Elections

There are nine elected official positions in the City of Pendleton:

• 8 City Councilors
• 1 Mayor

The Mayor and City Council are responsible for the formulation of City policy, enactment of the legislation, control of revenues and expenditures through the annual operating budget, and appointment of members to citizen advisory boards and commissions. Both City Councilors and City Mayor are elected to four-year terms. 

The Mayor and City Council meet in regular sessions on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. 

Specific information about the election process and City regulations are listed in the City Charter.

Wards & At-Large Positions

Most of the Pendleton City Council is elected by "wards," which means that they live within that area of the City and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office. Each of Pendleton's three wards have two City Council positions; one representative of each ward is elected every two years. City of Pendleton Ward Map.

The Mayor and At-Large City Council positions may live anywhere within City limits.

About the City’s Form of Government

In a Council-Manager form of government, all powers of the City are vested in the City Council. The Council hires a City Manager to manage day-to-day operations of the City of Pendleton, and the City Council ultimately decides whether or not the City will take action on matters concerning the City. The Mayor is elected separately from the City Council, and only votes in the event of a tie. 

Thank you for your interest in serving the citizens of Pendleton.  This information is being provided to assist you in understanding the requirements and responsibilities of candidates and the laws governing elections in the City of Pendleton.

Qualifications for Candidacy

To be an eligible candidate for City Councilor or Mayor of the City of Pendleton, candidates must, at the time of their election:

• Be a qualified elector under state law, the City Charter, and the laws of the Constitution of the State of Oregon
• Reside within the city for at least one year immediately before election or appointment to office.
• Not be a candidate for more than one city office, at a single election.
• Ward Council applicants must live within the ward they are applying for and must remain a resident of that ward throughout their term in office; however, all city residents may vote for Ward Council Candidates. Interactive Map of City of Pendleton Wards.

Running for Multiple Offices

Candidates can file for more than one position, and be on more than one board/council, as long as the offices are:

• Not on the same district board
• Not a city office on the same ballot
• Not for more than one precinct committee person office and
• Not a lucrative office- An office is considered lucrative if a salary or other compensation, beyond expenses, is attached to it; it is created by statute or the constitution; its holder exercises part of the sovereign power of government; it is a matter of public concern; and the position is not temporary or intermittent.

Filing for Candidacy

The City of Pendleton 2027 Candidate Information Packet may be picked up from the Administrative Office at Pendleton City Hall, 500 SE Dorion Ave., Pendleton.  The Candidate Information Packet will include forms for filing for office.  

The State of Oregon publishes a City Elections manual and a Campaign Finance manual which serve as guides and also provides the necessary forms referenced below.  The forms are also on line at https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/electionforms.aspx, or www.oregonvotes.org. 

Election Laws

All aspects of City elections are governed by State law unless specifically addressed by the Pendleton City Charter or the Pendleton City Ordinances.  The positions of City Councilor for the City of Pendleton are nonpartisan positions supported by petitions of nomination or a declaration of candidacy. City candidates are not eligible to submit statements for publication in the state voter’s pamphlet.  Candidates are allowed to run for only one position at a time.

To be on the primary election ballot, a candidate must file with the City Recorder for election by March 10, 2026.  The names of all candidates for each office will be on the ballot for the May 19, 2026, primary election.  If a candidate receives a majority of votes cast for that office the person is elected.  If no person receives a majority of the votes cast, the two candidates who receive the most votes will run for election in the General Election on November 3, 2026. The person who receives the most votes at that election will be elected.

How to File for Candidacy by Petition of Nomination

1. SEL 101 – Candidate Filing.  This identifies the candidate and office being sought.  Filing this form with the City Recorder by the deadline declares candidacy.  Complete both sides, sign and date the form and file with the City Recorder prior to beginning your campaign.
2. SEL 220 – Statement of Organization for Candidate Committee must be filed with the Elections Division if you plan to spend more than $750 or have a candidate committee. A prospective candidate establishes a candidate committee by opening a campaign account and filing a Statement of Organization for Candidate Committee and a Campaign Account Information form. The deadline to file a statement of organization is within 3 business days of receiving a contribution or making an expenditure.

Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination

If for some reason during your campaign, you decide to withdraw as a candidate, you must complete and file a Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination Form (SEL 150).  To have your name removed from the ballot, you must file SEL 150 no later than 5:00 pm on March 12, 2026, for the primary.

Checklist for City Elections Process

1. Pick up election packet from the City Recorders office.
2. Complete forms SEL 101 and SEL 220
3. File completed SEL 101 with City Recorders office before 5:00 PM on March 12, 2024.
4. Complete Declaration of Candidacy (last page).

Per guidelines in SB 580, the following candidates have filed and been determined eligible for the 2026 election:

• RUSSELL NICOLAI, Ward 1

• JOSE PEREZ, Ward 1

• IVE RIXE, Ward 1

• ELLIE MCBRIDE, Ward 2

• CODY JONES, Ward 2

• JOSEPH HULL, Ward 2, two-year term

• SEAN BUTLER, Ward 2, two-year term

• CALEB MONTGOMERY, Ward 2, two-year term

• ALICIA REYNEN, Ward 3

• KRISTI JENNESS, Ward 3

• MARIE PRATUCH, Ward 3

• ADDISON SCHULBERG, At Large

• DEBBIE KISHPAUGH, At Large

   

   

2026 Election Calendar

The County Voters’ Pamphlet

Each candidate is responsible for their own voters’ pamphlet submission, if you choose to file one, with Umatilla County’s Election Division which generally includes: a current photograph, brief biography, and a statement on issues.  Umatilla County Election’s Division charges a fee to the candidate for this filing. Please contact them directly for more information.

Election Ballot Boxes

In the City of Pendleton, election ballots may be dropped off at the Umatilla County Courthouse:

Umatilla County Elections 
Courthouse Room 18, Basement
216 SE 4th. St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Mon-Fri 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m
Election Day 7:00a.m.-8:00p.m

Ballots may also be dropped off at these Umatilla County Ballot Drop Site Locations.

Election Offices & Information Resources

City of Pendleton Elections Officer
Donna Biggerstaff
500 SE Dorion Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-966-0201

Umatilla County Elections Office
Courthouse Room #18, Basement
216 SE 4th. St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Mon-Fri 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Election Day 7:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
541-278-6254

Oregon State Elections Division
141 State Capitol
Salem, OR 97310
503‐986‐1518