Bill would align county voters pamphlet filing dates with state handbook

Sen. Lou Frederick introduced Senate Bill 578 on June 4, 2025, saying the bill would make the filing deadline for candidate portraits and statements in county voters pamphlets consistent with the dates printed in the Secretary of State—9s candidate handbook. "This is simply about consistency and predictability," Frederick said, asking the committee for support.

The measure would remove the Secretary of State—9s discretion to set different county dates and would allow the secretary to establish a date by rule for vacancies or elections other than the primary and general elections. Frederick said the measure would take effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Kim Schmidt of Jefferson County testified that she and other rural candidates had tried to use the handbook deadlines and then found county deadlines were earlier, preventing them from submitting statements. "To not make the candidate statement is a number 1 way people are going to know who you are," Schmidt said, describing the effect on rural campaigns.

Frederick said 12 counties currently have earlier filing dates than the state handbook and offered Salem as an example where the city straddles two counties with different pamphlet deadlines, producing inconsistent outcomes for candidates. He told the committee the bill had unanimous support coming out of the Senate Rules Committee and on the Senate floor.

No formal action was taken on the bill in the House Rules meeting; the item was heard as a public hearing and the committee closed the hearing after testimony.

The measure, as presented, would change administrative practice for county elections officials and the Secretary of State but would not itself create an appropriation or immediate fiscal note in the committee hearing record.