But First Have You Voted? – All Clackamas County voters should have received their ballot in the mail by May 7. Find your nearest Official Ballot Drop Site and return your ballot early. Because of changes in how the USPS processes mail I am asking that you mail your voted ballot back no later May 12 to ensure it gets a postmark and arrives on time. Please use one of our 26 Official Ballot Drop Sites after that date (open until 8 p.m. on Election Day May 19, 2026). Join the 10,000 Postcards to Voters CampaignStrong campaigns don’t just happen—they’re built and maintained by people who care.One of the most effective and easy ways to support voter participation in Clackamas County is by writing postcards to fellow voters. This year, you have an opportunity to do exactly that while supporting the re-election of Catherine McMullen for County Clerk on the November General Election ballot. Why This Matters The County Clerk plays a critical role in administering elections—ensuring that Vote by Mail runs smoothly, securely, and is accessible for every eligible citizen. Outreach efforts like handwritten postcards help strengthen that system by encouraging people to participate. And it works—past campaigns have shown significantly higher turnout among voters who receive handwritten reminders. Our Goal: 10,000 Postcards This year’s campaign has an ambitious goal: 10,000 postcards mailed to voters across Clackamas County. They’ll be sent on October 14, the same day ballots are mailed to more than 320,000 voters. The timing is intentional—so that when voters receive their ballot, they also receive a personal reminder to participate. So far, volunteers across the county have already committed to writing over 6,000 postcards. It’s a strong start—but there’s still a long way to go. How You Can Help Getting involved is straightforward, and you can participate at whatever level works for you. Write postcards You’ll receive a kit with everything you need. Each pack includes 30 postcards, and you can take on as many as you’d like. Host a Postcard Party Gather friends, family, or neighbors and write together. You pick the time and place—your home, a coffee shop, a park—and the campaign can help spread the word (and may even provide some swag). Catherine will attend if her calendar allows it. Sign up to participate To get started, just send an email back with:Your nameDelivery address for your postcard kitHow many postcard packs you’d likeWhether you’re interested in hosting a gatheringKits can be dropped off locally or mailed if you’re outside the area. Support the Effort If you’d prefer to contribute financially, donations help cover essential costs like postage and printing. Sending 100 postcards costs about $61 in postage alone, so every donation helps expand the campaign’s reach. Donate Today

Protect the Progress We’ve Made Over the past four years, Catherine McMullen has strengthened elections in Clackamas County—modernizing systems, improving transparency, and putting into place tools like ballot tracking to better serve voters. But that progress isn’t guaranteed. It only continues if we show up to support it. Writing a postcard might seem like a small act, but together, those messages help re-elect a Clerk who has proven her commitment to accessible, secure, and accountable elections. If you’ve helped before—or have been thinking about getting involved—now is the time. Because protecting the integrity and accessibility of our elections doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people step up to defend and keep what’s working. Finally remember to vote across the whole ballot this May. Local elected officials determine local priorities for everyone in our communities, and it is important to make sure that your voice is heard at all levels of government. Catherine McMullen will be on your November general election ballot for re-election as Clackamas County Clerk. Make a donation today to support her campaign as she protects democracy at the local level.

It’s primary election season—and here in Clackamas County, that means real opportunities for voter participation and community engagement are right around the corner.

The Voter Registration and Party Choice Deadline is April 28, and now is the moment to make sure every eligible voter is ready to take part.

I know the noise at the federal level can feel overwhelming. But as your County Clerk, my focus is simple and steady: making sure every eligible citizen can vote in every election without hassle. That’s what democracy looks like at the local level.

Vote by Mail is the Oregon way—and it works because we support it together, as election administrators, as candidates, and as voters.

Right now, I’m raising funds for our “10,000 Postcards to Voters” campaign and voter outreach efforts, including walk literature to connect directly with our community. We started knocking on doors this week! These tools help us reach voters where they are with clear, accurate information they can trust.

Will you make a contribution today to support this work? A donation of $25 will help us print, stamp, and post 25 postcards. A donation of $101 will help us canvass a neighborhood this spring, ensuring every citizen is ready to vote in the primary and ready to re-elect Catherine McMullen as Clackamas County Clerk in the fall.

