Elections
Mayor and Council positions are non-partisan and placed before the voters at biennial general elections held in November of even numbered years.
The Mayor position is nominated at large and serves a two-year term. Council Members are nominated at-large and serve a four-year term.
Ballot Box
The Vernonia area ballot box is located at the Vernonia Library.
Positions Open for the November 3, 2026 General Election
- Mayor - 2-year Term (Currently held by Rick Hobart)
- City Council Position - 4-year term (Currently held by Susan Wagner)
- City Council Position - 4-year term (Currently held by Dale Webb)
So You Want To Run For Office?
If you are interested in running for office, the City strongly encourages you to contact Stephanie Borst, City Recorder to review the process, paperwork and important filing deadlines.
sborst@vernonia-or.gov
503.429.5291 x105
Required Qualifications
Candidates must be registered voters in the State of Oregon.
Candidates must be residents of Vernonia (residing inside the city limits) for a minimum of 1 year.
Filing Forms
Filing Forms and Manuals can be accessed on the Columbia County Elections Website.
To run for office in the City of Vernonia:
You must submit a completed SEL 101 to the City Recorder and pay a $10 filing fee.
OR
In lieu of a fee, you may file by also submitting 30 signatures from qualified Vernonia Voters on Form SEL 121.
Filing Deadlines
Candidate Filing Forms
Candidate filing forms may be picked up at City Hall
Wednesday, June 1, 2026 - Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Completed Candidate Filing Forms
Must be filed with the City Recorder no later than:
Elected Incumbent Candidates seeking re-election to the same office - due by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Other than Elected Incumbent seeking re-election to the same office - due by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Withdrawal of Candidacy or Nomination
To withdraw from candidacy or nomination, a candidate must file a Withdrawal of Candidacy of Nomination (SEL 150) with the City Recorder no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Voter Pamphlet
Candidate Statements for the County Voters' Pamphlet must be filed directly with the Columbia County Elections Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for inclusion in the Columbia County Voters' Pamphlet. The form can be found on the Columbia County Elections Website. This form and accompanying fee must be submitted directly to the Columbia County Elections Office.
Signage Regulations
If you have, or plan to have signs displayed for an upcoming election, please note that the City of Vernonia has regulations regarding signs:
Before placing signs, please review the City of Vernonia Sign Code, and contact the City of Vernonia to verify that the placement of signs is approved.
Elections Staff
