70 §16]

Source: Section 260.215 — Periodic examination and investigation of statements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.560 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.560
246.560 Requirements for approval of equipment
Status: in_force

(1) A voting machine may not be approved by the Secretary of State unless the voting machine is constructed so that it:

(a) Secures to the elector secrecy of voting.

(b) Provides facilities for voting for the candidates of as many political parties or organizations as may make nominations and for or against as many measures as may be submitted.

(c) Permits the elector to vote for any person and as many persons for an office and upon any measure for which the elector has the right to vote.

(d) Permits the elector, except at a primary election, to vote for all the candidates of one party or in part for the candidates of one party and in part for the candidates of one or more other parties.

(e) Correctly records on a separate ballot the votes cast by each elector for any person and for or against any measure.

(f) Provides that a vote for more than one candidate cannot be cast by one single operation of the voting machine or vote tally system except for President and Vice President and electors for those offices.

(g) Provides that straight party pointers shall be disconnected from all candidate pointers.

(h) Contains a device that will duplicate the votes cast by each elector onto a paper record copy.

(i) Contains a device that will allow each elector to view the elector’s paper record copy while preventing the elector from directly handling the paper record copy.

(2) A vote tally system shall be:

(a) Capable of correctly counting votes on ballots on which the proper number of votes have been marked for any office or measure that has been voted.

(b) Capable of ignoring the votes marked for any office or measure if more than the allowable number of votes have been marked, but shall correctly count the properly voted portions of the ballot.

(c) Capable of accumulating a count of the specific number of ballots tallied for a precinct, accumulating total votes by candidate for each office, and accumulating total votes for and against each measure of the ballots tallied for a precinct.

(d) Capable of tallying votes from ballots of different political parties, from the same precinct, in a primary election.

(e) Capable of accommodating the procedure established under ORS 254.155 (Order of candidate names on ballot) .

(f) Capable of automatically producing precinct totals in either printed, marked, or punched form, or combinations thereof. [Formerly 258.165; 1987 c.267 §6; 1993 c.713 §47; 1995 c.712 §6; 1999 c.999 §31; 2005 c.731 §3; 2005 c.797 §66]

Source: Section 246.560 — Requirements for approval of equipment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.245 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.245
260.245 Withholding certificate of election or certificate of nomination for failure to file statement
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State, county clerk or chief city elections officer may not grant a certificate of election or certificate of nomination to any candidate until the candidate has filed the statements relating to the election that the candidate is required to file under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) . [1971 c.749 §22; 1973 c.744 §22; 1977 c.829 §21; 1979 c.190 §362; 1981 c.234 §15; 2003 c.542 §20; 2005 c.809 §43]

Source: Section 260.245 — Withholding certificate of election or certificate of nomination for failure to file statement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.085
255.085 Notice of district election on issuance of bonds or on other measure
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Not later than the 61st day before a district election on a measure, the district elections authority shall deliver to the elections officer a notice stating the date of the election and a ballot title. The district elections authority shall prepare the ballot title for a measure referred by the authority with the assistance of the district attorney for the county of the elections officer or an attorney employed by the district elections authority. The district elections authority shall include the ballot title for the measure at the time the measure is submitted to the elections officer.

(b) For each local option tax measure or general obligation bond measure placed on the ballot by a municipal corporation, the elections officer shall file a copy of the notice delivered under paragraph (a) of this subsection with the Secretary of State in the manner set forth in ORS 294.474 (Requirement to file materials related to measure proposing local option tax or general obligation bond) .

(2) A notice of measure election and receipt of ballot title called to approve the issuance of bonds shall include:

(a) The purpose for which the bonds are to be used;

(b) The amount and the term of the bonds;

(c) The kind of bonds proposed to be issued;

(d) If the bond election is authorized by ORS 450.900 (Election on bond issues) , the additional notice requirements in ORS 450.905 (Notice of bond election) ; and

(e) The ballot title for the measure.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In the case of a measure submitted by initiative or referendum petition, the elections officer shall publish the notice of measure election and receipt of ballot title in the next available edition of a newspaper of general circulation in the district after the deadline for filing the notice.

(b) In the case of a measure referred by the district elections authority, the elections officer shall publish the notice of measure election and receipt of ballot title in the next available edition of a newspaper of general circulation in the district after the notice of election is filed.

(c) In addition to publishing the notice of measure election and receipt of ballot title as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection, the elections officer may publish the notice of measure election and receipt of ballot title on the county’s website for a minimum of seven days. [Formerly 259.090; 1981 c.173 §32; 1981 c.391 §11; 1983 c.379 §2; 1985 c.808 §42; 1987 c.707 §23; 1989 c.923 §14; 1991 c.71 §10; 1991 c.107 §12; 1993 c.493 §46; 1993 c.713 §59; 1995 c.712 §120; 2011 c.607 §11; 2017 c.552 §6; 2017 c.749 §29; 2021 c.473 §6; 2021 c.551 §26]

Source: Section 255.085 — Notice of district election on issuance of bonds or on other measure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.260 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.260
251.260 Secretary of State review of arguments for error in identification of measure number or designation of support or opposition to measure
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than three business days following the deadline for filing an argument supporting or opposing a state measure under ORS 251.255 (Filing arguments for or against measure) , the Secretary of State shall review each argument to determine whether the person filing the argument made an error in:

(a) Identifying the measure number to which the argument relates; or

(b) Designating that the argument supports or opposes the measure.

(2) If the Secretary of State determines that the person filing the argument may have made an error described in subsection (1) of this section, the secretary shall attempt to contact the person not later than the fifth business day following the deadline for filing the argument. A person contacted by the secretary under this section may file a change to the identification of the measure number or the designation of the argument not later than the seventh business day following the deadline for filing the argument.

(3) If the Secretary of State is required to attempt to contact a person under subsection (2) of this section, the secretary shall attempt to contact the person by telephone, electronic mail, electronic facsimile transmission or other method designated by the secretary by rule.

(4) If a person files a change to an argument under subsection (2) of this section, the argument shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet as changed under subsection (2) of this section. If the Secretary of State is unable to contact a person under subsection (2) of this section or if the secretary contacts the person and the person does not file a change to the argument, the argument shall be printed in the voters’ pamphlet as originally filed. [2003 c.752 §2]

Source: Section 251.260 — Secretary of State review of arguments for error in identification of measure number or designation of support or opposition to measure; changes allowed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.065 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.065
254.065 Person receiving most votes nominated or elected
Status: in_force

(1) When one person is to be nominated for or elected to an office, the person receiving the highest number of votes shall be nominated or elected. When more than one person is to be nominated for or elected to a single office, the persons receiving the higher number of votes shall be nominated or elected. This subsection does not apply to a candidate for election to an office at a general election if the election for the office must be held at a special election as described in ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) .

(2) No measure shall be adopted unless it receives an affirmative majority of the total votes cast on the measure. If two or more conflicting laws, or amendments to the Constitution or charter, are approved at the same election, the law, or amendment, receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be paramount regarding each conflict, even though the law, or amendment, may not have received the greatest majority of affirmative votes. [1979 c.190 §230; 2003 c.542 §8]

Note: The amendments to 254.065 (Person receiving most votes nominated or elected) by section 9, 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. 254.065 (Person receiving most votes nominated or elected) , as amended by section 9, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

254.065 (Person receiving most votes nominated or elected) . (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, when one person is to be nominated for or elected to an office, the person receiving the highest number of votes shall be nominated or elected. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, when more than one person is to be nominated for or elected to a single office, the persons receiving the higher number of votes shall be nominated or elected. This subsection does not apply to a candidate for election to an office at a general election if the election for the office must be held at a special election as described in ORS 254.650 (Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election) .

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, when a nomination for or election to an office is determined by ranked choice voting, a determination of which person has received the highest number of votes shall be done:

(i) In the manner set forth in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023; or

(ii) In the manner adopted, amended or revised by a local jurisdiction in conformity with section 3 (4)(b), chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023.

(B) If the National Popular Vote interstate compact set forth in section 1, chapter 356, Oregon Laws 2019, governs the appointment of presidential electors and the election of presidential electors in this state is determined by ranked choice voting:

(i) The determination of which candidates for the position of presidential elector shall be declared elected in this state shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the National Popular Vote interstate compact; and

(ii) The “final determination” of the presidential vote count reported and certified to the member states of the compact and to the federal government shall be the votes received in the final round of statewide tabulation by each slate of candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States that received votes in the final round of statewide tabulation.

(c) When more than one person is to be nominated for or elected to a single office by ranked choice voting, a determination of which persons have received the highest number of votes shall be done in the manner established under section 4 (3), chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023.

(2) No measure shall be adopted unless it receives an affirmative majority of the total votes cast on the measure. If two or more conflicting laws, or amendments to the Constitution or charter, are approved at the same election, the law, or amendment, receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be paramount regarding each conflict, even though the law, or amendment, may not have received the greatest majority of affirmative votes.

Source: Section 254.065 — Person receiving most votes nominated or elected; measure adopted by majority of votes; when measure conflicts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.175 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.175
251.175 Distribution of pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, not later than the 20th day before a primary election, general election or special election for which a voters’ pamphlet has been prepared, the Secretary of State shall cause the voters’ pamphlet to be mailed to each post-office mailing address in Oregon, and shall use any additional means of distribution necessary to make the pamphlet available to electors.

(2) For any special election described in ORS 251.022 (Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress) that is not held statewide, or for any other state special election that is not held statewide, the Secretary of State by rule may prescribe methods for distributing the voters’ pamphlet prepared for the election. The rule shall require the secretary to mail the pamphlet to at least each elector whose registration is determined to be active on the 21st day before the date of the election and who is eligible to vote in the election. The rule may specify other methods of distribution. Voters’ pamphlets prepared for the election shall be mailed not later than the date ballots are mailed to electors as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) . [1979 c.190 §187; 1987 c.267 §29; 1995 c.712 §40; 1999 c.318 §15; 1999 c.1002 §8; 2007 c.154 §12]

Source: Section 251.175 — Distribution of pamphlet; rules for nonstatewide special elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.095 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.095
251.095 Candidate space in voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) For space in the voters’ pamphlet:

(a) Each candidate for nomination or election to the office of President or Vice President of the United States shall, at the time materials are filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , pay a fee of $3,500 to the Secretary of State or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 500 active electors of the state.