Your support helps ensure voters are informed, engaged, and able to participate with confidence.

Thank you for standing up for local democracy,

Catherine

We kicked off our first canvass of the year in Charbonneau, Wilsonville—right in the middle of the cherry blossoms. We had great conversations with voters about the upcoming primary, the role of the County Clerk, and how my office works to ensure every election is safe and secure.

It was also great to be back out there with Hal, one of my super-volunteers. We tested our process, worked through the details, and are building something strong.

We’ll be inviting you to join us soon!

Before taking office in 2023, I’d been a union member most of my professional life. I understand how important it is to have a strong voice and fairness in the workplace.

Now, as County Clerk my role is to ensure that every person has a voice in their local government, that every eligible voter is able to vote easily and securely.

I appreciate the continued support and endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers, (UFCW) Local 555 in my campaign for re-election as Clackamas County Clerk. Look for me on your ballot in November!

You too can endorse Catherine McMullen for a second term as Clackamas County Clerk. Visit Catherine’s Endorsements Page to see some of her supporters and add your name. Your voice is needed.

Good morning friends and supporters,

March 10th was the last day for local county candidates to file for the upcoming election cycle at my office. We had TWENTY candidates file for seven county positions by the 5 p.m. deadline.

The County Clerk is a constitutional office and per statute must be elected in the November General Election. Because I have only one opponent, we both advance automatically to the November General Election without a primary. I, Catherine McMullen will be on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot for re-election as your Clackamas County Clerk.

The energy in my office and the potential for civic engagement in Clackamas County is high this spring with so many choices for voters! I also welcome having an opponent for the November General Election. The great thing about democracy is that it gives people a voice, and an opportunity to make choices about the future of our communities. I’m proud of my record as your County Clerk; rebuilding trust in our elections, ensuring access to services, officiating weddings for all couples, and welcoming all residents to be part of our local government.

You can learn more about the May 19, 2026 Primary Election and see who has filed for office at the Clackamas County Elections website.

Your engagement this year is especially important. You have the opportunity to support local democratic processes and ensure that our elections continue to be safe and secure, accurate and trusted. Make a donation today to support democracy.

Thank you for your support,

Catherine McMullen, your Clackamas County Clerk

Spring Carnival on March 15!

What: Celebrate No Drama Elections with Clerk McMullen and Caesar the No Drama Llama!

Why: Kick off Clerk’s spring campaign for re-election with a civics carnival!

Fun family event! Meet Cesar the No Drama Llama and Catherine McMullen your Clackamas County Clerk. Spring into action for the Primary Election and make sure you are ready to vote!

When: Sunday, March 15th 2-4 p.m.

Where: Milwaukie (Location provided upon event RSVP)

Family-friendly! Accessible! Light refreshments! The Community kick-off will be family-friendly and include snacks. We will have games and activities like button-making. The event location is accessible, and has ample parking. You can also volunteer to provide transportation.

Contribute! Attendees will have a chance to contribute to Catherine’s campaign committee, Voices for Catherine McMullen, sign up to volunteer on the campaign, and hear from Clerk McMullen as we ramp up for the Primary Election.

Bring a friend, meet neighbors, and be part of the energy that keeps our democracy strong. Register for the event today. Your early registration will help us know how many guests to plan for.

On January 18, 2023 Clerk Catherine McMullen was ceremonially sworn-in by Judge Wetzel in the board room at the Clackamas County Public Services Building in Oregon City along with five other recently elected officials. Photos, video and the text of the speech is provided below.

Text of Clerk McMullen’s Inaugural Speech:

Chair Smith, Board of County Commissioners, Honorable Judge Wetzel, fellow elected officials, county staff, and the voters and residents of Clackamas County, Standing here this evening as your elected County Clerk, I feel a great honor, immense joy, and critical responsibility to you the people of our county.

