Elections

Page Contents

• Notice of General Election- Official Election Results
• Notice of Receipt of Ballot Title (Marijuana Sales and Tax)
• Elected Official Information
• Elected Official List
• 2024 Primary and General Election Calendar
• Election Ballot Boxes
• Running for Office
• Filing for Candidacy
• Election Process
• Election Offices & Information Resources
   

Notice of General Election- Official Election Results

 

Notice is hereby given that at the General Election on November 5th, 2024, qualified voters of the City of Hermiston, by majority vote, elected the following individuals to office to serve four-year terms effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028. The official election results are provided by the Umatilla County Elections Division.

 

Mayor
Doug Primmer

 

 At-Large Councilors

Jeff Kelso 
Maria E. Duron 
Josh Roberts 
Allen Hayward 

Posted 12/11/2024

Notice of Receipt of Ballot Title- Allowing Marijuana Retail Facilities, Impose 3% Recreational Marijuana Sales Tax 

Notice is hereby given that on May 2, 2024 the City Elections Official, Lilly Alarcon-Strong, of the City of Hermiston received a citizen prospective initiative petition that complies with constitutional requirements for the General Election of November 5, 2024. Any voter dissatisfied with the ballot title may file a petition for review in the Umatilla County Circuit Court no later than 5:00pm on May 17, 2024 and notify the City Elections Official by said date.

View the Initiative Petition and Authorized Agent.

 

The text of the ballot title is as follows:

 

BALLOT TITLE: ALLOWS MARIJUANA RETAIL FACILITIES, IMPOSES 3% RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA SALES TAX.

 

QUESTION: SHALL THE CITY OF HERMISTON ALLOW MARIJUANA RETAIL FACILITIES AND COLLECT A 3% TAX ON RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA RETAIL SALES?

 

SUMMARY: A citizen ballot initiative was initiated to amend Title XV, Chapter157 allowing marijuana retail facilities within Hermiston.  This measure repeals the prohibition on marijuana retail facilities within the city adopted by Hermiston voters in November 2016. Title XV, Chapter 157 of the Hermiston Municipal Code currently prohibits all marijuana-related businesses within the city. This measure amends Title XV, Chapter 157 to allow marijuana retail facilities licensed by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission that are licensed to sell marijuana directly to a consumer in the State of Oregon.  This measure also does the following: 1) It creates various requirements for placement and operation of marijuana retail facilities; 2) It imposes a 3% local tax on all recreational marijuana items sold by marijuana retailers, to be used for general government purposes; and 3) It includes provisions for the City to enforce and collect the 3% tax.

 

A "Yes" vote allows marijuana retail facilities in the City of Hermiston, with a 3% tax on marijuana retail sales.
A "No" vote continues the prohibition on all marijuana-related businesses.

Posted: 05/08/2024

 

Petition Signatures 

A ballot title appeal was not filed. The Chief Petitioner is able to begin collecting signatures for this initiative beginning May 22nd. 1,614 valid signatures are required to be submitted to the City Recorder by 5:00pm on June 7, 2024 for an opportunity for the ballot title to be placed on the General Election Ballot.

Signature sheets have been submitted by the Authroized Agent to the City Recorder as of June 7, 2024. Verifications for 2,376 signatures are being processed by the Umatilla County Elections Division. Results of the signature verifications will be posted to this page once received by the Umatilla County Elections Division.

Updated 06/12/2024

Petition Signature Results

The City received the official signature results from the Umatilla County Elections Division on June 28, 2024. The Chief Petitioner did not obtain enough valid signatures required to place their initiative on the 2024 General Election Ballot. View the results at: Petition Processing Statistics Report.

Posted 07/08/2024

Elected Official Information

There are 10 elected city positions in Hermiston:

• 8 City Councilors
• 1 Mayor
• 1 Municipal Judge

This guide describes the requirements and responsibilities of elected officials in the City of Hermiston and an overview of the local election process. For detailed background on the process, refer to Hermiston’s City Charter and Municipal Code.

In addition to understanding Hermiston’s regulations, candidates also need to be aware of State requirements, and should reference the current publications posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division website. In addition, the Umatilla County Elections website is a valuable resource for local candidates.

About the City’s Form of Government

Hermiston uses a “Council-Manager” form of government, similar to the large majority of Oregon cities.  In a Council-Manager form of government, all powers of the City are vested in the City Council.  The Council, made up of 8 elected Hermiston residents, ultimately decides whether or not the City will take action on matters concerning the City. The Mayor is elected separately from the City Council, and only votes in the event of a tie. The Council hires a City Manager to manage day-to-day operations and department heads.

