Article VI of the Oregon State Constitution

We now start to look at Article VI of the Oregon State Constitution.  This Article deals with the functions of the Secretary of State and entitled "Administrative Department".

Section 1

This section defines the roles of the Secretary of State and Treasurer of State (links go to their respective websites).  These posts are elected by the people for a term of four years.  As with the Governor, no one can hold these positions for more that two consecutive terms.

Section 2

This section defines the role of the Secretary of State.  Further definition is in the Oregon Revised Statutes.

Section 3

There is a seal of the state of Oregon and it is kept by the Secretary of State to be applies to official documents such as commissions and executive orders.

Section 4

No specific duties are defined for the Treasurer in the Constitution, but are defined by the Legislature.

Section 5

This section defines retention of records in a broad sense.  All three offices, Governor, Secretary of State and Treasurer are responsible for keeping records of the business of the state.

Section 6

This defines some requirements for local government at the county level.  Each county shall have an elected County Clerk, Sheriff and Treasurer.  The term of office for each is four years.

Section 7

This sections allows for other elected officials as defined in law.

Section 8

This section defines that local officials need to be residents in their jurisdiction.  Further, where a specific background or qualification is required, the person running for such office must have that qualification.  Specifically mentioned are the county assessor, county sheriff, county coroner and county surveyor.

Section 9

Vacancies can be filled in accordance with the laws defined by the legislature.

Section 10

This defines that the people in a county can adopt a home rule charter.  I have made a page that lists which counties have a home rule charter and provides links to those documents.