Salem would place election oversight with a five-member board

The board would handle voter registration and election duties, and its chair would investigate voting complaints. Its duties would cover Salem’s caucuses, primaries, and elections, including promoting voter registration and participation. The board would not give election notices or set election dates and hours. These duties would take effect upon passage or July 1, 2026, whichever is later.

Salem would have a five-member board of election commissioners. Current registrars other than the city clerk would serve their remaining terms and until successors qualify, unless they leave earlier. The fifth member could have no party affiliation. Membership would reflect Salem’s racial and ethnic makeup where feasible. The mayor would appoint two additional members with city council approval. The transition would occur when the act takes effect. Added members would initially serve two and three years; later full terms would last three years.

The mayor could appoint assistant commissioners, and the board could appoint an administrative director. Assistants would perform tasks requested by the board. The director would support operations, coordinate city departments during elections, and keep board records. Both types of appointments would depend on money being set aside. The mayor would choose assistants from candidates recommended by the board. The mayor would have to approve the board’s choice of director.