Election Information & Results
Charter Revisions – May 2009
UPDATE: A proposal to revise Albany’s city charter was to be on the May 19, 2009 election ballot for Albany residents in Linn and Benton counties. At this time the City is pulling the measure from the May 2009 ballot due to costs associated with the special election. The measure will be placed on the next General Election ballot in November. Ballot measure language and a copy of the proposed revisions are available for public review at Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St. SW; both branches of the Albany Public Library, 302 Ferry St. SW and 2450 14th Ave. SE.; and online at www.cityofalbany.net.
Elections for the offices of Mayor & City Councilor
You may file to become a candidate using one of the following options:
- Declaration Option ($5 fee)
- Petition Option (Signatures of 25 registered voters in your Ward)
- If you are running for Mayor or City Councilor in Ward I, you must download this supplemental information for these two offices.
Registering to Vote
Oregon Secretary of State, Election Division
http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/votreg/vreg.htm
Political Signs
Signs are allowed earlier than 45 days before the election date because of the following regulations:
DEVELOPMENT CODE 13.320 (9) POLITICAL SIGNS
Signs shall be erected and maintained entirely on private property with the consent of the occupant of the premises, and be limited to an area of 4 square feet per face in a Residential Zone and 8 square feet per face in a Commercial or Industrial Zone and a maximum dimension or height of 3 feet in a Residential Zone and 5 feet in a Commercial or Industrial Zone. Billboards are excluded from this provision. No signs shall be erected or maintained on utility poles or upon trees, rocks or other natural features. Signs shall not be erected prior to 45 days from the applicable election, and shall be removed with 7 days after the election. Violation of this ordinance shall result in enforcement procedures against the candidate or property owner.
CITY ATTORNEY OPINIONS
February 23, 2000
Regarding mail-in elections: 45 days before the first day that mail-in ballots can be accepted for the mail-in election, signs may be erected. Generally, Linn County has said that mail-in ballots can be accepted 14 days prior to election date.
September 10, 2004
Regarding allowing the use of individuals on corners holding a political sign endorsing a candidate: Such signage is legal within the Albany sign code as our code addresses signs that are connected in some way to a structure, building, or device. In particular examples are seen of political signs during parades or rallies as being allowable.
COUNCIL MOTION
August 25, 2008
MOTION: Political signs may be posted 45 days prior to the date that ballots are distributed to the general population by each county. Motion was seconded and passed 5-0.
LINN COUNTY DISTRIBUTION OF BALLOTS
- Mailed October 17 to the general public.
- Signs may be erected in Linn County starting on September 2, 2008.
BENTON COUNTY DISTRIBUTION OF BALLOTS
- Mailed October 18 to the general public.
- Signs may be erected in Benton County starting on September 3, 2008.