(b) Each candidate for nomination or election to the office of United States Senator or any state office to be voted for in the state at large shall, at the time materials are filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , pay a fee of $3,000 to the Secretary of State or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 500 active electors of the state.

(c) Each candidate for nomination or election to the office of Representative in Congress shall, at the time materials are filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , pay a fee of $2,500 to the Secretary of State or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 300 active electors of the candidate’s electoral district.

(d) Each candidate for nomination or election to the office of state Senator or state Representative shall, at the time materials are filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , pay a fee of $750 to the Secretary of State or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 200 active electors of the candidate’s electoral district.

(e) Each candidate for nomination or election to any other office shall, at the time materials are filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , pay a fee of $600 to the Secretary of State or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 200 active electors of the candidate’s electoral district.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The signatures on a petition submitted under subsection (1) of this section shall be verified by the county clerk or the Secretary of State.

(b) The Secretary of State by rule shall establish procedures for verifying whether a petition submitted under subsection (1) of this section contains the required number of signatures of active electors.

(3) The space allotted to each candidate shall be used for materials filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) , including the portrait and statement of reasons the candidate should be nominated or elected and the information required under ORS 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) . The length of the statement may not exceed 325 words. All candidates shall be allowed the same amount of space. The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the size of the space allotted to each candidate, except that the space may not be smaller than 30 square inches. [Formerly 255.051; 1981 c.375 §2; 1983 c.567 §14; 1985 c.808 §30b; 1987 c.707 §12; 1999 c.318 §12; 2009 c.817 §1; 2011 c.482 §1; 2013 c.518 §2]

Source: Section 251.095 — Candidate space in voters’ pamphlet; fee or petition; use of space; verification of signatures; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.052 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.052
250.052 Official templates of cover and signature sheets
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) For each state initiative, referendum or recall petition, the Secretary of State shall prepare official templates of the cover and signature sheets for the petition. Except as provided in this section, templates of cover and signature sheets for state initiative and referendum petitions are subject to the requirements of ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) . The templates of signature sheets to be used by persons who are being paid to obtain signatures on the petition shall be a different color from the sheets to be used by persons who are not being paid to obtain signatures on the petition.

(b) For each prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated the secretary shall prepare official templates of the cover and signature sheets. The templates of signature sheets to be used by persons who are being paid to obtain signatures on the prospective petition shall be a different color from the sheets to be used by persons who are not being paid to obtain signatures on the prospective petition. Each signature sheet for the prospective petition shall:

(A) Contain a notice describing the meaning of the color of the signature sheet; and

(B) If one or more persons will be paid for obtaining signatures of electors on the prospective petition, contain a notice stating: “Some Circulators For This Prospective Petition Are Being Paid.” The notice shall be in boldfaced type and shall be prominently displayed on the sheet.

(2) A person obtaining signatures on a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated may use only the cover and signature sheets contained in the official templates prepared for the petition or prospective petition. A person who is being paid to obtain signatures on the petition or prospective petition shall use the signature sheet template designated for use by persons being paid to obtain signatures. A person who is not being paid to obtain signatures on the petition or prospective petition shall use the signature sheet template designated for use by persons who are not being paid to obtain signatures.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The secretary shall issue templates for a petition or prospective petition only to a chief petitioner of the petition or prospective petition or to an agent designated by a chief petitioner.

(b) If the ballot title for a state initiative petition has been challenged under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) , the secretary may not issue an official template for the initiative petition until the Supreme Court has certified a final ballot title.

(4) The secretary shall issue official templates to a chief petitioner or designated agent not later than:

(a) Three business days after the deadline for filing a petition under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) relating to a ballot title certified by the Attorney General for the state initiative petition or, if a petition is filed with the Supreme Court under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) , three business days after the Supreme Court certifies to the secretary a final ballot title for the state initiative petition;

(b) Three business days after a prospective petition is filed under ORS 249.865 (Filing prospective petition) or 250.045 (Prospective petition) for a state recall petition or state referendum petition; or

(c) Three business days after the chief petitioner files a statement with the secretary under ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) (2) for a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated.

(5) The secretary by rule shall establish a process by which a chief petitioner of a state initiative, referendum or recall petition or a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated may request a modification of the templates issued under subsection (4) of this section.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In addition to the templates prepared under subsections (1) to (5) of this section, for each state initiative, referendum or recall petition or prospective petition, the secretary shall prepare an official electronic template of a signature sheet for the petition or prospective petition.

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) A template prepared under this subsection shall provide space for the signature of one elector to:

(i) Signify support for the state initiative, referendum or recall petition or prospective petition; and

(ii) Certify that the elector received a copy of the electronic signature sheet in compliance with paragraph (c)(B) of this subsection.

(B) The Secretary of State or county clerk may tally only electronic signature sheets that are signed.

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) An elector may print a copy of the electronic signature sheet for a petition or prospective petition, sign the sheet and deliver the signed sheet to a chief petitioner or an agent designated by a chief petitioner.

(B) Only an elector who either has personally printed a copy of the electronic signature sheet of a petition or prospective petition or has requested that a separate person print a copy of the electronic signature sheet specifically for the elector may sign the sheet. A copy of an electronic signature sheet may not be signed by an elector who did not either print the sheet or request that the sheet be printed specifically for the elector.

(d) Electronic templates described in this subsection are subject to the requirements of ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) , other than ORS 250.045 (Prospective petition) (9) and (10), and the template must include a full and correct copy of the measure to be initiated or referred.

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(B) of this subsection, a person who is obtaining signatures on a petition or prospective petition, whether paid or unpaid, may not provide a printed electronic signature sheet to an elector.

(7) The secretary shall adopt rules prescribing the contents and method of production of official templates required under this section. [2007 c.848 §3; 2009 c.533 §3; 2017 c.749 §14; 2018 c.70 §18; 2019 c.681 §1; 2023 c.600 §16]

Source: Section 250.052 — Official templates of cover and signature sheets; electronic template; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.112 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.112
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
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A candidate or a treasurer of a political committee who expects neither the aggregate contributions to be received nor the aggregate expenditures to be made by or on behalf of the candidate or political committee to exceed $3,500 in total amount during the calendar year shall file a certificate to that effect with the Secretary of State. The candidate or treasurer shall make the certificate according to the best of the knowledge or belief of the candidate or treasurer. A candidate or treasurer filing a certificate under this section is not required to file statements under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) .

(b) A treasurer of a petition committee organized under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) who expects neither the aggregate contributions to be received nor the aggregate expenditures to be made by a chief petitioner or the treasurer to exceed $3,500 in total amount during the calendar year shall file a certificate to that effect with the Secretary of State. The treasurer shall make the certificate according to the best of the knowledge or belief of the treasurer. A treasurer filing a certificate under this section is not required to file statements under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) .

(2) A certificate described in subsection (1) of this section shall be filed:

(a) By a candidate, not sooner than the date that the candidate files a statement of organization under ORS 260.039 (Content of statement of organization of candidate or principal campaign committee) , and not later than seven calendar days after the candidate receives a contribution or makes an expenditure.

(b) By a treasurer of a political committee, not sooner than the date that the political committee files a statement of organization under ORS 260.042 (Content of statement of organization of political committee) , and not later than seven calendar days after the political committee receives a contribution or makes an expenditure.

(c) By a treasurer of a petition committee, not sooner than the date that the petition committee files a statement of organization under ORS 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) , and not later than seven calendar days after the petition committee receives a contribution or makes an expenditure.

(3) A candidate, political committee or petition committee under this section must keep contribution and expenditure records during the calendar year.

(4) If at any time following the filing of a certificate under this section and during the calendar year either the aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $3,500, the candidate or treasurer shall do all of the following:

(a) File a statement under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) within seven calendar days after either the aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures exceed $3,500. The statement must reflect all contributions received and expenditures made by or on behalf of the candidate, political committee or petition committee to that date, beginning January 1 of the calendar year.

(b) If necessary, file additional statements under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.118 (Treasurer and statement of organization of petition committee) .

(5) This section does not apply to a candidate for federal office.

(6) As used in this section, “contribution” and “expenditure” include a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of an initiative, referendum or recall petition. [1971 c.749 §11; 1975 c.683 §9; 1977 c.644 §5; 1979 c.190 §352; 1981 c.234 §12; 1985 c.808 §56; 1987 c.727 §7; 1989 c.503 §27; 1991 c.87 §5; 1999 c.999 §22; 2005 c.797 §15; 2005 c.809 §36a; 2009 c.818 §11; 2011 c.481 §1; 2013 c.758 §7]

Source: Section 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; schedule , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.115 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.115
251.115 Statement of statewide and less than statewide political party or assembly
Status: in_force

(1) Not sooner than the 120th day and not later than the 70th day before the general election, the party officers as designated in the organizational documents of any statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates may file with the Secretary of State a statement of arguments for the success of its principles and election of its candidates on a statewide basis and opposing the principles and candidates of other political parties or organizations on a statewide basis.

(2) Not sooner than the 120th day and not later than the 70th day before the general election, the party officers as designated in the organizational documents of any less than statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates may file with the Secretary of State a statement of arguments for the success of its principles and election of its candidates on a county basis and opposing the principles and candidates of other political parties or organizations on a county basis.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Any statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates shall pay a fee of $1,200 to the Secretary of State when the statement is filed or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 500 active electors.

(b) Any less than statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates shall pay a fee of $600 to the Secretary of State when the statement is filed or may submit a petition in a form prescribed by the secretary containing the signatures of 300 active electors.

(c) The signatures on a petition submitted under this subsection shall be verified by the county clerk or the Secretary of State.

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

(4) A statement of arguments filed under this section must be filed using the electronic filing system adopted by the Secretary of State under ORS 251.014 (Electronic filing system) .

(5) The Secretary of State by rule shall prescribe the size of the statements permitted under this section, except that any statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates shall be allotted more space than any less than statewide political party or assembly of electors having nominated candidates.

(6) For purposes of this section, an “active elector” is a person whose registration is considered active as described in ORS 247.013 (Where person considered registered) . [Formerly 255.211; 1987 c.707 §13; 1989 c.503 §10; 1993 c.797 §22; 1999 c.318 §13; 2009 c.817 §2; 2011 c.482 §2; 2011 c.646 §3; 2013 c.518 §3; 2017 c.749 §24]

Source: Section 251.115 — Statement of statewide and less than statewide political party or assembly; fee or petition; size of statement; verification of signatures; electronic filing; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.035 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.035
255.035 Authority of elections officer to obtain advice and assistance
Status: in_force

In performing functions under this chapter, the elections officer may request the advice and assistance of the district elections authority or the officers of the district. Upon receipt of a request, a district elections authority or the officer of a district shall furnish advice and assistance to the maximum extent practicable. [Formerly 259.160]

Source: Section 255.035 — Authority of elections officer to obtain advice and assistance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.035 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.035
249.035 Filing officer
Status: in_force

A nominating petition, write-in form prepared under ORS 248.019 (Write-in candidate for precinct committeeperson) or 248.021 (Nomination of separate elector as precinct committeeperson) or declaration of candidacy relating to a candidate for:

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

(2) County office or precinct committeeperson shall be filed with the county elections official.

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

(4) Any elected office of a metropolitan service district under ORS chapter 268 shall be filed with the county elections official of the county in which the administrative office of the district is located.

(5) Any other office shall be filed under ORS chapter 255. [1979 c.190 §105; 1981 c.173 §21; 1981 c.485 §3; 1983 c.350 §65; 1985 c.808 §12; 1993 c.493 §89; 2019 c.675 §18]

Source: Section 249.035 — Filing officer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.045 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.045
250.045 Prospective petition
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Before circulating a petition to initiate or refer a state measure under Article IV, section 1, of the Oregon Constitution, the petitioner shall file with the Secretary of State a prospective petition.

(b) The prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated:

(A) Shall contain the signatures of at least 1,000 electors; and

(B) May not contain the signatures of more than 2,000 electors.

(c) The signature sheets for a state measure to be initiated must be attached to a full and correct copy of the measure to be initiated.

(2) Before obtaining signatures on a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated, the chief petitioners shall file with the secretary a statement declaring whether one or more persons will be paid money or other valuable consideration for obtaining signatures of electors on the prospective petition. After a statement has been filed under this subsection, the chief petitioners shall notify the secretary not later than the 10th day after any of the chief petitioners first has knowledge or should have had knowledge that:

(a) Any person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement filed under this subsection declared that no such person would be paid.

(b) No person is being paid for obtaining signatures, when the statement filed under this subsection declared that one or more such persons would be paid.

(3) The secretary by rule shall establish procedures for verifying whether a prospective petition for a state measure to be initiated contains the required number of signatures of electors.

(4) The secretary shall date and time stamp the prospective petition and specify the form on which the initiative or referendum petition shall be printed for circulation as provided in ORS 250.052 (Official templates of cover and signature sheets) . The secretary shall retain the prospective petition.

(5) The chief petitioner may amend the state measure to be initiated that has been filed with the secretary without filing another prospective petition, if:

(a) The Attorney General certifies to the secretary that the proposed amendment will not substantially change the substance of the measure; and

(b) The deadline for submitting written comments on the draft title has not passed.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The cover of an initiative or referendum petition shall designate the name and city and state of residence of not more than three persons as chief petitioners and shall contain instructions for persons obtaining signatures of electors on the petition. The instructions shall be adopted by the secretary by rule.

(b) The cover of a referendum petition shall contain the final measure summary described in ORS 250.065 (Preparation of ballot titles for certain state measures) (1).

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) If a petition seeking a different ballot title is not filed with the Supreme Court by the deadline for filing a petition under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) , the cover of an initiative petition shall contain the latest ballot title certified by the Attorney General under ORS 250.067 (Notice of draft ballot title) (2).

(B) If a petition seeking a different ballot title is filed with the Supreme Court by the deadline for filing a petition under ORS 250.085 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure) :

(i) The secretary may not issue an official template of the cover and signature sheets of the initiative petition until the Supreme Court has certified a final ballot title; and

(ii) The cover of the initiative petition shall contain the final ballot title certified by the court.

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

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

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

(8) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative petition shall contain the caption of the final certified ballot title. Each sheet of signatures on a referendum petition shall contain the subject expressed in the title of the Act to be referred.

(b) Each sheet of signatures on an initiative or referendum petition shall:

(A) Contain a notice describing the meaning of the color of the signature sheet in accordance with ORS 250.052 (Official templates of cover and signature sheets) ; and

(B) If one or more persons will be paid for obtaining signatures of electors on the petition, contain a notice stating: “Some Circulators For This Petition Are Being Paid.” The notice shall be in boldfaced type and shall be prominently displayed on the sheet.

(c) The secretary by rule shall adopt a method of designation to distinguish signature sheets of referendum petitions containing the same subject reference and being circulated during the same period.

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

(10) Not more than 20 signatures on the signature sheet of the initiative or referendum petition may be counted. The circulator shall certify on each signature sheet of the initiative or referendum petition that the circulator:

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

(b) Believes each individual is an elector.

(11) The person obtaining signatures on the petition shall carry at least one full and correct copy of the measure to be initiated or referred and shall allow any person to review a copy upon request of the person. [1979 c.190 §144; 1979 c.345 §2; 1981 c.909 §2; 1983 c.514 §8; 1983 c.756 §9; 1985 c.447 §1; 1985 c.808 §25; 1987 c.519 §1; 1989 c.959 §3; 1992 c.1 §1; 1995 c.607 §26; 1997 c.846 §1; 1999 c.262 §2; 1999 c.318 §27; 1999 c.793 §2; 2001 c.965 §4; 2005 c.797 §36; 2007 c.159 §3; 2007 c.848 §8; 2009 c.533 §1; 2018 c.70 §17; 2021 c.473 §1]

Source: Section 250.045 — Prospective petition; signature requirement; cover and signature sheet requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.281 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.281
247.281 Notice to elector of inactive registration
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk shall mail a notice to each elector:

(a) Whose registration is inactive as of the 75th day before the date of a primary election or general election;

(b) Whose registration is considered inactive due to a nonmatching signature under ORS 254.431 (Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature) or a name change under ORS 254.411 (Voting after name change) ; and

(c) For whom the county clerk has a valid and current mailing address.

(2) The notice sent under subsection (1) of this section must:

(a) Inform the elector that the elector’s registration is currently inactive;

(b) State the reason for the inactivation;

(c) Contain information on how the elector can reactivate the elector’s registration; and

(d) Be sent to the elector no earlier than 70 days and no later than 60 days before the election.

(3) In addition to the notice required to be sent under subsection (1) of this section, the county clerk may mail a notice to each elector described in subsection (1)(b) of this section whose registration is inactive as of the 75th day before the date of an election other than a primary election or general election. Any notice the county clerk chooses to send under this subsection must comply with the requirements set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The Secretary of State shall design a standard form to be used in all notifications sent by the county clerk under this section. [2021 c.233 §3]

Source: Section 247.281 — Notice to elector of inactive registration; contents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.165 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.165
254.165 Adjusting ballot when vacancy occurs
Status: in_force

(1) If the filing officer determines that a candidate has died, withdrawn or become disqualified, or that the candidate will not qualify in time for the office if elected, the name of the candidate may not be printed on the ballots or, if ballots have already been printed, the ballots must be reprinted without the name of the candidate before the ballots are delivered to the electors. The name of a candidate nominated to fill a vacancy in nomination or office must be printed on the ballots or, if the ballots have already been printed, the county clerk shall cause the name to appear on the ballots before the ballots are delivered to the electors. A filing officer, other than the Secretary of State, shall notify the Secretary of State of any action taken under this section.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if the filing officer makes the determination under subsection (1) of this section on or after the 61st day before the date of the election.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “District” means a district defined in ORS 255.012 (“District” defined) .

(b) “Filing officer” means the:

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

(B) County clerk, regarding a candidate for a county office.

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

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

(E) City clerk, auditor or recorder, regarding a candidate for a city office. [Formerly 250.161; 1983 c.514 §12; 1991 c.719 §28; 1999 c.410 §48; 2007 c.154 §28; 2009 c.366 §1; 2018 c.70 §6]

Source: Section 254.165 — Adjusting ballot when vacancy occurs; notice to Secretary of State; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.008 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.008
251.008 Joint production of state and county voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State and a county may enter into an intergovernmental agreement as provided in ORS 190.003 (Definition for ORS 190.003 to 190.130) to 190.130 (Effect of ORS 190.125) under which the Secretary of State and the county clerk of the county may jointly produce a voters’ pamphlet for any election as provided under this chapter or any other law relating to production and distribution of a voters’ pamphlet. [1993 c.3 §2 and 1993 c.604 §9]

Source: Section 251.008 — Joint production of state and county voters’ pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.029 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.029
248.029 Recall procedure
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in this section, the provisions for recall of a public officer under ORS 249.002 (Definitions) to 249.013 (Candidacy for more than one office) and 249.865 (Filing prospective petition) to 249.877 (Statement of justification by public officer) , apply to a recall election of a precinct committeeperson.

