Running for Office

If you are interested in running for the November 3, 2026 election the City strongly encourages you to set-up an appointment to review important filing deadlines, paperwork, and process questions. To schedule an appointment contact Nicole Morris, Deputy City Recorder, by email at nmorris@tualatin.gov  or by phone at 503.691.3011. 

Filing Dates

• First day to file declaration of candidacy: June 3, 2026
• Last day for incumbent candidates: August 18, 2026
• Last day for candidates other than incumbents: August 25, 2026

Filing Qualifications:

1. Currently registered to vote in Oregon.
2. Resident of Tualatin continuously during the twelve months immediately preceding the General Election.
3. Cannot be a candidate at a single election for more than one elective office.
4. Must file by petition in accordance with State election laws and the City Charter, within the filing deadline, and collect at least ten (10) valid, certified signatures from Tualatin registered voters.

Filing Terms and Conditions: 

• All terms are four years, beginning January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030
• All positions are nonpartisan and at-large.
• Council receives a monthly $20 credit on their water bill.
• Council members receive a $750 technology stipend at the beginning of their term of office.
• Council members have the option of participating in the City's health insurance coverage.

How to File

Please review this information packet which pertains to filing for office. The Candidates Manual and Campaign Finance Manual will provide instructions to help you through the process. These manuals are available online at the Secretary of State’s Election Division website.

An appointment to file a Prospective Petition and receive important election information must be scheduled and attended by the Candidate. To schedule contact Nicole Morris, Deputy City Recorder, by email at nmorris@tualatin.gov or by phone at 503.691.3011.

Step 1: File Prospective Petition

The following forms must be completed and filed with the city elections office:

               SEL 101 Candidate Filing – Major Political Party or Nonpartisan

               SEL 121 Candidate Signature Sheet- Nonpartisan

Receive written Approval to Circulate the prospective petition from the city elections official.

Step 2: Collect Signatures

Candidate must collect at least ten (10) qualified signatures from Tualatin active registered voters.

• It is advised to gather more than 10 to ensure that enough valid signatures are collected.
• Do not sign and date the petition sheets until all signatures have been gathered.

Step 3: Complete Filing

1. Ensure each signature sheet certification is signed and dated by circulator
2. Make an appointment with Washington County Elections Division for verification of signatures (Allow sufficient time for the verification process to be completed prior to filing deadline)
3. Complete the COT 10-01 Affidavit by listing the names of the registered voters (taken from each SEL 121-signature sheet) and have it notarized
4. File the following forms with the city elections office: 338 Petition Submission – Candidate, SEL 121-signature sheets and Washington County verification letter, COT 10-01 Affidavit
5. After filing the city elections official will provide an Acceptance of Nomination form to be signed in office

Statement of Organization and Campaign Finance Requirements

Please review the Campaign Finance Manual for instructions and a schedule of filing deadlines.

Oregon law requires that campaign finance activities be filed electronically (with State Elections). Candidates use ORESTAR free of charge to file forms.

Voter Pamphlet

Candidate Statements for the County Voters’ Pamphlet(s) must be filed directly with Washington and/or Clackamas Counties no later than 5:00 p.m., August 25, 2026, for inclusion in the respective County Voters’ Pamphlet.

Additional information concerning cost, requirements, and filing deadlines are available from either Washington County or Clackamas County Elections Offices.

Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination

To withdraw from candidacy or nomination, a candidate must file a Withdrawal of Candidacy of Nomination (SEL 150) with the City Recorder. This form must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m., August 28, 2026; otherwise candidate’s name will be printed on the ballot.

Signage Regulations

If you have, or plan to have, signs displayed for an upcoming election please note that the City of Tualatin has regulations regarding signs:

Signs may be placed on private property with the property owner’s consent.

Signs may not be placed:
      1.   In the Right-of-Way

      2.   In the Center Medians

      3.   In any city-owned (or Development Commission) property