ORDINANCE No. 177200

Revise City Elections provisions to update and clarify procedures. (Ordinance; amend Title 2)

The City of Portland Ordains:

Section 1.  The Council finds:

1.  Chapter 2.04, "Initiative and Referendum," was enacted by Ordinance No. 163790, passed by Council January 16, 1991.

2.  Chapter 2.08, "Nomination and Election of Candidates," was enacted by Ordinance No. 167654, passed by Council May 11, 1994.

3.  The current City Elections provisions do not provide adequate details for Auditor's Office staff and citizens trying to navigate the City Elections process.

4.  Changes in state law and court decisions over the past ten years have made portions of the City Elections code obsolete or insufficient. This Ordinance updates current provisions to ensure compliance with state law and to better match current practice.

5.  This ordinance also clarifies the City Elections process to further enhance the Auditor's ability to perform elections duties efficiently and accurately and encourages citizens' understanding and access to the process.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:

a.  City Code Chapter 2.02 General Provisions is added, as provided in Exhibit A.

b.  City Code Chapter 2.04 Initiative and Referendum is amended, as provided in Exhibit A.

c.  City Code Chapter 2.08 Nomination and Election of Candidates, is amended as provided in Exhibit A.

Passed by the Council, JAN 22 2003

City Auditor Gary Blackmer         GARY BLACKMER

SFrancois            Auditor of the City of Portland  

January 9, 2003          By /S/ Susan Parsons

Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 43, 62-2003

ACTION TAKEN:

JAN 15 2003 PASSED TO SECOND READING JAN 22 2003 9:30 A.M.

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 177200