What is Expected of Elected Officials

Elected officials occupy positions of public trust and must adhere to all State, local, and Federal Laws, as well as Oregon Laws of Government Ethics. Elected officials are expected to:

• Read and review agenda packets and information prior to attending meetings
• Attend two (2) regularly scheduled City Council Meetings each month
• In addition to attending other special and assigned monthly meetings of the City, to include:
  • Work Session meetings
  • Committee meetings
  • Board meetings and
  • City Administration meetings
• Elected officials are encouraged to attend seminars and conferences in order to continue their education and knowledge of all aspects that affect the community in which they serve
• City Council Rules of Order and Procedure

Ward & At-Large Positions

Half of the City Councilors are elected by "wards," which means that they live within that ward and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office; however, all councilors are elected by all city residents. Find the ward you live in.

The Mayor, At-Large Councilors, and Municipal Court Judge are “At-Large” positions, which means they may live anywhere within City limits.

Elected Officials---All Positions are Nonpartisan

Positions with an asterisk (*) below indicate open positions that can be filed for candidacy. (None at this time)

Positions	Terms	Incumbents	Term Expiration
Mayor	Four years	Dr. David A. Drotzmann	12/31/2024
Councilor - Ward I (Precinct 126)	Four years	Jackie M. Linton	12/31/2026
Councilor - Ward II (Precinct 127 & 128)	Four years	Roy N. Barron	12/31/2026
Councilor - Ward III (Precinct 129)	Four years	Jackie C. Myers	12/31/2026
Councilor - Ward IV (Precinct 130)	Four years	David P. McCarthy	12/31/2026
Councilor - At-Large	Four years	Maria E. Duron	12/31/2024
Councilor - At-Large	Four years	Rod S. Hardin	12/31/2024
Councilor - At-Large	Four years	Nancy R. Peterson	12/31/2024
Councilor - At-Large	Four years	Doug Primmer	12/31/2024
Municipal Court Judge	Two years	Cameron R. Bendixsen	12/31/2024

More information regarding incumbents can be located on the City Council web page.

2024 Primary & General Election Calendar

If you are interested in running for office, here are some critical dates for your calendar:

DATE	DESCRIPTION
January 1, 2024	Any person running for City office must have been a City resident by this date.
	PRIMARY ELECTION FOR MAYOR & MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
September 14, 2023	First day you may file your completed declaration of candidacy form (SEL101) for the Primary Election.
March 12, 2024 at 5:00pm	Last day that you may file your completed declaration of candidacy (SEL101) for the Primary Election.
March 15, 2024	Last day to withdraw candidacy to be removed from the ballot (SEL150). Please note: Candidates may withdraw at any time using the SEL150 form.
March 25, 2024	Last day to file candidate statements with the County Elections Office for the voters’ pamphlet.
April 4, 2024 at 6:00pm	Candidate Forum Hosted by the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at City Hall.
April 30, 2024	Last day to register to vote for the primary election.
May 21, 2024 8:00pm	Primary Election- Closes at 8:00pm.
	GENERAL ELECTION FOR AT-LARGE COUNCILORS
June 5, 2024	First day you may file your completed declaration of candidacy form (SEL101) for the General Election.
August 27, 2024 at 5:00pm	Last day that you may file your completed declaration of candidacy (SEL101) for the General Election.
August 30, 2024	Last day to withdraw candidacy to be removed from the ballot (SEL150). Please note: Candidates may withdraw at any time using the SEL150 form.
September 9, 2024	Last day to file candidate statements with the County Elections Office for the voters’ pamphlet.
September 19, 2024 at 6:00pm	Candidate Forum Hosted by the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at City Hall.
October 15, 2024	Last day to register to vote for the general election.
November 5, 2024 at 8:00pm	General Election- Closes at 8:00pm.
	OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED
December 9, 2024	Oath of Office administered, after acceptance from the City Council of the County's abstract election results, to primary and general election victors.

 

Election Ballot Boxes

There are two ballot boxes in the City of Hermiston.

• Stafford Hansell Government Building, 915 SE Columbia Drive.
• Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE 2nd St.

