On Wednesday, January 8, the Portland City Council passed a resolution authorizing a special elections schedule to fill a vacancy in office that occurred upon the death of former Commissioner Nick Fish. The election for the remainder of the Commissioner’s term will coincide with the City’s regular May 19, 2020 Primary Election. A run-off election, if necessary, is set for Tuesday, August 11, 2020, should no candidate receive a majority of the vote.

The City Charter requires filling City Council vacancies by election within 90 days, unless the Council finds reasonable cause for delay. Per the resolution, the elections schedule set by Council allows the City to fill the seat when an election is already being held, saves the City from expending funds on a separate election, and allows as much time as possible for a candidate filing period.

Information about how to apply to appear on the ballot for the office of Commissioner, Position No. 2 will be available for download on the City Elections Office website or in person pick-up beginning on Monday, January 13, 2020. The deadline to file for office is March 10, 2020.