I gratefully acknowledge the Clackamas, Chinook Bands, Kalapuya, Kalamet, Molalla, Multnomah, Tualatin, Tumwater, Wasco and the many other tribes of the Willamette Valley and Western Oregon on whose ancestral homelands we gather. We recognize their accomplishments as the native stewards of these lands as well as the diverse and vibrant native communities that are an integral part of who we are today. Without a full representation of everyone’s experience we will never be able to imagine and develop a better future.

Tonight, we stand here in what is now Oregon City, the County seat, a county first created as the Clackamas District (one of four far-reaching Oregon Districts) in 1843, redesignated as a county soon after in 1845, well before Oregon became a state in 1859. At this time Oregon’s provisional government designated three key offices for local governance.

• A Sheriff to keep the peace.
• A Treasurer to keep the money.
• And a County Clerk to keep and safeguard the public record. 

The County Clerk to this day acts as the official keeper of the County’s records, and ensures access to local government through conducting elections and managing public records.

Obviously now we have more elected offices. We have 11 elected officials that keep, protect, and serve at the pleasure of the voters. We have 16 incorporated cities, almost 100 special districts (think schools, libraries, parks, fire, water, and soil districts), and many unincorporated communities of distinct character and culture that make us who we are today.

To serve as your County Clerk and be a small part of this story of place and people from before Oregon’s statehood is a great honor. I am here to write only a page or two of the story, in service to the people of Clackamas County.

My family and I chose to make Oregon our home and to raise our children here in Clackamas County. We live in West Linn just on the other side of the river.  I have a rural upbringing, the oldest of three girls, daughter of small business-owners and a well-driller. We lived at the end of a dirt-road. It was the kind of childhood you take for granted until you leave home for the big city and only realize then that it was both unique and formative. Neither of my parents went to college, but they made sure each of their girls did. 

I have a BA from U.C. Davis, a first masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington, and more recently an executive Masters in Public Administration from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.  I’ve served as an election administrator, mostly in Oregon, since 2015 after being a public librarian for more than a decade. As a librarian I helped people find information and resources to be successful in their lives. Success defined by that person, for themselves, their families, and their communities.  When I made the move from books to ballots, this same purpose of self-determination carried over into my role as an elections administrator and County Clerk.

As my ten-year old daughter says, “My job is to help people vote.” It really is that simple.

My job is to ensure that every eligible voter has easy access to the ballot each and every election.  And that each election is conducted accurately, transparently, and securely.  

I am committed to serving all residents and voters in our county.

My office oversees the Elections, Recording, and Records Management departments. The Clerk’s Office is nonpartisan and it will be a space where everyone has equal access to quality services and secure elections. If you have questions or want to learn more about what the clerk does; from elections to records management, real property recording to officiating weddings; I am here to listen and to serve.

As of tonight, I’ve been on the job for just over 100 hours and I say it is time for a status update. In this brief time I’ve begun to address our most pressing challenges head-first. 

• I’ve hired a highly qualified and dedicated Elections Manager to bring stability and support to our hard-working Elections Team.
• We’ve immediately moved forward on the March 14 Special Election for the City of West Linn and the May 16 Special District Election that is county-wide. 
• We are addressing lingering issues from the 2022 elections and putting robust project management, proofing, and support in place.
• Personally I’m building relationships with each of my 18 staff in 3 departments, as well as with stakeholders across the county and in our many jurisdictions. 

We are rebuilding public trust through demonstrated good and effective government.

We have work ahead of us. I have work ahead of me. But each of us in this room tonight and in this county has a part in upholding election integrity, strengthening democracy, and participating in local decision-making and governance.

I call on you to participate.

• Register to vote. Update your registration when you move.
• Vote. Vote in each and every election. Local elections are especially important.
• Want to see a change? Consider running for office.  The first day of candidate filing for the May Special District Election is Feb. 6.  Remember, these are your community volunteers who have stepped up to serve on your school board, water district, or fire board.
• Finally, find what works for you and Participate. Volunteer, be informed, and be an active part of your local government. Use your voice!

We are here for you and we are listening.  It is an honor to serve as your County Clerk. 