 

Running for Office

Qualifications for Candidacy

To be eligible for the office of Mayor, Ward Specific Councilor, At-Large Councilor, or Municipal Court Judge, candidates must, at the time of their election:

• Be a qualified elector under state law.
• Reside within the city for at least one year immediately before election or appointment to office.
• Not be a candidate for more than one city office, at a single election.
• May not be employed by the city.
• Ward Council applicants must live within the ward they are applying for and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office; however, all city residents may vote for Ward Council Candidates. Find the ward you live in.

Running for Multiple Offices

Candidates can file for more than one position, and be on more than more board/council, as long as the offices are:

• Not on the same district board
• Not a city office on the same ballot
• Not for more than one precinct committee person office and
• Not a lucrative office- An office is considered lucrative if a salary or other compensation, beyond expenses, is attached to it; it is created by statute or the constitution; its holder exercises part of the sovereign power of government; it is a matter of public concern; and the position is not temporary or intermittent.

Filing for Candidacy

Step #1

File SEL101: Candidate Filing form with the City Elections Officer/City Recorder. This form available at City Hall from the City’s Elections Officer/City Recorder or download the form. Check out the Secretary of State Candidate Manual for more information.

Please Note: All city election forms that are filed with and maintained by the City of Hermiston are a matter of public record and may be released for public inspection as set fourth by public records disclosure laws of the State of Oregon.

Step #2

The City’s Elections Officer reviews the prospective petition and verifies information on the SEL101 Candidate Filing with Umatilla County Elections Division.

Once information has been verified, the Elections Officer/City Recorder will notify the candidate, in writing, confirming their candidacy and the candidate may begin campaigning, if they have not already done so.

Step #3

Follow Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements. Visit http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/manuals-tutorials.aspx for the candidate “Quick Guide” on campaign finance reporting in Oregon and the Campaign Finance Manual.  Be sure to review the contribution and expenditure reporting requirements and observe the filing deadlines. For detailed information regarding who must file and when, refer to the Candidate Manual or check with the Secretary of State at 503-986-1518.

Campaigning Q&A's

Q- I am a Ward- Council Candidate, can only those who reside in my ward vote for me?
A- No. Any and all electors in the City can vote for members in each ward, no matter where they live.

Q- Can I put up political campaigning signs around the City?
A- Yes, as long as:

• Each sign does not exceed four (4) square feet in size;
• Signs must be placed on private property with the owner’s permission;
• Signs must not be placed on public property or in the public right-of-way (i.e., streets, sidewalks, utility poles, parks, school grounds, etc.);
• The City requests signs be removed within ten (10) days after the election.

Q- Can I campaign door-to-door?
A- Yes.

Q- I plan to spend or receive funding for campaign related expenses, do I need to report this? And, if so, to whom?
A- Yes & No…

• Yes, if:
  • At any time during a calendar year a candidate exceeds $750.00 in either contributions or expenditures (including personal funds)
  • In this case, there are reporting requirements set by Oregon Campaign Finance Law.  For more information, please see the Campaign Finance Requirements located at: http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/orestar.aspx or contact the Secretary of State – Elections Division at (503) 378-5105
• No, if:
  • The candidate does not receive or spend more than $750.00 during a calendar year
  • Does not have an existing candidate committee and
  • Serves as their own treasurer

Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination

To withdraw from candidacy or nomination, a candidate must file an SEL150 Candidate Filing Withdrawal form with the City Elections Officer. Forms are available at City Hall from the Elections Officer/City Recorder or download the form.

The County Voters’ Pamphlet

Each candidate is responsible for their own voters’ pamphlet submission, if you choose to file one, with Umatilla County’s Election Division which generally includes: a current photograph, brief biography, and a statement on issues.  Umatilla County Election’s Division charges a fee to the candidate for this filing. Please contact them directly for more information.
 

Election Process

FOR: At-Large Council Candidates.

Candidates will run only in the General Election. The four (4) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected into office.

FOR: Mayor, Ward Specific Council, and Municipal Court Judge Candidates.

If, at the May primary election two (2) or less candidates file nomination petitions or declarations of candidacy for the position of Mayor, Ward Specific Councilor, or Municipal Judge, then the primary election shall be considered the general election.

If three (3) or more candidates file, then the May Primary Election shall be considered the primary election and the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be the nominees whose names shall appear on the ballot for the November General Election.  However, should any candidate receive a majority of all votes cast for the office at the May primary election, then the name of that candidate shall be printed separately on the ballot at the general election under the designation equivalent to “Vote for One” and no other name shall be printed on the ballot in opposition to such candidate, with the exception of one space left blank following such name in which the voter may insert the name of any person for whom the voter wishes to cast a ballot.