SALEM, Ore.-Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read has fulfilled a promise to personally visit all 36 County Clerk’s across the state in their home counties during his first year in office.
“County Clerks are on the front lines of our democracy,” said Secretary Read. “They protect our elections, safeguard public records, and make sure every Oregonians’ vote is counted.”
When Secretary Read took office in January, his main priorities were restoring accountability and trust in the Secretary of State’s Office and safeguarding elections in Oregon.
Secretary Read’s visits began in Multnomah County on January 22, included a visit to Umatilla County on July 24, and concluded on December 17 in Lake County.
“Each visit left me awestruck by our clerks’ resourcefulness, creativity, and ability to put policy into practice in a way that best serves their community,” said Secretary Read. “I’m grateful for their commitment to every Oregonian and to the security, fairness, and safety of our elections.”
Most County Clerks in Oregon keep public records, manage court proceedings, marriage, death and property records, while also serving as Chief Elections Officials, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
During his visit to the Umatilla County Elections Office, Secretary Read met employees, toured the facility and was briefed on how elections are currently conducted in the County.
Secretary Read and Elections staff discussed changes due to having eight Secretaries of State in the past decade, as well as the hiring of new state-level Elections staff experienced in conducting elections, according to Umatilla County.
“We believe the one-on-one visit with the Oregon Secretary of State was valuable for strengthening the working relationship and partnership needed between the State, Umatilla County and the other 35 County Election offices in Oregon,” said Stephen Craigen, Elections/Records Supervisor for Umatilla County.
