Elections

2024 Notice of Primary Election- Candidate Listing

Notice is hereby given that on May 21, 2024, an election will be held in the City of Hermiston, Umatilla County, Oregon for the office of Mayor (four-year term) and Municipal Judge (two-year term).  The election will be conducted by mail.  Your choice of candidates will be presented upon the official ballots as follows and shall be voted upon by all qualified voters of the City:

      Mayor
Nancy Peterson 
Jackie M. Linton 
Doug Primmer 
Manuel Salazar 

Municipal Court Judge
Cameron Bendixsen 

Posted 03/18/2024

Elected Official Information

There are 10 elected city positions in Hermiston:

• 8 City Councilors
• 1 Mayor
• 1 Municipal Judge

This guide describes the requirements and responsibilities of elected officials in the City of Hermiston and an overview of the local election process. For detailed background on the process, refer to Hermiston’s City Charter and Municipal Code.

In addition to understanding Hermiston’s regulations, candidates also need to be aware of State requirements, and should reference the current publications posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division website. In addition, the Umatilla County Elections website is a valuable resource for local candidates.

About the City’s Form of Government

Hermiston uses a “Council-Manager” form of government, similar to the large majority of Oregon cities.  In a Council-Manager form of government, all powers of the City are vested in the City Council.  The Council, made up of 8 elected Hermiston residents, ultimately decides whether or not the City will take action on matters concerning the City. The Mayor is elected separately from the City Council, and only votes in the event of a tie. The Council hires a City Manager to manage day-to-day operations and department heads.

What is Expected of Elected Officials

Elected officials occupy positions of public trust and must adhere to all State, local, and Federal Laws, as well as Oregon Laws of Government Ethics. Elected officials are expected to:

• Read and review agenda packets and information prior to attending meetings
• Attend two (2) regularly scheduled City Council Meetings each month
• In addition to attending other special and assigned monthly meetings of the City, to include:
  • Work Session meetings
  • Committee meetings
  • Board meetings and
  • City Administration meetings
• Elected officials are encouraged to attend seminars and conferences in order to continue their education and knowledge of all aspects that affect the community in which they serve
• City Council Rules of Order and Procedure

Ward & At-Large Positions

Half of the City Councilors are elected by "wards," which means that they live within that ward and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office; however, all councilors are elected by all city residents. Find the ward you live in.

The Mayor, At-Large Councilors, and Municipal Court Judge are “At-Large” positions, which means they may live anywhere within City limits.

Elected Officials---All Positions are Nonpartisan

Positions with an asterisk (*) below indicate open positions that can be filed for candidacy. None at this time.

More information regarding incumbents can be located on the City Council web page.

2024 Primary & General Election Calendar

If you are interested in running for office, here are some critical dates for your calendar:

Running for Office

Qualifications for Candidacy

To be eligible for the office of Mayor, Ward Specific Councilor, At-Large Councilor, or Municipal Court Judge, candidates must, at the time of their election:

• Be a qualified elector under state law.
• Reside within the city for at least one year immediately before election or appointment to office.
• Not be a candidate for more than one city office, at a single election.
• May not be employed by the city.
• Ward Council applicants must live within the ward they are applying for and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office; however, all city residents may vote for Ward Council Candidates. Find the ward you live in.

Running for Multiple Offices

Candidates can file for more than one position, and be on more than more board/council, as long as the offices are:

• Not on the same district board
• Not a city office on the same ballot
• Not for more than one precinct committee person office and
• Not a lucrative office- An office is considered lucrative if a salary or other compensation, beyond expenses, is attached to it; it is created by statute or the constitution; its holder exercises part of the sovereign power of government; it is a matter of public concern; and the position is not temporary or intermittent.

Filing for Candidacy

Step #1

File SEL101: Candidate Filing form with the City Elections Officer/City Recorder. This form available at City Hall from the City’s Elections Officer/City Recorder or download the form. Check out the Secretary of State Candidate Manual for more information.

Please Note: All city election forms that are filed with and maintained by the City of Hermiston are a matter of public record and may be released for public inspection as set fourth by public records disclosure laws of the State of Oregon.

Step #2

The City’s Elections Officer reviews the prospective petition and verifies information on the SEL101 Candidate Filing with Umatilla County Elections Division.

Once information has been verified, the Elections Officer/City Recorder will notify the candidate, in writing, confirming their candidacy and the candidate may begin campaigning, if they have not already done so.

Step #3

Follow Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements. Visit http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/manuals-tutorials.aspx for the candidate “Quick Guide” on campaign finance reporting in Oregon and the Campaign Finance Manual.  Be sure to review the contribution and expenditure reporting requirements and observe the filing deadlines. For detailed information regarding who must file and when, refer to the Candidate Manual or check with the Secretary of State at 503-986-1518.

Campaigning Q&A's

Q- I am a Ward- Council Candidate, can only those who reside in my ward vote for me?
A- No. Any and all electors in the City can vote for members in each ward, no matter where they live.

Q- Can I put up political campaigning signs around the City?
A- Yes, as long as:

• Each sign does not exceed four (4) square feet in size;
• Signs must be placed on private property with the owner’s permission;
• Signs must not be placed on public property or in the public right-of-way (i.e., streets, sidewalks, utility poles, parks, school grounds, etc.);
• The City requests signs be removed within ten (10) days after the election.

Q- Can I campaign door-to-door?
A- Yes.

Q- I plan to spend or receive funding for campaign related expenses, do I need to report this? And, if so, to whom?
A- Yes & No…

• Yes, if:
  • At any time during a calendar year a candidate exceeds $750.00 in either contributions or expenditures (including personal funds)
  • In this case, there are reporting requirements set by Oregon Campaign Finance Law.  For more information, please see the Campaign Finance Requirements located at: http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/orestar.aspx or contact the Secretary of State – Elections Division at (503) 378-5105
• No, if:
  • The candidate does not receive or spend more than $750.00 during a calendar year
  • Does not have an existing candidate committee and
  • Serves as their own treasurer

Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination

To withdraw from candidacy or nomination, a candidate must file an SEL150 Candidate Filing Withdrawal form with the City Elections Officer. Forms are available at City Hall from the Elections Officer/City Recorder or download the form.

The County Voters’ Pamphlet

Each candidate is responsible for their own voters’ pamphlet submission, if you choose to file one, with Umatilla County’s Election Division which generally includes: a current photograph, brief biography, and a statement on issues.  Umatilla County Election’s Division charges a fee to the candidate for this filing. Please contact them directly for more information.
 

Election Process

FOR: At-Large Council Candidates.

Candidates will run only in the General Election. The four (4) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected into office.

FOR: Mayor, Ward Specific Council, and Municipal Court Judge Candidates.

If, at the May primary election two (2) or less candidates file nomination petitions or declarations of candidacy for the position of Mayor, Ward Specific Councilor, or Municipal Judge, then the primary election shall be considered the general election.

If three (3) or more candidates file, then the May Primary Election shall be considered the primary election and the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be the nominees whose names shall appear on the ballot for the November General Election.  However, should any candidate receive a majority of all votes cast for the office at the May primary election, then the name of that candidate shall be printed separately on the ballot at the general election under the designation equivalent to “Vote for One” and no other name shall be printed on the ballot in opposition to such candidate, with the exception of one space left blank following such name in which the voter may insert the name of any person for whom the voter wishes to cast a ballot.