In a few short months, Clackamas County voters will head to the polls to decide 136 open positions across 44 school, fire, water and other districts in the May 16 special district election.
It will be the first major election for new Clackamas County Clerk Catherine McMullen, who is encouraging all interested residents to consider running for local public service.
“Most Clackamas County residents live in three or more different service districts, said McMullen, who serves as the county’s head election official.
“If you have ever been interested in running for local office, this is a great way to get started in elected public service. You can get directly involved with local infrastructure, our schools, or emergency services.”
The filing period for citizens to submit their names for these positions is open from now until the deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, March 16.
While unpaid, these positions are extremely influential in shaping how local districts operate, McMullen said.
Typically, board members are charged with representing the local community by providing direction and developing policies for the operation of the district, establishing goals and objectives, adopting a budget, and evaluating programs. Most positions are four-year terms.
To look up which districts and positions they are eligible to run for, residents are encouraged to visit and enter their address into the county’s online CMAP application. Voters may also call the elections office at 503-655-8510 to confirm their eligibility.
Filing is an easy and inexpensive process. Candidates must fill out a simple form and submit it at the Clackamas County Election Division office at 1710 Red Soils Court in Oregon City. Forms are also available at the office.
While it costs only $10 to file, candidates have the option to provide a statement in the Voters’ Pamphlet for an additional $25.
April 25 is the voter registration deadline for the May 2023 special district election. You can register to vote or update your information at oregonvotes.gov.
Among the issues Canby-area voters will consider is a local option levy increase for the Canby Fire District, which would allow the agency to hire more firefighters and expand operations.
The fire district will also have three open positions on the ballot. As of February 26, only incumbent Board President Shawn Carroll had filed for a new term in Zone 5.
The Canby School District Board of Directors also has three openings, which have already drawn considerable interest. Al’s Garden Centers co-owner Mark Bigej is challenging incumbent Director Dawn Depner, while newcomers Katie Iverson and Lori Boatright have both filed for the seat currently held by Rob Sheveland.
Incumbent Director Stefani Carlson is currently running unopposed.
More information about the upcoming election, including a complete list of open positions, can be found online at bit.ly/ClackCoMay2023Election.
Hear more from McMullen in Episode 420 of the Now Hear This: Canby podcast, “Busy Clerk”:
