What to know about Portland's May special election
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All of Oregon's 36 counties have a special election next week, and Portland voters will weigh in on four school board seats and whether to renew a bond essential to renovating older schools vulnerable to earthquakes.
Why it matters: If renewed, the bond is expected to raise $1.8 million to be used in large part for modernization projects at three high schools — Ida B. Wells, Cleveland and Jefferson — without increasing the current tax rate.
Yes, but: Critics of the measure argue Portland Public Schools has mismanaged past bond funds and is building more unneeded capacity due to declining student enrollment.
- Despite initial strong support from the public, recent polling is less clear.
Here's a rundown of what else you'll find on your May 20 special election ballot:
Portland School District
Eleven people are running for four open seats on Portland Public School District's seven-person board. Each candidate will be elected to represent a specific zone but will be voted on citywide.
- Go deeper: For more information on all of the candidates running, check out Portland Mercury, KGW, the Oregonian and Willamette Week, or read their own words via the voters' pamphlet.
Multnomah County Education Service District
Three seats are open on the board of the government body that provides a variety of educational services — including career development, special education, health services and outdoor school — across the region's school districts.
Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District
Five positions are open on this regional board tasked with managing levee maintenance along the Columbia River in northern Multnomah County.
- The board also helps improve water quality for fish and wildlife in the floodplain, prepares for the potential impacts of climate change and responds to flooding emergencies when they happen.
Returning your ballot
Oregon is a vote-by-mail state, and no stamp is required to send your ballot back to be counted.
- Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or placed in an official dropbox by 8pm on May 20 to be counted.