Alert
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Natural Resources Program oversees the conservation district elections process. Elections for SWCD directors occur every two years. The next General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Candidates and districts must follow specific guidelines to advertise the elections and to have candidates’ applications processed and placed on the ballot. ODA notifies the districts and county clerks which positions are to be on the ballot for election, the procedures to follow, and deadlines needing to be met.
Candidates and districts are responsible to submit the appropriate paperwork to the local county clerk and to ODA.
Formularios electorales en español (Election forms available in Spanish)
SWCD director election write-in process
Information about how write-in ballots for directors are counted can be found in a fact sheet about the process.
Requirements for eligibility
Candidates for At Large positions must reside within the boundaries of the SWCD and be a registered voter in that district.
The other positions on the SWCD boards are Zone positions. Along with residing within the district's boundary and being a registered voter in that SWCD, eligibility also includes:
- Actively managing 10 or more acres in the zone that is being represented and residing within the boundaries of the district, or
- Residing within the zone that is being represented and actively managing 10 or more acres within the boundaries of the district, or
- Residing within the zone, serving at least one year in a SWCD At Large position or in a SWCD associate director position, and having a conservation plan that is approved by the district. This eligibility option does not include a requirement of active management of 10 acres or more.
Note to candidates: Submitting election materials in person requires an appointment
In accordance with Executive Order No. 20-12, and in an effort to protect employees and the public, ODA has changed the way it provides services at our offices.
Offices will remain open, but locked, and in-person interactions between staff and the public will be by appointment only. To drop off SWCD director election materials, schedule an appointment with Sandi Hiatt, SWCD Grants Administrator, at (503) 986-4704 or by email. Please note, 72 hours notice will be needed to accommodate the request.
Find your SWCD and zone
Put your address in the search bar of the SWCD interactive map page to find your SWCD and zone within your district.
2022 SWCD District Important Dates for Elections
8:00 a.m.
July 21, 2022
|
First day for district candidate to file Declaration of
Candidacy and Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet
with ODA. Forms received before this date will
be returned to the candidate. |
ORS 255.235
(40 days before final filing
date) |
Within 3 days of
spending or receiving
money, but no later
than when completed
petition is filed. |
Candidates expecting to receive or
expend more than $750, but less than $3,500, must file
the required forms with the Oregon Secretary of State’s
office within three business days of receiving or spending
money, but no later than when the completed petition is
filed. |
ORS 260.035
Candidate “Quick Guide” on Campaign Finance Reporting in Oregon |
5:00 p.m.
August 30, 2022 |
Last day for district candidate to file the Declaration of
Candidacy and Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet
forms with ODA no later than 5:00 p.m.
Last day for district candidate to file the Withdrawal of
Candidacy form for general election with ODA no later
than 5:00 p.m.
|
ORS 568.520
ORS 255.235
OAR 603-071-0030
(70 days before
election) |
August 31, 2022
|
First day for district candidate to file the Declaration of Intent and Request for Write-In Votes to be Tallied form
with ODA. |
ORS 568.530 |
5:00 p.m. October 25, 2022
|
Last day for district candidate to file Declaration of Intent and Request For Write-In Votes to be Tallied form with
ODA no later than 5:00 p.m.
|
ORS 568.530
(14 days before
election) |
November 8, 2022
|
Election Day |
ORS 254.056 |
January 1, 2023
|
First day newly elected directors may take the Oath of
Office after receiving election certificates. |
Oregon Constitution Article XV, Section 3
ORS 254.568 |
Information and filing forms for candidates
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SWCD Elections During Oregon’s COVID-19 State of Emergency, County Elections Contacts
SWCD elections COVID-19 FAQs
Information and forms for SWCDs