Elections

Every two years the City elects four Councilors. Three seats are four-year terms and one seat is a one year term.

2012 Election

In 2012 the Election will be held on November 6. If you are an Oregon registered voter residing in Baker City you will receive a ballot in the mail from the County Elections Office that will include the City Councilors. To register you must go to the County Clerk at the Baker County Courthouse. Every vote counts, so please be sure you are registered. If you are not sure of your status, go to: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar/vr/showVoterSearch.do.

If you are interesting in running for City Council

Requirements:

  • Registered to vote in Oregon
  • Resides withing the Baker City limits

How to file:

The following manuals will guide you through the nomination by petition process to run for Baker City Council:

There are packets of information, including these printed manuals, at the City Recorder's office in City Hall, Suite 203.

NOTE: The first day to file is June 4, 2012

 Step 1:  Register Your Campaign Committee

Prospective candidates file with the Elections Division for the Oregon Secretary of State a Candidate's Statement of Organization (SEL 220) and Campaign Account Information (SEL 223). These forms are not required if the candidate is acting as his or her own treasurer and expects to spend less than $750 during a calendar year. This filing must take place within three business days of receiving the first contribution or making an initial expenditure. These filings can be done electronically and additional instructions can be accessed at: http://oregonvotes.org/. At this website you can login and register, by clicking on the OreStar icon, leading you to instructions that will guide you through the registration procedures. For additional information, contact the Elections Division at 1-503-986-1518.

Step 2: File Your Prospective Petition

Complete the three forms listed below and file them with the City Recorder. For your convenience please call to set-up an appointment for this process.

  • SEL 101 Filing of Candidacy for Nonpartisan Nomination
  • SEL 121 Petition for Nonpartisan Nomination
  • SEL 301 Statement of Paid or Unpaid Petition Circulators

The candidate should sign the first line on the first sheet of the prospective petition. All signature sheets must be approved by the City Recorder, in writing, before circulating any petitions. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of those signature sheets.

Step 3: File Your Completed Petition

Circulate the approved petition (SEL 121) for signatures. City of Baker City candidates must collect 40 valid signatures to place a candidate on the ballot. It is recommended that you collect at least 50 signatures before submitting signatures to the City Recorder for verification.

Deadline for submitting petitions - 4 p.m. on August 23, 2012

Step 4: Follow Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements

Please review the Campaign Finance Manual for instructions and a schedule of filing deadlines. Campaign Finance forms are filed with the Secretary of State's Election Division. All candidates are required to have a dedicated campaign bank account if they receive contributions or make expenditures over $750 during a calendar year.

If you do not expect to receive a total of more than $3,000 or spend a total of more than $3,000 for an entire election, you may file a Certificate of Limited Contributions and Expenditures (PC 7). If at any time during the election, the total expenditures or contributions exceed $3,000, you must file detailed contribution and expenditure reports.

Sign Regulations:

Per  Baker City Development Code 3.5.600, Temporary Signs.

  1. No temporary sign shall be placed within the public right-of-way unless written approval is obtained from the Planning Department, except for real estate signs.
  2. No temporary sign may be externally or internally illuminated.
  3. All temporary signs shall be securely fastened to the ground, or permanent structure.
  4. Signs shall be erected in a manner and location that does not create a potential hazard of any kind.
  5. All temporary signs shall be weatherproofed and kept in a state of good appearance, safety, and repair. Any damaged or potentially hazardous sign shall be repaired or removed immediately.
  6. Where applicable, temporary signs shall be removed upon expiration of the allowed or permitted display period.

Politial signs-no permit required, must be removed 7 days following the election.  See above link for size and placement details.

Voter's Pamphlet:

Election Offices:

City of Baker City
Becky Fitzpatrick, City Recorder
bfitzpatrick@bakercity.com
1655 First Street
PO Box 650
Baker City, Oregon 97814
541.524.2033

Baker County Elections
Tami Green, County Clerk
tgreen@bakercounty.org
1995 Third Street, Suite 150
Baker City, Oregon 97814
541.523.8207

State of Oregon Elections Division
141 State Capitol
Salem, OR 97310
(503) 986-1518
http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections