Tigard, Oregon is a vibrant and growing city located in Washington County. With a population of over 55,000 residents, it is the 12th largest city in the state. As an expert on local government and elections, I have witnessed firsthand the democratic process of electing the mayor of Tigard. In this article, I will take you through the steps and responsibilities involved in this important process.
The Role of the Mayor
Before diving into the process of electing the mayor of Tigard, it is crucial to understand the role and responsibilities of this position.The mayor is the highest elected official in the city and serves as the head of the city council. They are responsible for presiding over council meetings, appointing members to various committees, and representing the city at official events and functions. Additionally, the mayor plays a crucial role in setting the agenda for city council meetings and working with other elected officials to make decisions that benefit the community as a whole. They also serve as a liaison between the city government and its residents, addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.
The Election Process
The mayor of Tigard is elected through a nonpartisan election, meaning that candidates do not run under a specific political party. This allows for a more diverse pool of candidates and encourages voters to focus on individual qualifications rather than party affiliation. The election for mayor takes place every four years, coinciding with the general election cycle.This means that residents have the opportunity to vote for their mayor at the same time they vote for other elected officials such as state representatives and senators. In order to be eligible to run for mayor in Tigard, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the city for at least one year prior to the election, and a registered voter. They must also collect a certain number of signatures from registered voters in order to appear on the ballot.
The Campaign Process
Once a candidate has met the eligibility requirements and has been approved to appear on the ballot, they can begin their campaign. This typically involves creating a platform that outlines their goals and plans for the city, as well as reaching out to potential voters through various forms of media. Candidates may also participate in debates and forums where they can discuss their views and answer questions from the public. This allows voters to get a better understanding of each candidate's stance on important issues and make an informed decision when casting their vote. It is worth noting that Tigard has a strict code of ethics for elected officials, which includes guidelines for campaigning.Candidates must adhere to these rules in order to maintain fairness and integrity throughout the election process.
The Voting Process
On election day, residents of Tigard have the opportunity to cast their vote for mayor at designated polling locations. They may also choose to vote by mail if they are unable to make it to the polls on election day. Once all votes have been tallied, the candidate with the majority of votes is declared the winner and becomes the new mayor of Tigard. In the event of a tie, a runoff election may be held between the top two candidates.The Importance of Local Elections
While national elections often receive more attention and media coverage, it is important not to overlook the significance of local elections. The decisions made by elected officials at the city level have a direct impact on residents' daily lives. By participating in local elections, residents have the opportunity to shape the future of their community and ensure that their voices are heard.This is especially important in a city like Tigard, where the population is diverse and the needs of its residents are constantly evolving.
