Frequently Asked Questions about Portland City Elections

Have a question regarding ranked choice voting, electoral districts, or the City’s form of government? Check out these frequently asked questions and learn more about these topics.  

If you can’t find an answer to your question, send an email to elections@portlandoregon.gov.   

Questions on Ranked Choice Voting

When is the election where we'll vote for city councilors, mayor, and city auditor? 

Portlanders will vote for city councilors in Districts 3 and 4 and Auditor on November 3, 2026. 

When will we know the results of the election?

Multnomah County will serve as the central tabulator and will report results for City candidate contests. The County will begin to release unofficial results after 8 p.m. on election night and provide regular updates in the days following as additional ballots are tallied. 

In 2026, certification by the County will happen by November 30, 2026. The City will report official results to city council by December 15, 2026. Candidates can find all unofficial results before certification on Multnomah County’s website. 

Visit Multnomah County's website on how Ranked Choice Voting ballots are counted to learn more.

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Questions on Portland's Electoral Districts

What are the district boundaries? 

A district map look-up feature is available on PortlandMaps.com to look up in what district you are in. 

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Questions on the City of Portland's Form of Government

What is Portland’s form of government?

Portland used to have a commission form of government. City council, consisting of a Mayor and four Commissioners, exercises legislative and executive powers. Executive power includes managing City bureaus. After voters approved a Charter change in 2022, Portland replaced the commission with a Council consisting of 12 Councilors. Unlike the commission system, Portland City Council does not oversee day-to-day operations of Portland bureaus. Instead, the City Administrator, who reports to the Mayor, will lead administrative operations of the City. 

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Questions on the Mayor and City Council's Roles and Responsibilities

What is City Council responsible for?

• City Council members set policy and have the legislative power to make appropriations and raise revenue by approving the city budget.
• City Council members convene public meetings, gather input, debate and evaluate policy choices, and adopt laws or policies to reflect those choices; and 
• Councilors exercise quasi-judicial power to apply laws and policies. 

How is separation of powers balanced between the Mayor and City Council? 

City Council exercises legislative power to make laws and approve the city’s budget. The Mayor is not a member of City Council but can introduce laws and break tie votes on non-emergency ordinances. 

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Questions on Write-In Candidates

Can I write-in a candidate for election in City 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 City Elections seven days before Election Day 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 form (AUD 141) with 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 Elections Division that they meet necessary qualifications and will serve if elected.
• All certified write-in application filings must be filed with the City Elections seven days before Election Day. 

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