City of La Grande Charter Proposed Amendment for Voter Approval – General Election November 5, 2024

July 12, 2024 – City of La Grande: City of La Grande Charter Proposed Amendment for Voter Approval – General Election November 5, 2024

The City Council is requesting voter approval to amend the City Charter.
The proposed City Charter Amendment will be placed as a measure on the General Election ballot.  The General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.  The proposal removes the separate position numbers for the City Councilors, eliminates the Primary Election, eliminates elections to fill mid-term vacancies for those with two or more years remaining, and clarifies language.


The result of “Yes” Vote:  Amends language in the City Charter.

** If approved by the voters, the amended City Charter would be in effect starting January 1, 2025.


Form of Government:  Revises language to eliminate the position numbers for each of the seven City Council seats.

The current system of candidates filing for individual, non-partisan positions, which are not tied to geographic areas in the city creates confusion for voters and candidates.  There is the potential for multiple candidates running for one position while other positions may be unopposed.  The intent is rather than candidates running for a specific City Councilor vacancy, that all candidates would simply be running for three City Councilor vacancies and the three candidates with the most votes are elected to four-year terms.  Only the Mayor would be a separately elected position, and would remain a two-year term.


Elections:  Eliminates the Biennial Primary Election and updates language to hold only a Biennial General Election.  Candidates for Mayor (two-year term) and three City Councilors (four-year terms) would be on the General Election ballot every two years.  Currently if three or more candidates file for Mayor or one of the City Council positions, the city must hold a Primary Election.  Under the proposed change, all candidates would only be on the November ballot (General Election).

Vacancies in Office: Updates language for filling mid-term vacancies (typically due to resignation).  Currently a majority vote of the remaining City Council fills a vacancy of less than two years.  If there are two or more years remaining, the vacancy is filled by an election.  The proposed language fills all vacated seats by appointment by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Council regardless of how much time was remaining in that term.  Language was also revised to reflect how a position would be filled in the case of a temporary disability or absence of any officer. 

The intent for the proposed amendment is to eliminate confusion on the ballot for the voters and to streamline the process to fill the remainder of a vacated term for an easier transition.

The result of “No” Vote:  There would be no change to the City Charter.



What is the City Charter?
The City Charter is a legal document that establishes the structure, functions, and powers of a city government. It acts as the city’s constitution, outlining the organization of the city government, the powers and duties of elected officials, and the methods by which city services and functions are carried out.  Under Oregon law, cities have “home rule” authority, which means they have the power to govern themselves with respect to local matters.

Why is it important?
Local Autonomy: The City Charter provides cities in Oregon with the flexibility to tailor their government structure and operations to meet local needs and preferences.

Clarity and Transparency: It offers clear guidelines on how the city is governed, promoting transparency and accountability in local government.

Legal Framework: The Charter serves as the legal foundation for the city’s operations, ensuring that all actions taken by city officials are within their defined powers.

Where can I view the current City Charter showing the original language and proposed revisions?
The City Charter showing proposed changes can be viewed by clicking the PDF attachment below, named La Grande City Charter – Legislative Copy

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