Oregon
Eligible for Recall: Senator Jeff Merkley, last elected 2008
Signature Requirement: 15% of voters in last election for the Senator
Circulation Time: 90 days
Type of Recall Election: Recall Election Then Special Election
Constitutional Provision: Article 2 Section 18 (created 1908)
Section 18. Recall; meaning of words ‘the legislative assembly shall provide.’ (1) Every public officer in Oregon is subject, as herein provided, to recall by the electors of the state or of the electoral district from which the public officer is elected.
(2) Fifteen per cent, but not more, of the number of electors who voted for Governor in the officer's electoral district at the most recent election at which a candidate for Governor was elected to a full term, may be required to file their petition demanding the officer's recall by the people.
Initial Procedure: Taken from the Oregon recall manual:
- The first step for a recall petition against a state public officer is the filing of a prospective recall petition with the Secretary of State, Elections Division. The chief petitioner for a recall must be a registered voter in the district from which the public officer is elected or appointed.
- After receiving a sufficient prospective petition for a recall of a state public officer and no later than 3 business days after the prospective petition is filed, the Elections Division provides the chief petitioner with official templates of the cover and signature sheets for the petition. Once the chief petitioner has received the official templates, they may begin the approval for circulation process. The cover and signature sheets must be approved in writing by the Elections Division before the chief petitioner may begin circulating the recall petition.
- Using the official templates provided by the Elections Division, the chief petitioner prepares and submits cover and signature sheets exactly as intended to circulate, including weight, style and color of paper with the cover sheet (SEL 350) copied on the reverse side of the signature sheet (SEL 351). Only a chief petitioner or authorized agents may submit cover and signature sheets for approval.
Contact Info:
Oregon Secretary of State
Elections Division
255 Capitol St NE, Ste 501
Salem OR 97310
Phone: (503) 986-1518
News and Commentary
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Each state has its own requirements as to the manner in which petitions must be collected, signed and filed. It is imperative that official recall committees are legally formed in each state according to the state laws and regulations. The handling of the petitions must comply with the laws and regulations of each state.
