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Election Information

News Release Date
06-03-2026
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General Election 2026 Information 

Important Dates 

• June 3, 2026 - First day for candidates to file 

• August 6, 2026 - Recommended last day to submit signatures for verification to City Recorder 

• August 18, 2026 - Elected Incumbent candidate filing deadline (signatures must be already verified) 

• August 25, 2026 - New and appointed incumbent candidate filing deadline (signatures must be already verified) 

• November 3, 2026 - Election Day 

 

On the Ballot in 2026 

• The position of Mayor, currently held by Liane Welch, will be on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 General Election. 

• 3 City Councilor Positions, currently held by Kathleen Baker, Anthony Boatman, and Ralph McRae will be on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 General Election. 

 

How to File to Run for Office 

Candidate filing opens on June 3, 2026. 

1. Review Qualifications: See Bay City Qualifications Below. 

2. Review Campaign Finance Requirements (see below). 

3. Consult Pages 23-24 of the Candidate Manual linked below.

4. Complete the Candidate Filing Form (SEL101). When completing the form, please note the following: Indicate whether you are filing for the Office of Mayor or City Councilor All positions are nonpartisan. Filing method is by Prospective Petition.

5. Complete the top portion of the Candidate Signature Sheet Nonpartisan (SEL 121). Petition ID will be issued by City Recorder. 

6. Bring your SEL101 and SEL121 forms to the City Recorder at City Hall for approval before gathering signatures. You are welcome to schedule an appointment. 

7. The City Recorder will review the forms and provide written approval to circulate for signatures. Failure to receive approval before circulating will result in the rejection of the signature sheets. 

8. Signatures must be from residents within the city limits of Bay City. 

9. Using the approved signature sheet, collect at least 11 valid signatures. It is recommended that you obtain 10-15% more than the required number of signatures to make sure the petition contains a valid number of signatures. Guidelines and complete signer requirements are found on pages 28-30 of the Candidate Manual linked below. 

10. Return your signature sheets to the City Recorder at City Hall along with Form SEL 338 Petition Submission in sufficient time for the City Recorder to obtain signature verification from the County before filing closes at 5 pm on August 25, 2026 (or on August 18, 2026 for elected incumbents). Candidates are encouraged to submit signatures to the City Recorder by August 6, 2026, to ensure there is enough time for verification. 

11. Once candidates are confirmed, the City Recorder will prepare a certified list to the County Clerk for the ballot. 

12. The County Elections Division prepares the ballot and administers the election. 

 

Bay City Qualifications: 

BAY CITY CHARTER 

CHAPTER VI 

ELECTIVE OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS Section 23. Qualifications. 

1) An elective City officer shall be a qualified elector under the State constitution and shall have resided in the City during the 12 months immediately before being elected or appointed to the office. In this subsection City means area inside the City limits at the time of the election or appointment. 

2) No person may be a candidate at a single election for more than one elective City office. 

3) No person may hold elective office and be an employee of the City. An elective officer may be employed in a City position that is substantially volunteer in nature. Whether the position is so may be decided by the Council.

4) The Council is the final judge of the election and qualifications of its members. 

5) The qualifications of appointive officers of the City are whatever the Council prescribes or authorizes. 

Section 24. Compensation. The Council shall prescribe the compensation of City officers. The Council may prescribe a plan for reimbursing City officers for expenses that they incur in serving the City. 

Section 25. Oath of Office. Before assuming the duties of elected or appointive office of the City of Bay City, the officer shall take the following oath: 

I, _______(name)_________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Oregon, and the Charter, Rules and Ordinances of the City of Bay City and that I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of _______ Mayor/Councilor/Officer (as appropriate) to which I have been duly elected/appointed (as appropriate) according to the best of my abilities. 

Election Links 

 

Candidate Manuals & Filing Forms 

  1. City Candidate Manual (PDF)
  2. SEL 101 Candidate Filing Form (PDF)
  3. SEL121 Candidate Signature Sheet - Nonpartisan (PDF)
  4. SEL 338 Petition (Signature Sheet) Submission Form (PDF)
  5. SEL 150 Candidate Filing Withdrawal Form (deadline Aug 28, 2026) (PDF)
  6. So You Want to Run for Local Office...A Guide for Prospective City Elected Officials (PDF)

 

Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements 

Candidates must follow state law for campaign finance reporting. The Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division handles all campaign finance reporting. 

See the Campaign Finance Manual and ORESTAR Quick Guide below.  

Any questions you have regarding campaign finance should be directed to the Secretary of State’s Office: 

 

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