(2) A precinct committeeperson may be recalled by a petition signed by the number of party members equal to not less than 25 percent of the number of party members who voted in the precinct as it existed at the preceding primary election. The petitioners shall state in not more than 200 words on the recall petition the reasons for the recall. If the precinct committeeperson resigns, the resignation shall take effect on the date of the resignation. If the precinct committeeperson does not resign before the fifth day after the petition is filed with the county elections official, a special election shall be ordered by the county elections official to be held not later than the 25th day after the petition is filed to determine whether the precinct committeeperson will be recalled. The recall election shall be held in the precinct as it existed when the committeeperson was elected. On the ballot shall be printed the reasons for the recall stated in the recall petition, and, in not more than 200 words, the precinct committeeperson’s justification of the committeeperson’s actions in office. The precinct committeeperson shall continue to perform duties of the office until the result of the special election is declared.

(3) The cost of the election shall be paid by the county central committee of the party of the precinct committeeperson. [Formerly 248.053; 1981 c.173 §19; 1987 c.267 §11; 1995 c.712 §20; 2019 c.675 §22]

Source: Section 248.029 — Recall procedure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.876 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.876
249.876 Removal of signature after petition submitted for verification
Status: in_force

After a recall petition is submitted for signature verification, no elector who signed the petition may remove the signature of the elector from the petition. [1985 c.808 §21]

Source: Section 249.876 — Removal of signature after petition submitted for verification , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.165 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.165
251.165 Preparing material for inclusion in state voters’ pamphlet
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State shall prepare:

(a) A list of the names of candidates for nomination or election at the primary election to the offices of President or Vice President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, any state office other than justice of the peace and any county or city office or elected office of a metropolitan service district required to be included under ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) , or a list of names of candidates for election at the general election to the offices of President or Vice President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, any state office other than justice of the peace and any county or city office or elected office of a metropolitan service district required to be included under ORS 251.067 (Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office) , along with a designation of the offices for which the candidates are competing;

(b) All portraits and statements filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) and 251.115 (Statement of statewide and less than statewide political party or assembly) ; and

(c) The information specified in ORS 251.185 (Measures, estimates, statements and arguments included in voters’ pamphlet) relating to measures to be voted upon at the election for which the pamphlet is prepared.

(2) For a special election described in ORS 251.022 (Voters’ pamphlet for election to fill vacancy in office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress) , the Secretary of State shall prepare a list of the names of candidates for nomination or election to the offices of United States Senator or Representative in Congress along with all portraits and statements filed for the special election under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) .

(3) The items specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be properly compiled, edited, prepared and indexed for printing by the Secretary of State before delivery to the printer. [Formerly 255.061; 1987 c.267 §28; 1987 c.707 §14; 1991 c.719 §§25,26; 1995 c.712 §38; 1999 c.318 §14; 1999 c.999 §41]

Source: Section 251.165 — Preparing material for inclusion in state voters’ pamphlet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.160 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.160
246.160 Compilations and digests of election laws
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall:

(1) Prepare and print, in appropriate and convenient form, periodic compilations and digests of the state election statutes.

(2) Distribute in appropriate quantities to the county clerks for use by the county clerks copies of the compilations and digests and any supplies and materials necessary to the conduct of elections as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(3) Make the compilations and digests available for distribution, free or at cost, to interested persons. [1957 c.608 §125; 1963 c.455 §1; part renumbered 246.170 (Deposit of moneys received under ORS 246.160 in Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account) ; 1979 c.190 §9; 1991 c.719 §46; 2007 c.154 §3]

Source: Section 246.160 — Compilations and digests of election laws; distribution of supplies and materials to county clerks and others , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.140 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.140
246.140 Election law conferences for county clerks
Status: in_force

(1) In carrying out the responsibility under ORS 246.110 (Secretary of State as chief elections officer) , the Secretary of State biennially shall organize and conduct at convenient places and times in this state at least three conferences on the administration of the election laws.

(2) The Secretary of State shall conduct the conferences described in subsection (1) of this section not later than December 31 of an odd-numbered year following adjournment sine die of that year’s Legislative Assembly.

(3) The Secretary of State shall give written notice of the place and time of each conference to each county clerk.

(4) Each county clerk or designated deputy shall attend at least one of the conferences and shall comply with the instructions given under the authority of the Secretary of State at each conference the county clerk or deputy attends. [1957 c.608 §5; 1959 c.263 §1; 1979 c.190 §7; 1983 c.567 §3; 1991 c.719 §19; 2001 c.965 §49; 2011 c.545 §70]

Source: Section 246.140 — Election law conferences for county clerks , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.241 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.241
260.241 Removal from general election ballot for failure to file statement
Status: in_force

(1) Despite delay in the filing of statements relating to a candidate’s nomination required to be filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , or in the filing of a certificate described in 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) in lieu of a statement required under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) , prior to the nominating election, the candidate’s name shall appear on the general election ballot if those statements or the certificate is filed before the 61st day before the general election.

(2) A candidate’s name may not be placed on the general election ballot if the statements or certificate referred to in subsection (1) of this section is not filed before the 61st day before the general election.

(3) If the statements or certificate referred to in subsection (1) of this section is not filed by the 68th day before the general election, the filing officer by mail or electronically shall notify the candidate that the candidate’s name may not be placed on the general election ballot. The filing officer shall send the notice described in this subsection by first class mail or electronically to the candidate and the candidate’s treasurer or the treasurer of the candidate’s principal campaign committee. The filing officer is not required to send two notices if the candidate serves as the treasurer of the candidate’s principal campaign committee. [1979 c.190 §361; 1981 c.234 §14; 1985 c.808 §61; 1993 c.493 §78; 1999 c.999 §18; 2005 c.809 §42; 2011 c.652 §10; 2017 c.749 §39]

Source: Section 260.241 — Removal from general election ballot for failure to file statement; notice to candidate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.500 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.500
254.500 Tally of write-in votes
Status: in_force

(1) This section governs the tally of votes cast for persons whose names were not printed on the ballot but are written in by electors. All such write-in votes for each office on the ballot shall be tallied together, except as follows:

(a) If the total number of write-in votes for candidates for the same nomination or office equals or exceeds the number of votes cast for any candidate for the same nomination or office on the ballot who appears to have been nominated or elected, the county clerk shall tally all write-in votes cast for the office to show the total number of votes cast for each write-in candidate.

(b) If no names of candidates are printed on the ballot for an office, the county clerk shall tally the votes cast for each candidate for the office who received a vote.

(2) No person other than the county clerk, a member of a counting board or any other elections official designated by the county clerk may tally write-in votes. [1985 c.508 §2; 1993 c.493 §45; 1995 c.607 §46; 1999 c.318 §38]

Source: Section 254.500 — Tally of write-in votes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.215 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.215
249.215 Filling vacancy in state office at general election
Status: in_force

(1) If a vacancy occurs in a state office before the 61st day before the first general election to be held during that term of office, the remaining two years of the term of the state office shall be filled by the electors at that general election.

(2) The remaining two years of the term of the state office shall commence on the second Monday in January following the general election. Any appointment made to fill the vacancy shall expire when a successor to the office is elected and qualified.

(3) Candidates for the remaining two years of the term of the state office under this section shall be nominated as provided in this chapter, with major political parties following the procedure set forth in ORS 249.200 (Nomination by major party to fill vacancy in partisan office) , except as follows:

(a) A minor political party, by party rule, or an assembly of electors or individual electors, may select a nominee; and

(b) The Secretary of State shall accept certificates of nomination and notifications of nominees filed with the secretary pursuant to a schedule for filing set by the secretary, but in any case not later than the 62nd day before the first general election.

(4) As used in this section, “state office” means the office of Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. [2009 c.511 §22; 2011 c.731 §12; 2018 c.86 §2]

Source: Section 249.215 — Filling vacancy in state office at general election; remaining term of office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.007 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.007
260.007 Exclusions from definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.”
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, “contribute,” “contribution,” “expend” or “expenditure” does not include:

(1) Any written news story, commentary or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine or other regularly published publication, unless a political committee owns the facility.

(2) An individual’s use of the individual’s own personal residence, including a community room associated with the individual’s residence, to conduct a reception for a candidate or political committee and the individual’s cost of invitations, food and beverages provided at the reception.

(3) A vendor’s sale of food and beverages for use in a candidate’s or political committee’s campaign at a charge less than the normal comparable charge, if the charge is at least equal to the cost of the food or beverages to the vendor.

(4) Any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses an individual, including a candidate, makes on behalf of a candidate or political committee.

(5) Any loan of money made by a financial institution as defined in ORS 706.008 (Additional definitions for Bank Act) , other than any overdraft made with respect to a checking or savings account, if the loan bears the usual and customary interest rate for the category of loan involved, is made on a basis that ensures repayment, is evidenced by a written instrument and is subject to a due date or amortization schedule. However, each indorser or guarantor of the loan shall be considered to have contributed that portion of the total amount of the loan for which that person agreed to be liable in a written agreement, except if the indorser or guarantor is the candidate’s spouse.

(6) Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to vote or to register to vote, including but not limited to activity that is allowed for a not-for-profit corporation that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(7) Any communication a membership organization or corporation makes to its members, shareholders or employees if the membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing an election.

(8) The payment of compensation for legal and accounting services rendered to a candidate or political committee if the person paying for the services is the regular employer of the individual rendering the services and the services are solely for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(9) The payment by a state or local committee of a political party of the costs of preparation, display or mailing or other distribution incurred by the committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other printed listing, of three or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in this state. This subsection does not apply to costs incurred by the committee with respect to a display of any such listing made on broadcasting stations or in newspapers, magazines or similar types of general public political advertising.

(10) A candidate debate or forum for a state office, or a communication publicizing a candidate debate or forum for a state office, when candidates for the state office are invited to participate in the candidate debate or forum based on neutral criteria that are publicized in advance of the invitation.

