Frequently Asked Questions about the 2024 Election

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Learn more about the most frequently asked questions on the City of Portland’s new election methods and form of government.
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Have a question regarding the ranked-choice voting ballots, electoral districts, or the City’s new 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 or view the Contact Us page for more help.   


Questions on the Ballot and 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 all districts, the mayor, and auditor on Nov. 5, 2024. 

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 2024, certification by the County will happen by Dec. 2. The City will report official results to city council by Dec. 18. 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 and view a sample results page. 

View more questions on the ballot and voting


Questions on Portland's Electoral Districts

What are the district boundaries? 

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

View more questions on Portland’s electoral districts


Questions on the New Election Methods

What is Portland's new voting system?

Currently, Portland voters cast one vote for each candidate for each office in citywide elections for Mayor, Auditor, and City Council members. Starting in November 2024, the City of Portland will move to district-based elections using ranked-choice voting for City Councilors. Portlanders will elect candidates in their district using ranked-choice voting. 

View more questions on Portland’s new voting system


Questions on the City of Portland's new Form of Government

What is Portland’s new form of government?

Portland currently has 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. We will go from a City Council made up of 4 Commissioners plus a Mayor to a Council consisting of 12 Councilors. The new Council will no longer oversee day-to-day operations of Portland bureaus. Instead, a new City Administrator who reports to the Mayor will lead administrative operations of the City. This will effectively make the new City Council a legislative body instead of the hybrid legislative/executive body that it has been. 

View more questions on Portland’s new form of government


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

What will the 12-member legislative council be responsible for?

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

How would separation of powers be balanced between the mayor and city council? 

City Council would continue to exercise legislative power to make laws and approve the city’s budget. The Mayor would not be a member of City Council but could introduce laws and break tie votes on non-emergency ordinances. 

View more questions on Council roles and responsibilities 


Questions on Write-In Candidates

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 the Office by October 29, 2024, 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) available on the Elections website with the City Elections Office. 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 Office that they meet necessary qualifications and will serve if elected.
  • All certified write-in application filings must be filed with the Elections Office by October 29, 2024. 

View more questions on write-in candidates 

Contact

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