Elections

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL ELECTION! 
 
Elections in Corvallis

Elections are conducted by Benton County. Elections for City candidates or measures can occur in May (primary election), November of even-numbered years (general election), November of odd-numbered years, or March of any year if needed (special election).

The City Recorder and staff coordinate and administer the City's municipal election activities including receiving filings from candidates for the positions of mayor and councilors and processing initiative, referendum and recall petitions through Benton County's Elections office. The City Recorder prepares elections schedules, files measures for the ballot, and certifies the final election results.

The types of issues the City places on the ballot usually relate to Mayor and Council elections, proposed annexations, Charter amendments, and initiatives and referendum measures.

If you have questions about elections, please contact the City Recorder at 541-766-6901 or city.recorder@corvallisoregon.gov.

Registering to Vote

To be a registered voter, you must be 18 years of age on the date of the next election, a resident of the State of Oregon (and the City of Corvallis for local measures and candidates), and a citizen of the United States.

If you have not been registered to vote previously in the State, you must file 20 days prior to the next election date. If you have voted previously within the state, you need to check with Benton County Elections and you may be eligible to vote immediately. All prospective voters register with Benton County.

Category: Elections
Initiative and Referendum Information

The initiative process, which requires collection of signatures equaling 15% of the votes cast in the last mayoral election, is generally initiated by citizens. Examples include the measure to allow smoking in bars, the recall of an elected City official or a Charter amendment.

The referendum process, which requires collection of signatures equaling 10% of the votes cast in the last mayoral election, is used to refer legislation adopted by the governing body to a direct vote. Corvallis City Charter, Chapter 6, Section 32  

Initiatives and referenda are only permitted in May and November elections. House Bill 2957, passed at the 2015 Regular Session

Category: Elections
Political Action Committees

Political Action Committees (PACs) are formed for both candidates and measures; they can be either in support of or opposition to the candidate or measure. PACs must be formed and registered with the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division before any contributions are accepted or monies expended.  Once the election is over and all monies are accounted for, PACs should be discontinued. Please visit the Secretary of State Political Action Committee page for more information.

Category: Elections
Campaign Finance

Political Action Committees (PACs) file contribution and expense reports with the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division on an established schedule. 

If candidates act as their own Treasurers and expect to spend or receive less than $750 during the entire calendar year, reports do not need to be filed. If candidates subsequently exceed that amount, reports do need to be filed.

Please visit the Secretary of State Campaign Finance page and review the Campaign Finance Quick Guide for instructions and a schedule of filing deadlines.

Category: Elections
City of Corvallis Campaign Sign Regulations

Political signs shall be erected and maintained entirely on private property with the consent of the occupant of the premises.

No signs are permitted on public property, including rights-of-way, streets, boulevards, bridges, rights-of-way to bridges and streets, medians, parks, planting strips in front of parks, and any other public property.

The area between the sidewalk and the street is not private property; it is a public right-of-way and signs are not allowed.

Political signs shall not be erected prior to 60 days from the applicable election and shall be removed within 15 days after the election.

Corvallis Land Development Code Sections 4.7.50 and 4.7.70

Category: Elections

Supporting Documents

Corvallis Municipal Code Chapter 1.03 - City Election and Vacancy Procedures
Map of Corvallis Wards (City of Corvallis)
Benton County Elections Office (Benton County)
Secretary of State Voting and Elections (Secretary of State)
  • Printer-friendly version