Thank you.

The ceremonial swearing in for Clackamas County elected officials is set for Wednesday, January 18 at 6:00 pm. It will be held in the Board of County Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Rd. in Oregon City.

The ceremony will also air live on the county’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and television channel (Clackamas County Government Channel).

Clerk Catherine McMullen and the other five officials that were elected this last year will take the ceremonial oath of office. Those oaths will be given, and the event will be led, by the Honorable Michael C. Wetzel, Presiding Judge of Clackamas County Circuit Court.

Members of the public are invited to attend, but space is limited. Please RSVP via a web form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/XHB35L6.  We hope that you can be there. It took the hard work and persistence of all of us to make Catherine’s successful election a reality!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2022

Contact: Jaime Mathis jaime.clackamasvoice@gmail.com 503-708-3249

Clackamas County General Election Results Certified December 5

West Linn, OR.– On December 5, the County Clerk certified November 8 General Election results to the Oregon Secretary of State. You can view the official final results online on the Clackamas County Elections website clackamas.us/elections. 

Catherine McMullen handily won the race for Clerk, garnering 63.54% or 110,028 votes. Voter participation in the County Clerk contest was 55.17%, while overall turnout in Clackamas County was reported at 69.05% for this election.

Clerk-elect Catherine McMullen made the following statement, “I again want to thank my supporters, volunteers, family, and everyone who voted in this election and actively participated in our democracy. I look forward to taking office in January. Voters can count on my leadership to deliver timely, transparent, accessible, and accurate elections.”

Catherine has served as an election administrator since 2015, and lives in West Linn with her family. She will begin her service to voters as the new County Clerk on January 3, 2023. A ceremonial swearing in will be held in early January and the public is welcome to attend.

West Linn Tidings – ‘It’s not a job; it’s a purpose.’ McMullen eager for Clackamas clerk role

“The community saw change needed to happen and saw in me someone who can put that into place and can turn things around and make sure our elections here in Clackamas County are top-notch,” she [Catherine] said.

OPB – Clackamas County voters elect new clerk following major ballot gaffes

“I want to work hard with the public on restoring trust to our elections here in Clackamas County,” McMullen said.

The clerk’s position comes with a $112,000 annual salary. It involves managing elections as well as public records, including marriage licenses. The clerk can also officiate weddings, but Hall stopped providing this service in 2014 when same-sex marriage was legalized in Oregon. McMullen said she’s bringing this service back.

“Making sure that every resident in Clackamas County feels welcome and gets the services from their own government is critical,” McMullen said.

Oregonian – Clackamas County voters elect Catherine McMullen as clerk, ousting Sherry Hall after May election debacle

During her campaign, McMullen pitched herself as the right candidate to replace Hall. She has worked in elections since 2015 and is currently a campaign finance specialist in the Multnomah County Elections Division. After her win Tuesday, McMullen promised that her office will be a nonpartisan space where voters and residents will have “equal access to quality services and secure elections.”

“Our people-powered campaign has worked incredibly hard to enact needed change to our county clerk’s office,” McMullen said in a statement. “Your support will allow me to bring timely, accurate, and transparent elections to our county, and I am both humbled and thrilled that we have prevailed.”

Oregon City News – Catherine McMullen defeats Sherry Hall in clerk race

McMullen told Pamplin Media Group she was pleased with both the initial returns as well as the undervote for the clerk race, saying it appeared more people had voted in the clerk race than in years past. Initial results showed about 16,000 undervotes in the Clackamas County clerk race.

“We are really pleased. I was telling my supporters we’ve had 499 days of a fantastic campaign. Elections need to be better here where we live and I have the knowledge and expertise to help do that,” McMullen said. “There’s plenty of work still to be done here in Clackamas County.”

Willamette Week – Clackamas County Clerk Challenger Says She Will Resume Marriages, Including Same-Sex Ones, if Lead Holds

Catherine McMullen says she will resume civil marriage ceremonies at the Clackamas County Clerk’s Office if her lead in yesterday’s election holds and she becomes the new clerk.

