A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding general City government questions. While this page includes FAQs, they are not legal advice. For exact language and legal requirements, view Portland City Code and City Charter.
What is my City Council District?
The Portland City Council is not separated into districts. All City elected officials are elected citywide.
You can read more about the City's Government Structure on the Council Clerk's website.
If you have a question or concern related to a particular City bureau, you may wish to contact the commissioner in charge of that particular agency. View the Elected Officials Portfolios and Contact Information the Council Clerk's site.
How are the Mayor, Commissioners, and Auditor elected in the City of Portland?
City candidates are elected citywide, and all offices are nonpartisan. Offices alternate on the ballot, and each have four-year terms. Candidates appear on the regularly scheduled May Primary ballots in even numbered years.
A candidate is elected if they obtain a majority of votes at the Primary. If no candidate reaches a majority of votes cast (more than 50 percent), the two candidates receiving the highest share of the vote advance to a runoff election as a part of the City’s November General Election. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes in November is then elected.
How many elected offices does Portland have?
The City of Portland has six elected offices:
- The Mayor
- Commissioner Position No. 1
- Commissioner Position No. 2
- Commissioner Position No. 3
- Commissioner Position No. 4
- The City Auditor
The office of the Mayor, Commissioner Positions No. 1, and No. 4 appear on the ballot and are elected during presidential elections. The Auditor, Commissioner Positions No. 2, and No. 3 are elected and appear on the ballot during mid-term elections.
The Mayor and City Commissioners make up the City Council.
Have additional questions? Please contact the City Elections Office at elections@portlandoregon.gov or 503-865-6503.