(11) The following nonpartisan communications that refer to a candidate or political party within 30 calendar days before a primary election or 60 calendar days before a general election:

(a) The publication of a nonpartisan voters’ guide that:

(A) Is permitted to be published by a not-for-profit corporation that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(B) With respect to each state office referenced in the voters’ guide:

(i) Includes information from all major political party candidates for the state office referenced; or

(ii) Offers all major political party candidates for the state office referenced a reasonable opportunity to be included in the voters’ guide.

(b) A commercial communication that depicts a candidate’s name, image, likeness or voice only in the candidate’s capacity as owner, operator or employee of a business that existed prior to the candidate’s declaration of candidacy.

(c) Official publications produced or distributed by public employees while on the job during working hours.

(d) A communication by a labor union, membership organization or corporation to its members, stockholders or executive or administrative personnel.

(e) Any other nonpartisan communication identified by the Secretary of State by rule. [1995 c.1 §2; 1997 c.631 §429; 1999 c.999 §2; 2005 c.797 §2; 2007 c.71 §79; 2017 c.419 §2; 2023 c.600 §21]

Source: Section 260.007 — Exclusions from definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.” , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.529 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.529
254.529 Choice of conducting hand recount of ballots or risk-limiting audit
Status: in_force

(1) At each primary election, general election and special election, the county clerk shall make a determination on whether to conduct:

(a) A hand count of ballots as described in this section and compare the tally of votes for those ballots produced by a vote tally system with the tally of votes for those ballots produced by the hand count; or

(b) A risk-limiting audit in the manner described in ORS 254.532 (Risk-limiting audit) .

(2) If the county clerk determines that a hand count will be conducted:

(a) In the event that the unofficial tally of ballots produced by a vote tally system reveals that the margin of victory between the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes in the county is less than one percent of the total votes cast in that election in the county, the county clerk shall conduct a hand count of ballots in at least 10 percent of all precincts or of ballots in at least 10 percent of all batches of ballots collected by the county clerk.

(b) In the event that the unofficial tally of ballots reveals that the margin of victory between the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes in the county is greater than or equal to one percent but less than two percent of the total votes cast in the county, the county clerk shall conduct a hand count of ballots in at least five percent of all precincts or of ballots in at least five percent of all batches of ballots collected by the county clerk.

(c) In the event that the unofficial tally of ballots reveals that the margin of victory between the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes in the county is greater than or equal to two percent of the total votes cast in the county, the county clerk shall conduct a hand count of ballots in at least three percent of all precincts or of ballots in at least three percent of all batches of ballots collected by the county clerk.

(3) If the county clerk determines that a hand count will be conducted, the county clerk shall conduct a hand count of ballots cast in the election contest between the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes in the county, an election contest for an office to be voted on in the state at large and, if possible, an election contest for a state measure. The Secretary of State shall select the precincts or batches at random. At the election:

(a) If selecting precincts, no fewer than 150 ballots must have been cast in at least one of the precincts selected.

(b) If selecting batches, the number of ballots contained in the batches selected must in the aggregate be equal to or greater than:

(A) Ten percent of the total number of ballots cast in the election for a hand count required under subsection (2)(a) of this section.

(B) Five percent of the total number of ballots cast in the election for a hand count required under subsection (2)(b) of this section.

(C) Three percent of the total number of ballots cast in the election for a hand count required under subsection (2)(c) of this section.

(4) Not later than 5 p.m. of the 15th business day after the date of the election, the Secretary of State shall in writing advise the county clerks who made a determination that a hand count will be conducted of:

(a) The election contests for which ballots are to be hand counted; and

(b) The precincts or batches in which ballots are to be hand counted.

(5) A county clerk shall begin the hand counts under this section not later than the 27th day after the election and complete the hand counts not later than the 35th day after the election. The results of the hand counts shall be provided to the Secretary of State, who shall make the results publicly available on the Secretary of State’s website.

(6) A comparison of the tally of votes produced by a vote tally system with the tally of votes produced by the hand count under this section must show that the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system differs by no more than one-half of one percent from the tally of votes produced by the hand count.

(7) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a hand count conducted under this section results in a tally of votes for a candidate or measure that is different from the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system for that candidate or measure, and the difference for each race is equal to or less than one-half of one percent, the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system is the official tally of votes for that vote tally system.

(b) If a hand count conducted under this section results in a tally of votes for a candidate or measure that is different from the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system for that candidate or measure, and the difference in any race is greater than one-half of one percent, the county clerk shall conduct a second hand count of the same ballots.

(c) If the second hand count conducted under this subsection results in a tally of votes for a candidate or measure that is different from the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system for that candidate or measure, and the difference for each race is equal to or less than one-half of one percent, the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system is the official tally of votes for that vote tally system.

(d) If the second hand count conducted under this subsection results in a tally of votes for a candidate or measure that is different from the tally of votes produced by the vote tally system for that candidate or measure, and the difference in any race is greater than one-half of one percent, the county clerk shall conduct a hand count of all ballots counted by that vote tally system. The hand count is the official tally of votes for that vote tally system. If the hand count is the official tally of votes, not later than the 30th day after the election for a measure, or the 37th day after the election for a candidate, the county clerk shall certify amended abstracts of votes to appropriate elections officials.

(8) For purposes of conducting the hand counts under this section, the county clerk shall:

(a) Retain custody of the ballots; and

(b) Provide for security for the ballots and the information required to be collected under this subsection.

(9) This section does not apply:

(a) To precincts that are subject to a recount under ORS 258.161 (Filing demand for recount with Secretary of State) , 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) or 258.290 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections on measures) .

(b) If federal law requires a post-election hand count of ballots at the primary election, general election or special election to verify election results and the Secretary of State determines that the requirements of federal law are at least as stringent as the requirements of subsections (1) to (8) of this section. [2007 c.881 §2; 2009 c.511 §11; 2017 c.749 §42; 2019 c.562 §3; 2021 c.551 §8; 2023 c.600 §27]

Source: Section 254.529 — Choice of conducting hand recount of ballots or risk-limiting audit; procedures for hand recount , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.205 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.205
251.205 Appointment of committee to draft explanatory statement of measure proposed by initiative or referendum
Status: in_force

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

(a) With respect to any state measure initiated or referred by petition, the chief petitioners; or

(b) With respect to a measure referred by the Legislative Assembly, the President of the Senate, who shall appoint a Senator, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall appoint a Representative.

(2) For each state measure to be submitted to the people at a special election held on the date of a primary election or any general election, a committee of five citizens shall be selected to prepare the explanatory statement under ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) .

(3) Not later than the 120th day before the election, the proponents of the measure shall appoint two members to the committee and notify the Secretary of State in writing of the selections. If the proponents do not appoint two members, the Secretary of State shall appoint two members of the committee from among supporters, if any, of the measure not later than the 118th day before the election.

(4) Not later than the 118th day before the election, the Secretary of State shall appoint two members of the committee from among the opponents, if any, of the measure.

(5) The four appointed members of the committee shall select the fifth member and notify the Secretary of State in writing of the selection. If the four members have not selected the fifth member by the 111th day before the election, the fifth member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State not later than the 109th day before the election.

(6) A vacancy shall be filled not later than two business days after the vacancy occurs by the person who made the original appointment. Unless the Secretary of State fills a vacancy, the person filling the vacancy shall notify the Secretary of State in writing of the selection.

(7) With respect to a measure referred by the Legislative Assembly, a Senator or Representative appointed under subsection (1) of this section may disclose whether the Senator or Representative supports or opposes the state measure. The Secretary of State shall print the disclosure in the voters’ pamphlet following the explanatory statement.

(8) The Legislative Policy and Research Committee shall provide any administrative staff assistance required by the explanatory statement committee to facilitate the work of the explanatory statement committee under this section or ORS 251.215 (Preparation and filing of explanatory statement of measure) .

(9) 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 254.210; 1987 c.707 §15; 1995 c.607 §§31,31a; 1999 c.844 §2; 2001 c.965 §9; 2011 c.646 §4; 2016 c.88 §12]

Source: Section 251.205 — Appointment of committee to draft explanatory statement of measure proposed by initiative or referendum , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.088 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.088
249.088 Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) , at the nominating election held on the date of the primary election:

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

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

(2) The application of this section is subject to the provisions of a home rule charter. [1979 c.190 §118; 1979 c.451 §5; 1979 c.587 §3; 1983 c.350 §66; 1989 c.218 §1; 1991 c.719 §7; 1993 c.493 §12; 1995 c.92 §2; 1995 c.607 §77; 1995 c.712 §27; 2011 c.607 §2]

Note: The amendments to 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) by section 13, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, were referred to the people for their approval or rejection at the regular general election to be held throughout this state on November 5, 2024. If chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is approved by the people, the amendments become operative January 1, 2028, and apply to elections and nominations occurring on or after January 1, 2028. See sections 18, 19 and 20, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023. 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , as amended by section 13, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) . (1) Except as provided in ORS 249.091 (Nomination of certain nonpartisan candidates or candidates to fill a vacancy in nonpartisan office) , at the nominating election held on the date of the primary election:

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

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

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

(3) This section does not apply to any election to nonpartisan office for which ranked choice voting as conducted in the manner set forth in section 4, chapter 220, Oregon Laws 2023, is used to determine election to the office.

Source: Section 249.088 — Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.520 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.520
246.520 Applicable laws
Status: in_force

All the provisions of the election laws and of any county or city charter or ordinance not inconsistent with ORS 246.520 (Applicable laws) to 246.600 (Deposits in Voting Machine Account) apply to elections where voting machines or vote tally systems are used. Any provision of law or of any county or city charter or ordinance which conflicts with the use of voting machines or vote tally systems as provided in ORS 246.520 (Applicable laws) to 246.600 (Deposits in Voting Machine Account) does not apply to elections in which voting machines or vote tally systems are used. [Formerly 258.025]

Source: Section 246.520 — Applicable laws; conflicting laws and ordinances inapplicable , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.108 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.108
254.108 Numbering county, city and district measures
Status: in_force

(1) The county clerk shall number county, city and district measures consecutively and shall not repeat any number in any subsequent election. For each election, the numbers assigned shall begin with the number after the last number assigned under this section at the previous election. The measures shall be assigned numbers in the order in which the measures are filed with the clerk and in a manner that will not confuse county, city or district measures with state measures. The number assigned to each county, city and district measure shall be preceded by a unique county prefix number. The Secretary of State by rule shall assign a prefix number to each county for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subsection.

