Letter from Secretary of State Kate Brown

Dear Oregonian,

It is my pleasure to provide the online 2010 County Initiative and Referendum Manual. Our office encourages its citizens to participate in lawmaking at all levels of government. You as a citizen of Oregon have the right to introduce new laws or change existing laws that you feel would benefit all Oregonians.

This manual has been prepared for use by citizens interested in filing a county initiative or referendum petition. The process for filing a county initiative and referendum is provided for in this manual in the steps necessary for your compliance with the law. However, it is recommended that you ask your county elections officials to check their local charters and/or ordinances for provisions that may impose different or additional requirements.

In the 2009 Legislative Session a change in the timeframe in which a "county initiative" may be circulated was limited to two years from the time the petition is approved to circulate.

Please read this year's manual carefully to find any other changes that will affect the process. Your county elections offices and the Elections Division of the Secretary of State is available to assist you with any questions or resolve any concerns you may have.

Best,

Kate Brown
Secretary of State

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Salem, OR 97310-1306