On November 3, 2026, Albany voters will elect one candidate for each of these offices:
|
Position |
Term |
Seat years |
|
Mayor |
Two years |
1/1/2027 through 12/31/2028 |
|
Councilor-Ward 1a |
Four years |
1/1/2027 through 12/31/2030 |
|
Councilor-Ward 2a |
Four years |
1/1/2027 through 12/31/2030 |
|
Councilor-Ward 3a |
Four years |
1/1/2027 through 12/31/2030 |
The Albany City Council is composed of a Mayor elected from the City at large, and six Councilors elected by Ward. The City of Albany Municipal Election is Nonpartisan.
Qualifications
Qualifications to Run for Albany City Council
- Must be an Albany resident;
- a registered voter/qualified elector;
- have lived within Albany continuously during the twelve months immediately preceding the election;
- reside in the ward you are running to represent for a period of ninety (90) days (unless running for Mayor) and
- meet all other state and City Charter requirements.
Pursuant to HB 4024
- Incumbents seeking re-election must file no later than seven days before the filing deadline for non-incumbent candidates (August 18, 2026).
- Incumbent candidates who were appointed to the position they are seeking election to are subject to the same filing deadline as non-incumbent candidates (August 25, 2026)
Filing
Filing for Office
- Albany candidates can either file by submitting a fee of $5 or by petition.
- Please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set an appointment to file, or for any additional questions.
Candidate Filings
As candidates file to run, candidate names and SEL 101 forms will be posted on this page.
Steps
- Review pages 21-23 of the County, City and District Candidate Manual.
- Choose one of the filing methods:
File by Fee/Declaration
- Fill out SEL 101 Candidate Filing Nonpartisan and the City of Albany “Declaration of Candidacy” form included in your packet
- As of January 1, 2024, candidates can request a residence address exemption from the Oregon Secretary of State. This is an optional choice. Select this option on the SEL 101 form. Fill out a separate SEL 180 Residence Address Exemption Request and file with the Secretary of State office to enact the exemption*
- Pay the filing fee of $5
- or -
File by Petition
- Fill out SEL 101 Candidate Filing Nonpartisan and complete the SEL 121 Candidate Signature Sheet Nonpartisan(must be approved by the elections officer before circulating/gathering signatures).
- The petition must contain 100 valid signatures of persons having the same qualifications as the office sought, as provided in Section 13 of the Albany Charter. In addition, the candidate must sign an acceptance of nomination. Submit with a completed SEL 338 Petition Submissionto the City Recorder. (It is suggested to obtain more than 100 signatures as some may be disqualified. Allow enough time for verification before the end of the filing period.)
*Residence address may still be releasable subject to a Public Records Request.
To withdraw your Candidacy
Turn in a completed SEL 150 by August 28, 2026.
Campaign Reporting in Oregon
As required by state law, candidates must follow campaign finance reporting requirements. Be sure to review the contribution and expenditure reporting requirements and observe the filing deadlines. The campaign finance manual and the ORESTAR user's manual are available online at www.oregonvotes.gov)
Limitation of Candidacy/Lucrative Office
Per ORS 249.013(1), a person may not be a candidate for more than one lucrative office to be filled at the same election.
Stipend
Councilors receive $130 per month. The mayor receives $185 per month. The mayor and councilors also each receive a $50 internet stipend per month.
Election Signs
Signs
- Signs of any kind may not be located at any time in the public right-of-way as per Albany Development Code 13.220(2)(b).
- One temporary sign per issue and per candidate may be placed on property based on the ballot of an election within the district where the property is located.
- In residential zones, signs are limited to four square feet per face and a maximum height of three feet.
- In commercial or industrial zones, signs are limited to an area of eight square feet per face and a maximum height of five feet. Signs may be placed 45 days prior to an election and must be removed no more than seven days after the election.
- For additional questions on Albany's sign code, contact Community Development at 541-917-7550.
- Signs within sight of state highways have additional limitations. ODOT will remove any signs and hold them at the district maintenance office for 30 days. More information is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/row/.
Additional Info
Additional Helpful Information
- State of Oregon Elections Division
- Oregon Government Ethics Law Guide for Public Officials (2026)
- League of Oregon Cities Local Government Basics
- Albany City Council Manual
- League of Oregon Cities So You Want to Run for Local Office Guide
- Albany 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
- City of Albany Municipal Code and Charter
City Council Elections
Council positions, terms, and wards
Resources for prospective candidates
League of Oregon Cities
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division
Oregon Government Ethics Commission
- Statement of Economic Interest Filer Guide
- Oregon Government Ethics Law, a Guide for Public Officials
Stipend
Councilors receive $130 per month. The mayor receives $185 per month. The mayor and councilors also each receive a $50 internet stipend per month.
Election signs
Signs of any kind may not be located at any time in the public right-of-way as per Albany Development Code 13.220(2)(b).
One temporary sign per issue and per candidate may be placed on property based on the ballot of an election within the district where the property is located.
In residential zones, signs are limited to an area of four square feet per face and a maximum height of three feet.
In commercial or industrial zones, signs are limited to an area of eight square feet per face and a maximum height of five feet. Signs may be placed 45 days prior to an election and must be removed no more than seven days after the election.
For additional questions on Albany's sign code, contact Community Development at 541-917-7550.
Signs within sight of state highways have additional limitations. ODOT will remove any signs and hold them at the district maintenance office for 30 days. More information is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/row/.
