Klamath Falls, Oregon – Klamath Falls residents who are thinking about stepping into local public service will have a clear window this summer to begin the process for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
According to election information from the City of Klamath Falls, candidates interested in running for an elected city position may begin filing on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The filing period will remain open through Tuesday, August 25, 2026, giving potential candidates several weeks to gather materials, review requirements and formally submit paperwork before the deadline.
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The city positions open for election this year are Ward 3, Ward 4 and Ward 5. Those elected in November will begin their new terms on January 1, 2027.
For residents considering a run for City Council, the City Charter sets specific qualifications. A candidate must have been a resident of the City of Klamath Falls, or an area annexed into the city, continuously for the four years immediately before the election. The candidate must also currently live in the ward district where they are seeking the council seat.
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Candidates must also be qualified electors as described under the State Constitution.
The qualifications for running for mayor are similar, though the residency requirement applies to the city as a whole rather than a specific ward. A mayoral candidate must have lived within the Klamath Falls city limits for the four years preceding the election and must still live within the city limits at the time of the election.
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City officials are directing interested applicants to contact City Recorder Nickole Barrington at 500 Klamath Avenue to obtain the necessary election manual and filing forms. Those materials will be available on or after June 3, 2026. The city is also urging potential candidates to begin the process well before the August 25 filing deadline, rather than waiting until the final days.
Questions about running for a city position may also be directed to the Office of the City Recorder. The Mayor, Council and City Recorder’s office can be reached at 541.883.5325.
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Additional city contact numbers include the City Attorney at 541.883.5323, TTY for hearing-impaired callers at 541.883.5324, fax at 541.883.5399 and the City Manager’s office at 541.883.5316.
The November election will help shape the next chapter of city leadership in Klamath Falls, with new terms beginning at the start of 2027.
