Press Release

February 7, 2012

Secretary of State Kate Brown announces presidential candidates to appear on Oregon's presidential primary ballot

SALEM – Secretary Brown has determined which Democratic and Republican presidential candidates qualify for Oregon’s presidential primary ballot in May. The sole Democratic candidate on the ballot is President Barack Obama. Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum will all appear on the Republican ballot.

“I want Oregonians to have ample time to educate themselves on the candidates,” says Secretary of State Kate Brown. “I encourage all eligible Oregonians to participate in the political process. Your vote is your voice and all Oregonians deserve to be heard.”

There are two ways for presidential candidates to be included on the ballot in Oregon. The most common is at the Secretary of State’s sole discretion, if the candidate is a figure nationally recognized by the news media. Candidates not chosen in this manner can be included by submitting a nominating petition filed with the Secretary of State, after gathering valid signatures from 1,000 registered voters in each of the Oregon’s five congressional districts.

Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in Oregon’s presidential primary elections. The last day to register in order to be eligible to vote is Tuesday, April 24, 2012.

For more information, please contact:
Tony Green
Communications Director
tony.green@state.or.us
(503) 507-0082