ORS 254.431
Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature

  • public record limitation

(1)

If a ballot is challenged because it is returned in an unsigned return identification envelope or because the signature of an elector on a return identification envelope does not match the signature in the voter registration record for the elector, the county clerk shall mail to the elector a notice that describes the nature of the challenge. The Secretary of State shall design a standard form to be used in all notifications sent by county clerks under this subsection.

(2)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

In order for the vote of the elector to be counted, the elector must provide evidence sufficient to disprove the challenge not later than the 21st calendar day after the date of the election. In the case of an unsigned return identification envelope, providing sufficient evidence may include completing a certified statement on a form provided by the county clerk. The Secretary of State shall design a standard form to be used for certified statements made under this paragraph.

(b)

If the elector does not provide evidence sufficient to disprove a challenge alleging that the signature of the elector on a return identification envelope does not match the signature in the voter registration record for the elector by the 21st calendar day after the date of the election, the registration of the elector shall be considered inactive.

(3)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The filing officer may not release as a public record any information that could be used to identify an elector whose ballot has been challenged under this section until the 15th calendar day after the date of an election.

(b)

Following the 14th calendar day after the date of an election, the filing officer may disclose as a public record under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) the following information about each elector whose ballot was challenged under this section:

(A)

The name of the elector;

(B)

The residence addresses of the elector; and

(C)

The reason the elector’s ballot is being challenged.

(4)

The provisions of ORS 247.281 (Notice to elector of inactive registration) apply to an elector whose registration becomes inactive under this section.

(5)

As used in this section, “filing officer” means:

(a)

The Secretary of State, for federal or statewide elections and for elections to the office of state Senator or Representative; or

(b)

The county clerk, for county, city or district elections. [2013 c.695 §3; 2014 c.67 §3; 2014 c.112 §3; 2015 c.169 §5; 2017 c.749 §49; 2021 c.233 §4; 2021 c.551 §16]

Source: Section 254.431 — Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature; public record limitation, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors254.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).

254.005
Definitions 254.016
Elections conducted under this chapter 254.025
Construction of statutes applicable to primary elections 254.035
Time and place of elections for city officers 254.046
Expense of city election 254.056
Date and purpose of general election and primary election 254.065
Person receiving most votes nominated or elected 254.068
Simulated election for individuals under 18 years of age 254.071
Information regarding ballot format and method of voting ballot 254.074
County elections security plan 254.076
Register of candidates for nomination 254.085
Secretary of State’s statement of offices, candidates and measures 254.095
City elections officers’ statements of offices, candidates and measures 254.098
Expenses for change in information filed under ORS 254.085 or 254.095 254.103
Filing of measures referred by county governing body 254.108
Numbering county, city and district measures 254.115
Official primary election ballot 254.125
Nominating ballot for candidates to nonpartisan office 254.135
Official general or special election ballots 254.145
Design and contents of official ballots 254.155
Order of candidate names on ballot 254.165
Adjusting ballot when vacancy occurs 254.175
Providing ballot title and financial estimates in lieu of printing on ballot 254.185
Printing or furnishing of ballots by county clerk 254.195
Ballot specifications 254.235
Testing of voting machines and vote tally systems 254.321
Providing map of proposed boundaries for election on establishing or changing county or city boundaries 254.365
Voting at primary election by major party members and nonaffiliated electors 254.370
Record of nonaffiliated electors 254.399
When ballot considered legally cast 254.400
Elector right to cast vote in confidential manner 254.408
Procedure for voting by person for whom no evidence of registration is found 254.411
Voting after name change 254.415
Challenging ballot of person offering to vote 254.426
Procedure on challenged ballot 254.431
Special procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature 254.445
Assistance in marking ballot 254.458
Alternatives to secrecy envelope procedures 254.465
Elections to be conducted by mail 254.470
Procedures for conducting election by mail 254.471
Extension of deadline for returning ballots in case of emergency 254.472
Compartments for marking ballots 254.473
State payment for return of ballots by mail 254.474
Voting booths for primary and general elections 254.476
Personnel for counting ballots 254.478
Preparation for counting ballots 254.480
Replacement ballots 254.482
Persons authorized to watch receiving and counting of votes 254.483
Ballot security 254.485
Tally of ballots 254.495
Tally and return sheets 254.500
Tally of write-in votes 254.505
Ballots to be counted 254.515
Counting ballots marked “Federal only.” 254.525
Test of vote tally system 254.529
Choice of conducting hand recount of ballots or risk-limiting audit 254.532
Risk-limiting audit 254.535
Preservation of certain materials 254.545
Duties of county clerk after election 254.546
Duties of county clerk after recall election 254.548
Individual nominated or elected by write-in votes 254.555
Secretary of State’s duties after election 254.565
Duties of city elections officer after election 254.568
Certificate of election required before taking oath of office 254.575
Procedure when tie vote 254.650
Special election in case of death of nominee of major political party within 47 days of general election 254.655
Order calling special election 254.660
Conduct of special election

Current through early 2026

§ 254.431. Spec. procedure for ballots challenged due to failure to sign return envelope or nonmatching signature's source at oregon​.gov