City Write-In Candidate Questions

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Write-In Candidate process for the City. 

• Can I write-in a candidate for election in the City of Portland contests?
• What is the process to become a certified write-in candidate in the City of Portland?
• What are the qualifications for write-in candidates?
• When is the last day to file to become a certified write-in candidate?
• What else should voters and candidates know about the certified write-in process?
• What is the City Elections Office going to do to ensure certified write-ins are qualified for office?
• When will the information about write-in candidates become available to the public? 

Can I write-in a candidate for election in the City of Portland contests? 

Yes. Voters can write-in candidates in the space provided on the ballot for each contest and rank them according to their preference. All write-in candidates must file a certification application with Portland City Elections by October 27, 2026, to have their votes individually tallied and to become elected.

What is the process to become a certified write-in candidate in the City of Portland? 

Write-in certification occurs by filing the Write-in Certification Form (AUD 141) available on the City Elections website with Portland City Elections. Individuals may complete the form and email it to elections@portlandoregon.gov or contact the office to schedule an appointment to file in person. 

Per City Code Chapter 2.08.080, write-in candidates must submit a certification to the City Elections Division that they meet necessary qualifications and will serve if elected. 

All certified write-in application filings must be filed with Portland City Elections by October 27, 2026.

What are the qualifications for write-in candidates? 

The qualifications for write-in candidates are the same for all candidates that file to appear on the ballot, except that write-in candidates must certify their qualifications and willingness to serve using the Write-in Certification Form (AUD 141) available on the City Elections website, and no filing fee or nominating petition is required. All candidate qualification information is included in the City Elections Candidate Guide available on the City Elections website.

When is the last day to file to become a certified write-in candidate?

For the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election, all write-in candidates must file the Write-in Certification Form (AUD 141) available on the City Elections website with City Elections by October 27, 2026, to be eligible for election. 

What else should voters and candidates know about the certified write-in process? 

No matter how many voters write-in a candidate in a City contest, a write-in candidate cannot be elected unless they are certified with Portland City Elections prior to the election. 

In all instances, if there are certified write-in candidates in a City contest, those certified write-in candidate’s individual votes will be tallied following final tabulation. 

If there are no certified write-in candidates for a City contest, the total write-ins will be tallied together and no individual write-in vote totals will be available. 

If there are certified write-in candidates in any contest AND in any round of tabulation the vote total for all write-in candidates combined equals or exceeds the election threshold in the round, the write-in candidates will be disaggregated before proceeding. 

Write-in candidates are subject to City Campaign Finance regulations and may be required to establish a campaign committee with the Oregon Secretary of State. Visit Portland City Election’s campaign finance website for more information. 

What does Portland City Elections do to ensure certified write-ins are qualified for office? 

Portland City Elections will conduct the same thorough and timely qualifications process for each certified write-in candidate as it does for all other candidates. City Elections will communicate timely with all write-in candidates to gather, vet, and ensure accurate information and qualification for office during the condensed timeline. 

After reviewing candidate filing materials, City Elections submits a list of certified candidates to Multnomah County Elections for inclusion on the municipal ballot.    

When will the information about write-in candidates become available to the public? 

Portland City Election will provide information about certified write-in candidates on its website no later than October 30, 2026. 

Have additional questions? Please contact Portland City Elections at elections@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4022.