(2) If a district or city is located in more than one county, the district elections officer under ORS 255.005 (Definitions) or the county clerk under ORS 254.095 (City elections officers’ statements of offices, candidates and measures) shall immediately certify a district or city measure to the county clerk of any other county in which the district or city is located. [1987 c.724 §4; 1993 c.493 §17; 2001 c.267 §2]

Source: Section 254.108 — Numbering county, city and district measures; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.061 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.061
249.061 One candidate per petition
Status: in_force

(1) A petition for nomination may not contain the name of more than one candidate.

(2) Before circulating a nominating petition, the candidate shall deliver to the officer with whom the petition will be filed:

(a) A statement signed by the candidate indicating that the candidacy is by prospective petition; and

(b) A copy of the prospective petition.

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Believes each individual is an elector qualified to sign the petition. [1979 c.190 §111; 1983 c.756 §3; 1993 c.493 §7; 1999 c.318 §24; 2007 c.155 §3; 2007 c.848 §23]

Source: Section 249.061 — One candidate per petition; prospective petition; statement regarding payment of petition circulators; certification of signature sheets , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.290 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.290
247.290 Registration update requirement
Status: in_force

(1) An elector shall update a registration if:

(a) The residence address of the elector is changed for any reason within the county in which the elector is registered, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section;

(b) The elector desires to change or adopt a political party affiliation;

(c) The mailing address of the elector is changed, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section; or

(d) The name of the elector is changed, except as provided in ORS 254.411 (Voting after name change) .

(2) A registration may be updated by an elector in the same manner as an original registration or by the county clerk as provided in this chapter.

(3) An elector need not update a registration if:

(a) The United States Postal Service or a city or county changes the residence or mailing address of the elector and the residence of the elector has not been relocated; or

(b) The registration of the elector has been updated by the county clerk under ORS 247.292 (Update of registration of elector changing residence) or 247.296 (Verification of addresses of electors) . [1957 c.608 §43; 1961 c.115 §1; 1965 c.583 §1; 1971 c.241 §2; 1975 c.678 §18; 1979 c.190 §52; 1981 c.173 §13; 1985 c.471 §4; 1987 c.733 §5; 1989 c.20 §4; 1993 c.493 §1; 1993 c.713 §§16,16a; 1995 c.742 §6; 1999 c.318 §1; 1999 c.410 §12; 2007 c.154 §6]

Source: Section 247.290 — Registration update requirement; procedure; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.535 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.535
254.535 Preservation of certain materials
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, each tally sheet, return sheet, record relating to a risk-limiting audit conducted under ORS 254.532 (Risk-limiting audit) , record relating to a hand count of ballots conducted under ORS 254.529 (Choice of conducting hand recount of ballots or risk-limiting audit) and ballot return identification envelope shall be preserved for two years after the election to which it relates.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the county clerk shall destroy the ballots and written challenge statements not sooner than the 90th day after the final day permitted for a contest of the election, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(3) In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 1974, any ballot, voter registration records and any other materials relating to any election at which a candidate is nominated or elected to federal office shall be retained for not less than 22 months following the date of the election. [1979 c.190 §275; 1999 c.410 §62; 2007 c.154 §48; 2019 c.562 §4]

Source: Section 254.535 — Preservation of certain materials; retention of records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.370 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.370
248.370 Convening of electors
Status: in_force

The electors of President and Vice President shall convene at the State Capitol on the Monday after the second Wednesday in December following their election. If there is any vacancy in the office of an elector caused by death, refusal to act, neglect to attend or otherwise, the electors present immediately shall fill it by plurality of voice votes. When all the electors have appeared or the vacancies have been filled, the electors shall perform the duties required of them by the Constitution and laws of the United States. [Amended by 1979 c.190 §91; 1995 c.79 §88; 1995 c.607 §12]

Source: Section 248.370 — Convening of electors; vacancies; duties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 248.355 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 248 / Section 248.355
248.355 Selection of presidential electors
Status: in_force

(1) In a year when a President and Vice President of the United States are to be nominated and elected, each political party nominating candidates for those offices shall select a number of candidates for elector of President and Vice President equal to the total number of Senators and Representatives to which this state is entitled in Congress.

(2) A candidate for elector when selected shall sign a pledge that, if elected, the candidate will vote in the electoral college for the candidates of the party for President and Vice President. The Secretary of State shall prescribe the form of the pledge. The party shall certify the names of the selected candidates for elector to the Secretary of State not later than the 70th day before the election of electors. [Formerly 248.340; 1961 c.46 §1; 1961 c.667 §4; 1965 c.138 §1; 1975 c.779 §16; 1979 c.190 §89; 1993 c.797 §25; 2001 c.965 §2]

Note: Section 1, chapter 356, Oregon Laws 2019, provides:

Sec. 1. National Popular Vote interstate compact. The Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote is hereby enacted into law and entered into on behalf of this state with all other states legally joining in the compact in a form substantially as follows:

Any State of the United States and the District of Columbia may become a member of this agreement by enacting this agreement.

Each member state shall conduct a statewide popular election for President and Vice President of the United States.

Prior to the time set by law for the meeting and voting by the presidential electors, the chief election official of each member state shall determine the number of votes for each presidential slate in each State of the United States and in the District of Columbia in which votes have been cast in a statewide popular election and shall add such votes together to produce a “national popular vote total” for each presidential slate.

The chief election official of each member state shall designate the presidential slate with the largest national popular vote total as the “national popular vote winner.”

The presidential elector certifying official of each member state shall certify the appointment in that official’s own state of the elector slate nominated in that state in association with the national popular vote winner.

At least six days before the day fixed by law for the meeting and voting by the presidential electors, each member state shall make a final determination of the number of popular votes cast in the state for each presidential slate and shall communicate an official statement of such determination within 24 hours to the chief election official of each other member state.

The chief election official of each member state shall treat as conclusive an official statement containing the number of popular votes in a state for each presidential slate made by the day established by federal law for making a state’s final determination conclusive as to the counting of electoral votes by Congress.

In event of a tie for the national popular vote winner, the presidential elector certifying official of each member state shall certify the appointment of the elector slate nominated in association with the presidential slate receiving the largest number of popular votes within that official’s own state.

If, for any reason, the number of presidential electors nominated in a member state in association with the national popular vote winner is less than or greater than that state’s number of electoral votes, the presidential candidate on the presidential slate that has been designated as the national popular vote winner shall have the power to nominate the presidential electors for that state and that state’s presidential elector certifying official shall certify the appointment of such nominees.

The chief election official of each member state shall immediately release to the public all vote counts or statements of votes as they are determined or obtained.

This Article shall govern the appointment of presidential electors in each member state in any year in which this agreement is, on July 20, in effect in states cumulatively possessing a majority of the electoral votes.

This agreement shall take effect when states cumulatively possessing a majority of the electoral votes have enacted this agreement in substantially the same form and the enactments by such states have taken effect in each state.

Any member state may withdraw from this agreement, except that a withdrawal occurring six months or less before the end of a President’s term shall not become effective until a President or Vice President shall have been qualified to serve the next term.

The chief executive of each member state shall promptly notify the chief executive of all other states of when this agreement has been enacted and has taken effect in that official’s state, when the state has withdrawn from this agreement, and when this agreement takes effect generally.

This agreement shall terminate if the electoral college is abolished.

If any provision of this agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be affected.

For purposes of this agreement,

”Chief executive” shall mean the Governor of a State of the United States or the Mayor of the District of Columbia;

”Elector slate” shall mean a slate of candidates who have been nominated in a state for the position of presidential elector in association with a presidential slate;

”Chief election official” shall mean the state official or body that is authorized to certify the total number of popular votes for each presidential slate;

”Presidential elector” shall mean an elector for President and Vice President of the United States;

”Presidential elector certifying official” shall mean the state official or body that is authorized to certify the appointment of the state’s presidential electors;

”Presidential slate” shall mean a slate of two persons, the first of whom has been nominated as a candidate for President of the United States and the second of whom has been nominated as a candidate for Vice President of the United States, or any legal successors to such persons, regardless of whether both names appear on the ballot presented to the voter in a particular state;

”State” shall mean a State of the United States and the District of Columbia; and

”Statewide popular election” shall mean a general election in which votes are cast for presidential slates by individual voters and counted on a statewide basis. [2019 c.356 §1]

Note: Section 1, chapter 356, Oregon Laws 2019, becomes operative only after the National Popular Vote interstate compact is enacted into law by states cumulatively possessing a majority of the electoral college votes.

Source: Section 248.355 — Selection of presidential electors; candidate’s pledge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors248.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.004 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.004
249.004 Verification of documents
Status: in_force

(1) A filing officer may verify the validity of the contents of the documents filed with the officer under this chapter.

