1. As used in this title, unless the context requires otherwise:
2. A. Auditor means the Auditor of the City or designee.
3. B. Candidate means an individual whose name is or is expected to be printed on the official ballot or has been certified as a write-in candidate in accordance with Section 2.08.080.
4. C. Chief petitioner means one to three City electors, who have the responsibilities delineated in the Oregon Secretary of State’s administrative rules. 
5. D. Eligible elector means an individual qualified to vote under Section 2, Article II of the Oregon Constitution and who is also a resident of the City and a legal registered voter of the City and State of Oregon.
6. E. General election means the statewide election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year.
7. F. Initiative petition means a petition to initiate a measure for which a prospective petition has been filed but that is not yet a measure.
8. G. Measure means any City legislation, advisory question, property tax levy, tax base, or bond measure proposed for adoption, amendment, revision, repeal or referral through the procedures prescribed by this title.
9. H. Nonpartisan means not representing any national or state political party, committee or convention or acting for any political party. All elective City offices are nonpartisan.
10. I. Perfected petition means the information, including signatures and other identification of petition signers, required to be contained in a completed petition. 
11. J. Primary election means the statewide election held the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. City measures, but not candidates, may appear on the primary election ballot. 
12. K. Prospective petition means the information, except signatures and other identification of petition signers, required to be contained in a completed petition.
13. L. Referendum petition means a petition to refer a measure for which a prospective petition has been filed but that is not yet a measure.
14. M. Regular election means the biennial statewide primary or general election date.
15. N. Special election means any recall election or election at which a measure is submitted to the electors on a date other than a regular election date.
16. O. Statement of understanding means a document provided by the Auditor and signed by the chief petitioner(s) of a prospective petition indicating receipt of all forms and requirements necessary to file a perfected petition.

1. A. The Auditor serves as the City Elections Officer.
2. B. The City Elections Officer may accept for filing and verify elections documents, maintain elections registers and historical records, prepare and publish a voters' pamphlet, and prepare and publish an election notice.
3. C. All documents involving filing as a candidate to appear on the ballot; filing an initiative, referendum or recall petition; and preparing and forwarding a measure to appear on the ballot must be filed with the City Elections Officer.
4. D. The City Elections Officer will verify the sufficiency of the content and form of the documents and will immediately inscribe the date and time of receipt on the documents.  The City Elections Officer’s review does not include verification of factual representations contained in submitted documents or verification that filings are free of substantive legal defects.

Campaign finance regulations, procedures and forms are governed by state law, the City Charter, and this title.

1. A. The provisions of this Title and the City Charter prevail over any conflicting provisions of state law relating to the exercise of initiative and referendum powers and matters subject to legislation by the City.
2. B. The procedures for electing city officers are as provided by state law, the City Charter, and this title, as well as any administrative rules adopted pursuant to this title.
3. C. The campaign finance system and reporting requirements for city candidates, political committees, and chief petitioners are as provided by state law, the City Charter, and this title, as well as any administrative rules adopted pursuant to this title.
4. D. All elections for city officers must be held at the same time and place as the general election for state and county officers. Any recall election must be held in the time and manner specified in state law. Vacancies as a result of a recall election must be filled in accordance with City Charter.
5. E. Except as otherwise provided in the Charter or this title, the Auditor maintains and preserves all documents related to an election matter for the retention period prescribed by state law. The Auditor retains nominating petitions and declarations of candidacy for six years after the election.
6. F. An emergency ordinance is not subject to the referendum process; however, the Auditor will consult with legal counsel prior to refusal to accept a referendum petition.

1. A. The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on the date the document or fee is due unless the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or other legal holiday specified in ORS 187.010, in which case the due date is the next business day at 5:00 p.m.  Documents will be accepted after 5:00 p.m. if the document is physically present in the required City office at 5:00 p.m.
2. B. In computing the due date for documents due X months prior to an election date, the time is computed by using months; e.g., if the document is due six months prior to an election date which is November 6, it must be filed on or before May 6 at 5:00 p.m.  If May 6 is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the provisions in Subsection 2.02.050 A. apply.