2026 Board of Directors Election
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
The Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will have four Board of Directors positions up for election in the November 3, 2026 General Election.
Our Board of Directors helps guide the District's work to conserve and protect Columbia County's soil, water, habitat, and other natural resources.
This page provides information about the upcoming election, how director positions are elected, and where to find official voting resources.
Positions Up for Election
The following Columbia SWCD Board positions are scheduled for election in 2026:
| Position | Term Length |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 4 years |
| Zone 2 | 2 years |
| Zone 3 | 4 years |
| At-Large 2 | 4 years |
Board elections take place every two years, with director terms generally lasting four years.
View the Official 2026 Election Notice
How Does Voting for SWCD Directors Work?
Columbia SWCD is divided into geographic zones to provide representation from different areas of the District. However, all eligible voters residing within Columbia SWCD's boundaries may vote for director candidates representing any zone on the ballot, regardless of which zone they live in.
For example, a voter living in Zone 3 may vote for candidates representing Zones 1, 2, and 3, as well as At-Large positions appearing on their ballot.
Zone boundaries determine the residency and eligibility requirements for candidates, not which district voters may vote for them.
This voting process is established under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 568.560(4).
Read ORS 568.560: Director Elections and Qualifications
Important Election Dates
- October 13, 2026: Deadline for new voter registration.
- October 14, 2026: Counties begin mailing ballots to active registered voters.
- October 20, 2026: Deadline for qualified SWCD write-in candidates to submit the required declaration to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
- October 27, 2026: Last recommended day to return ballots by mail.
- November 3, 2026: Election Day. Official ballot drop boxes close at 8:00 p.m. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day.
For complete information about voter registration, ballot tracking, and voting deadlines, visit the Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division.
Oregon Voting and Election Information
Where Can I Find Candidate and Ballot Information?
Official election information, candidate filings, voters' pamphlets, and sample ballots are available through the Columbia County Elections Office.
Voters can also use Oregon's My Vote service to check their registration, update their voter information, and track their ballot.
Columbia County Election Information
What Does the Columbia SWCD Board Do?
Columbia SWCD is governed by a Board of Directors that helps establish the District's priorities and provides oversight of its programs, operations, and resources.
Board members help guide decisions involving conservation programs, financial management, long-term planning, and partnerships that support natural resource stewardship throughout Columbia County.
The Board consists of five zone directors and two at-large directors.
Interested in Becoming a Director?
There are two types of elected director positions on the Columbia SWCD Board:
Zone Directors
Zone directors must be registered voters and reside within the geographic zone they represent. Additional eligibility requirements apply in Columbia County under ORS 568.560(3), including qualifying land management experience or previous District service and an approved conservation plan.
At-Large Directors
At-large directors must reside within Columbia SWCD's boundaries and be registered voters within the District.
Specific eligibility requirements are established by Oregon law and administered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Although the regular candidate filing deadline for the November 2026 election has passed, individuals interested in future Board service are encouraged to learn more about director responsibilities and opportunities to participate in the District.
Learn More About SWCD Director Elections and Eligibility
Learn About Becoming an Associate Director
Questions About the Election?
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Sandi Hiatt, SWCD Election Clerk
Email: sandi.hiatt@oda.oregon.gov
Phone: 971-301-3605
Columbia County Elections Office
Phone: 503-397-7214
Email: elections@columbiacountyor.gov
Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District
35285 Millard Road
St. Helens, OR 97051
Phone: 503-433-3205
For official election procedures, candidate eligibility determinations, and ballot-related questions, please contact the appropriate election authority.
Find your Region
- Put your address in the search bar of the SWCD interactive map page to find your region within your district.
- For information about each of Oregon's SWCDs, see the SWCD Directory, updated March 13, 2026.
You can find more information on the Oregon Department of Agriculture's website here.