(2) When a copy of any election document filed under this chapter is presented to the filing officer with whom the original document was filed and a request is made to have the copy compared and certified, the filing officer shall compare the copy with the original and, if necessary, correct the copy and certify and deliver it to the person who presented it. [Formerly 249.014]

Source: Section 249.004 — Verification of documents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 246.245 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 246 / Section 246.245
246.245 Notification to county clerk when city boundary changed
Status: in_force

If the boundary of a city is changed, the city governing body immediately shall send a certified copy of the order, resolution or other action changing the boundary to the county clerk of each county in which the city is located. [1979 c.190 §14]

Source: Section 246.245 — Notification to county clerk when city boundary changed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors246.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.685 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.685
260.685 Elections official compliance with directives of Secretary of State
Status: in_force

An elections official shall not knowingly fail to comply with an interpretation made by the Secretary of State of any election law or a directive, an instruction or a rule made by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.110 (Secretary of State as chief elections officer) , 246.120 (Directives, instructions and assistance to county clerks) , 246.140 (Election law conferences for county clerks) or 246.150 (Rules) . [1979 c.190 §389; 1995 c.607 §58]

Source: Section 260.685 — Elections official compliance with directives of Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 254.482 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 254 / Section 254.482
254.482 Persons authorized to watch receiving and counting of votes
Status: in_force

After the date that ballots are mailed as provided in ORS 254.470 (Procedures for conducting election by mail) , the county clerk, if requested, shall permit authorized persons to be at the office of the county clerk to watch the receiving and counting of votes. The authorization shall be in writing, shall be signed by an officer or its county affiliate of a political party, a candidate or the county clerk and shall be filed with the county clerk. The county clerk shall permit only so many persons as watchers under this section as will not interfere with an orderly procedure at the office of the county clerk. [2001 c.805 §3; 2005 c.797 §56]

POST-ELECTION PROCEDURES

Source: Section 254.482 — Persons authorized to watch receiving and counting of votes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 255.325 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 255 / Section 255.325
255.325 Legislative intent to promote regularity of special district elections
Status: in_force

Except as provided in ORS 255.400 (Definitions for ORS 255.400 to 255.424) to 255.424 (Notice requirements to bring action) , the Secretary of State by rule shall require the districts that are not in compliance with ORS 255.335 (Regular district election) to so comply. For this purpose, the rule may require adjusting or staggering terms of board members. [Formerly 259.235; 1981 c.173 §36; 2019 c.449 §43]

Source: Section 255.325 — Legislative intent to promote regularity of special district elections; rulemaking and enforcement by Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors255.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.036 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.036
250.036 Form of ballot title for measure subject to Article XI, section 11 (8), of Oregon Constitution
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all ballot titles subject to section 11 (8), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, shall include the following statement as the first statement of the ballot title summary:

This measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.

(2) As used in this section, “at least a 50 percent voter turnout” means a voter turnout that meets the requirements of section 11 (8), Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

(3) The statement required by this section shall not be counted in determining the word count requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(4) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the ballot title of a measure subject to section 11k, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [1997 c.541 §311; 2009 c.247 §1]

Source: Section 250.036 — Form of ballot title for measure subject to Article XI, section 11 (8), of Oregon Constitution; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.190 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.190
258.190 Secretary of State ordering recount after demand
Status: in_force

(1) After a recount demand is filed, the Secretary of State shall direct the official who conducted the election or the clerk of any county containing precincts in which ballots were cast on the measure or for the nomination or office specified in the demand for a recount to conduct a recount in the precincts specified in the demand.

(2) If the demand for a recount of votes cast for a nomination or office is filed, the Secretary of State, not later than the third day after the filing of the first demand, shall notify the affected candidates that a recount is to be made in the precincts specified in the demand. The notice shall be sent by electronic mail or, if an electronic mail address for the affected candidate is unavailable, by certified or registered mail.

(3) The official who is to conduct the recount, within a reasonable time before the recount, shall notify the affected candidates or the individual filing the demand for recount for a measure of the date, time and place of the recount. [Formerly 251.550; 2022 c.84 §2]

Source: Section 258.190 — Secretary of State ordering recount after demand; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.085
250.085 Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure
Status: in_force

(1) Any elector dissatisfied with a ballot title prepared by the Legislative Assembly for a measure referred to the people by the assembly and filed with the Secretary of State may petition the Supreme Court seeking a different title. The petition shall state the reasons that the title filed with the Secretary of State does not substantially comply with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(2) Any elector dissatisfied with the latest ballot title for an initiated or referred measure certified by the Attorney General and who timely submitted written comments on the draft ballot title may petition the Supreme Court seeking a different title. The petition shall state the reasons that the title filed with the Secretary of State does not substantially comply with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(3) The petition shall name the Attorney General as the respondent and must be filed:

(a) Not later than the 10th business day after the Attorney General certifies a ballot title or a corrected ballot title to the Secretary of State, whichever is later; or

(b) If the title is provided by the Legislative Assembly under ORS 250.075 (Preparation of ballot titles by Legislative Assembly) , not later than the 10th business day after the Legislative Assembly files the ballot title with the Secretary of State.

(4) An elector filing a petition under this section shall notify the Secretary of State in writing that the petition has been filed. The notice must be received in the office of the Secretary of State not later than 5 p.m. on the next business day following the day the petition is filed.

(5) The Supreme Court shall review the title for substantial compliance with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(6) When reviewing a title certified by the Attorney General, the Supreme Court shall not consider arguments concerning the ballot title not presented in writing to the Secretary of State unless the court determines that the argument concerns language added to or removed from the draft title after expiration of the comment period provided in ORS 250.067 (Notice of draft ballot title) .

(7) The review by the Supreme Court shall be conducted expeditiously to ensure the orderly and timely circulation of the petition or conduct of the election at which the measure is to be submitted to the electors.

(8) If the Supreme Court determines that the latest ballot title certified by the Attorney General or prepared by the Legislative Assembly substantially complies with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the court shall certify the title to the Secretary of State. If the Supreme Court determines that the latest ballot title certified by the Attorney General or prepared by the Legislative Assembly does not substantially comply with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the court shall modify the ballot title and certify the ballot title to the Secretary of State or refer the ballot title to the Attorney General for modification.

(9) Not later than five business days after the Supreme Court refers a ballot title to the Attorney General under this section, the Attorney General shall file a modified ballot title with the Supreme Court and serve copies of the modified ballot title on all parties to the ballot title review proceeding. If no party to the ballot title review proceeding files an objection to the modified ballot title within five business days after the date the modified ballot title is filed, the Supreme Court shall certify the modified ballot title to the Secretary of State and enter an appellate judgment the next judicial day. If any of the parties to the ballot title review proceeding timely files a petition objecting to the modified ballot title, the Supreme Court shall review the modified ballot title to determine whether the modified ballot title substantially complies with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) .

(10) Upon the filing of a petition under subsection (9) of this section objecting to a modified ballot title:

(a) If the Supreme Court determines that the modified ballot title substantially complies with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the court shall certify the modified ballot title to the Secretary of State; or

(b) If the Supreme Court determines that the modified ballot title does not substantially comply with the requirements of ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the court shall modify the ballot title and certify the ballot title to the Secretary of State or refer the modified ballot title to the Attorney General for additional modification and further proceedings under subsection (9) of this section. [Formerly 254.077; 1983 c.514 §9; 1985 c.447 §6; 1987 c.519 §2; 1989 c.503 §6; 1993 c.493 §96; 1995 c.534 §2; 2001 c.802 §2; 2007 c.159 §2]

Source: Section 250.085 — Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of state measure; Supreme Court review of title , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.046 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.046
251.046 Content of statements and arguments
Status: in_force

(1) Statements and arguments submitted for inclusion in a 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 Secretary of State 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 251.055 (Type of material to be excluded from pamphlet) . [1979 c.190 §175; 1993 c.351 §3]

Source: Section 251.046 — Content of statements and arguments , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 250.215 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 250 / Section 250.215
250.215 Filing officer for county measure
Status: in_force

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

(2) An initiative or referendum petition relating to a county 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 §159; 1989 c.68 §7; 1991 c.580 §2]

Source: Section 250.215 — Filing officer for county measure; filing requirements; signature verification , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors250.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.532 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.532
260.532 False publication relating to candidate or measure
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall 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 relating to any candidate, political committee or measure.

(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 for:

(a) The candidacy of the owner, licensee or operator of the station or company; or

(b) A ballot measure of which a chief petitioner is the owner, licensee or operator of the station or company.

(3) A candidate who knows of and consents to a publication or advertisement prohibited by this section with knowledge or with reckless disregard that it contains a false statement of material fact, violates this section regardless of whether the candidate has participated directly in the publication or advertisement.

(4) There is a rebuttable presumption that a candidate knows of and consents to any publication or advertisement prohibited by this section caused by a political committee over which the candidate exercises any direction and control.

(5) Any candidate or political committee aggrieved by a violation of this section shall have a right of action against the person alleged to have committed the violation. The aggrieved party may file the action in the circuit court for any county in this state in which a defendant resides or can be found or, if the defendant is a nonresident of this state, in the circuit court for any county in which the publication occurred. To prevail in such an action, the plaintiff must show by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant violated subsection (1) of this section.

(6) A plaintiff who prevails in an action provided by subsection (5) of this section may recover economic and noneconomic damages, as defined in ORS 31.705 (Economic and noneconomic damages separately set forth in verdict) , or $2,500, whichever is greater. The court may award such additional equitable relief as it considers necessary or proper. The equitable relief may include, but is not limited to, a requirement that a retraction of the false statement be disseminated in the manner directed by the court. Proof of entitlement to economic and noneconomic damages must be by a preponderance of evidence. The court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal.

(7) A political committee has standing to bring an action provided by subsection (5) of this section as plaintiff in its own name, if its purpose as evidenced by its preelection activities, solicitations and publications has been injured by the violation and if it has fully complied with the provisions of this chapter. In an action brought by a political committee as provided by subsection (5) of this section, the plaintiff may recover economic and noneconomic damages for all injury to the purpose of the committee as provided in subsection (6) of this section.

(8) If a judgment is rendered in an action under this section against a defendant who has been nominated to public office or elected to a public office other than state Senator or state Representative, and it is established by clear and convincing evidence that the false statement was deliberately made or caused to be made by the defendant, the finder of fact shall determine whether the false statement reversed the outcome of the election. If the finder of fact finds by clear and convincing evidence that the false statement reversed the outcome of the election, the defendant shall be deprived of the nomination or election and the nomination or office shall be declared vacant.

(9) An action under this section must be filed not later than the 30th day after the election relating to which a publication or advertisement in violation of this section was made. Proceedings on a complaint filed under this section shall have precedence over all other business on the docket. The courts shall proceed in a manner which will ensure that:

(a) Final judgment on a complaint which relates to a primary election or nominating election is rendered before the 30th day before the general election; and

(b) Final judgment on a complaint which relates to an election to an office is rendered before the term of that office begins.

(10) The remedy provided by this section is the exclusive remedy for a violation of this section. [Formerly 260.380; 1973 c.744 §36; 1975 c.683 §14; 1979 c.190 §374; 1979 c.667 §2; 1981 c.897 §45; 1983 c.756 §1; 1985 c.808 §63a; 1995 c.712 §79; 1997 c.829 §1; 1999 c.941 §1; 1999 c.999 §58; 2021 c.291 §4; 2021 c.478 §10]

Source: Section 260.532 — False publication relating to candidate or measure; civil action; damages; other remedies; limitation on action , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.067 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.067
251.067 Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office
Status: in_force

(1) A candidate or agent on behalf of the candidate for nomination or election to any county or city office, or to an elected office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, may file a portrait or statement for inclusion in the state voters’ pamphlet under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) if a county voters’ pamphlet described in ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) is not prepared for the election in each county in which the electoral district of the candidate is located.

(2) A community college district measure relating to bonding, a county measure or a measure of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, and the ballot title, explanatory statement and arguments relating to the measure, shall be included in the state voters’ pamphlet as provided in ORS 251.285 (Inclusion of community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or metropolitan service district measure in voters’ pamphlet) , if a county voters’ pamphlet described in ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) is not prepared:

(a) For the election on the county measure; or

(b) In each county in which the community college district or metropolitan service district is located, for the election on the community college district measure relating to bonding or metropolitan service district measure.

(3) If a county voters’ pamphlet described in ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) is prepared for an election at which a candidate for nomination or election to any county or city office, or to an elected office of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268, is listed on the ballot, or at which a community college district measure relating to bonding, a county measure or a measure of a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 is listed on the ballot, the county voters’ pamphlet shall include the county or city office, the office of the metropolitan service district or the community college district measure relating to bonding, county measure or measure of the metropolitan service district. Such offices and measures shall not be included in any state voters’ pamphlet prepared for the election and distributed in the county for which the county voters’ pamphlet is prepared.

(4) If a city, metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268 or community college district is located in more than one county, and a county in which the city, metropolitan service district or community college district is located does not prepare a county voters’ pamphlet described in ORS 251.305 (County voters’ pamphlet) to 251.435 (Statements and arguments inadmissible in action to enjoin publication of pamphlet) for the election, candidates for nomination or election to any city office or an elected office of the metropolitan service district, and any community college district measure relating to bonding or measure of the metropolitan service district, shall be included in the state voters’ pamphlet to be distributed to the county that does not prepare a county voters’ pamphlet. The Secretary of State shall designate the candidates and measures that may be included in the state voters’ pamphlet under this subsection.

(5) As used in this section, “community college district” has the meaning given that term in ORS 341.005 (Definitions) . [1999 c.318 §8; 2017 c.392 §1]

Source: Section 251.067 — Inclusion of portrait and statement of candidate for county, city or metropolitan service district office; inclusion of county measure or metropolitan service district measure; inclusion of community college measure relating to bonding , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 258.300 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 258 / Section 258.300
258.300 Elections officials to notify Secretary of State when automatic full recount required
Status: in_force

Immediately following the completion of the official canvass of votes for any election, the elections officer who prepared the canvass shall notify the Secretary of State of any election subject to an automatic full recount under ORS 258.280 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections of candidates for office) and 258.290 (Automatic full recount required in certain elections on measures) . [Formerly 251.650; 2001 c.965 §42]

Source: Section 258.300 — Elections officials to notify Secretary of State when automatic full recount required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors258.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 251.087 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 251 / Section 251.087
251.087 Secretary of State review of candidate portrait and statement
Status: in_force

(1) If a candidate files a portrait and statement under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) for inclusion in the voters’ pamphlet, the Secretary of State shall review the portrait and statement to ensure that the portrait complies with the requirements of ORS 251.075 (Portrait requirements) and that the statement complies with the requirements of ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) and 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) .

(2) Review by the Secretary of State under this section shall be limited to determining whether the portrait and statement comply with the requirements of ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , 251.075 (Portrait requirements) and 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) and shall not include any determination relating to the accuracy or truthfulness of materials filed.

(3) The Secretary of State shall review each portrait and statement not later than three business days following the deadline for filing a portrait and statement under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) . If the Secretary of State determines that the portrait or statement of a candidate must be revised in order to comply with the requirements of ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , 251.075 (Portrait requirements) or 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) , the Secretary of State shall attempt to contact the candidate not later than the fifth business day following the deadline for filing a portrait and statement under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) . A candidate contacted by the Secretary of State under this section may file a revised portrait or statement not later than the seventh business day following the deadline for filing a portrait and statement under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) .

(4) If the Secretary of State is required to attempt to contact a candidate under subsection (3) of this section, the Secretary of State shall attempt to contact the candidate by telephone or by using an electronic transmission facsimile machine.

(5) If the Secretary of State is unable to contact a candidate or if the candidate does not file a revised portrait or statement, the following rules apply:

(a) If a portrait does not comply with ORS 251.075 (Portrait requirements) , the Secretary of State may modify the portrait. The candidate shall pay the expense of any modification prior to publication of the portrait in the voters’ pamphlet. If the portrait cannot be modified to comply with ORS 251.075 (Portrait requirements) , the portrait shall not be printed in the voters’ pamphlet.

(b) If a statement does not comply with ORS 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) the statement shall not be printed in the voters’ pamphlet.

(c) If a statement does not comply with ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , the Secretary of State shall edit the statement to remove language that does not comply with ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) .

(6) If the portrait or statement of a candidate filed under ORS 251.065 (Filing portrait and statement by or for candidate) does not comply with a requirement of ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , 251.075 (Portrait requirements) or 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) and the Secretary of State does not attempt to contact the candidate by the deadline specified in subsection (3) of this section, for purposes of ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , 251.075 (Portrait requirements) and 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) only, the portrait or statement shall be printed as filed.

(7) A candidate revising a portrait or statement under this section shall make only those revisions necessary to comply with ORS 251.049 (Names or titles of persons or names of organizations excluded from arguments and statements) , 251.075 (Portrait requirements) and 251.085 (Format of candidate’s statement) .

(8) The Secretary of State by rule may define the term “contact” as used in this section. [1995 c.550 §2]

Source: Section 251.087 — Secretary of State review of candidate portrait and statement; procedure if portrait or statement must be revised; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors251.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 260.085 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 260 / Section 260.085
260.085 Listing of occupation of contributor
Status: in_force

(1) An account required by ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) and a statement required by ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) to list the occupation of a contributor must list the occupation of the contributor in the account and on the first statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) after the contribution is received if the occupation is known to the candidate, political committee or petition committee filing the statement.

(2) If an account required by ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) or a statement required by ORS 260.083 (Contents of statements) to list the occupation of a contributor does not list the occupation of the contributor as required by ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) or on the first statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) or 260.076 (Statements of contributions received during session of Legislative Assembly) after the contribution is received, the candidate, political committee or petition committee shall file with the account and with the statement filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) documentation of a written request to the contributor to furnish the contributor’s occupation.

(3) If a candidate, political committee or petition committee receives a contribution that does not identify the occupation of the contributor, the candidate or committee shall make a written request to the contributor to furnish the occupation of the contributor within seven calendar days after receiving the contribution. A written request under this subsection may be sent by electronic mail.

(4) If a candidate, political committee or petition committee receives information identifying the occupation of a contributor after making a written request under subsection (3) of this section, the candidate or committee, within seven calendar days after receiving the information, shall include the contributor’s occupation in the account kept under ORS 260.055 (Accounts of contributions and expenditures) and in the contributor’s entry filed under ORS 260.057 (Electronic campaign finance filing system) . [1989 c.80 §3; 1991 c.719 §16; 1993 c.493 §69; 2001 c.82 §6; 2003 c.542 §15; 2005 c.797 §14; 2005 c.809 §34; 2008 c.41 §4; 2009 c.818 §28]

Source: Section 260.085 — Listing of occupation of contributor; procedure when occupation is unknown , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors260.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 247.025 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 247 / Section 247.025
247.025 Registration deadline
Status: in_force

To vote in an election:

(1) A person’s registration card must be received at an office or location described in ORS 247.012 (Method of registering or updating a registration) not later than the time the office or location closes for business on the 21st day immediately preceding the election, but in no case later than midnight of the 21st day immediately preceding the election;

(2) A person’s registration card must be postmarked not later than the 21st day immediately preceding the election and be 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

(3) A person’s registration card must be delivered electronically as described in ORS 247.019 (Electronic voter registration) not later than 11:59 p.m. of the 21st day immediately preceding the election. [1979 c.190 §43; 1985 c.833 §1; 1987 c.719 §9; 1987 c.733 §1; 1993 c.713 §7; 1999 c.410 §8; 2008 c.53 §2; 2010 c.9 §2]

Source: Section 247.025 — Registration deadline; required address , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors247.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 249.009 — OR Code / Title 23 / Chapter 249 / Section 249.009
249.009 Exclusive form of signature sheets for petitions
Status: in_force

(1) The Secretary of State by rule shall:

(a) Design the form of nominating or recall petitions, certificates of nomination by individual electors, minutes of an assembly of electors or minor political party formation petitions; and

(b) Prescribe a system for numbering all signature sheets of nominating or recall petitions, certificates of nomination by individual electors, minutes of an assembly of electors or minor political party formation petitions.

(2) Regardless of any provision to the contrary in a county or city charter or ordinance, for the purpose of nominating city or county candidates, recalling city or county officers or forming a minor political party, an individual must use the applicable form designed under this section. [Formerly 246.180; 1985 c.808 §11; 1989 c.68 §3]

Source: Section 249.009 — Exclusive form of signature sheets for petitions; numbering of signature sheets; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors249.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).