Sherry Hall, who holds the office now, stopped conducting civil ceremonies in 2014 after Oregon legalized gay marriage.

“I will officiate weddings for all couples,” McMullen said in an interview.

The Story: KGW – Video: Clackamas clerk who oversaw elections fraught with errors loses her re-election

Canby First – County Clerk Ousted, Davis Leads in Early Canby City Council Returns

Retiring Canby Fire Chief Jim Davis was the leading vote-getter in the seven-way race for three seats on the Canby City Council, and longtime Clerk Sherry Hall appeared to have been decisively ousted after overseeing one of the worst election debacles in state history in the May primary in initial returns Tuesday night.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2022

Contact: Jaime Mathis jaime.clackamasvoice@gmail.com 503-708-3249

Catherine McMullen Wins Contest for Clackamas County Clerk 

West Linn, OR– In a rout of the incumbent, Sherry Hall, Catherine McMullen is set to become Clackamas County’s newest Clerk, as initial results from the General Election came in last night. 

McMullen celebrated with supporters and volunteers after initial election results rolled in just after 8:00 pm. “Our people-powered campaign has worked incredibly hard to enact needed change to our county clerk’s office. Your support will allow me to bring timely, accurate, and transparent elections to our county, and I am both humbled and thrilled that we have prevailed. A huge thank you to voters, my family, staff, and volunteers for their investment in our local elections and in local government –I am ready to hit the ground running in January.”

On the campaign trail for more than a year, Catherine McMullen spent hundreds of hours talking with voters, attending events, and listening to diverse communities throughout Clackamas County during her run for County Clerk.

She stated that her commitment to serve all residents and voters of Clackamas County is stronger than ever. “My office is nonpartisan and it will be a space where all voters and residents have equal access to quality services and secure elections. If you have questions or want to learn more about what the clerk does; from elections to records management, real property to officiating weddings; I am here to listen and to serve.

We have work ahead of us. I have work ahead of me. But we all have a part in upholding election integrity, strengthening democracy, and opening wide the gates to participation in local decision-making and access to government services.”

Catherine McMullen can be reached at ClackamasVoice.org

This information is available on the website in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian.

Catherine McMullen’s Statement to supporters on Election Night

As the ballots are counted and will continue to be counted for many days, until certification December 5, I want to acknowledge Clerk Hall and her staff; and the dedicated election workers across the state ensuring that our votes and our voices count, even as we celebrate tonight.

Thank you to my supporters, volunteers, and family.

Stats –

• This is the 499th day of the campaign.
• We’ve knocked on 8,000 doors as Team Catherine and with the help of other candidates and unions; 8,000 more were likely knocked on our behalf.
• We’ve made 1,600 phone call attempts and Next Up staff doubled that.
• We’ve raised more than $162,000 from more than 650 individual contributors. Our average individual contribution was just over $75.
• We sent out two mailers to 111,000 and then 75,000 voters respectively. And posted 10,000 handwritten postcards.
• We had 25 Letters to the Editor published, four OpEds written, and numerous articles on this contest. We have raised awareness of the County Clerk’s office and the importance of local election officials to new heights.
• We’ve done four interviews, marched in three parades, and took part in dozens of community events across the county.
• We had so many humbling endorsements from former Governor Barbara Roberts, former SOS Phil Keisling, state representatives, seven current and former mayors, and citizens across Clackamas County from Cassie Wilson in Boring to Charlie and Sheryl Gingerich in Aurora, Corey Hester in Milwaukie to Connie Cramer in Sandy.  

I want to thank the 100s of volunteers who wrote postcards, knocked on doors, and made phone calls. We have a volunteer Treasurer, a volunteer Field Organizer, a volunteer Financial Advisor, a volunteer Volunteer Activator. We have one tireless Staffer.  I want to thank my spouse Michael who took good care of me and the family this last year. I want to thank my son who braved the cold and the doors with me, and my daughter who has always known without doubt that her Mama was a winner.

We’ve helped citizens vote, candidates run for office, and Clackamas residents and community have a VOICE. 

Right now we are looking at 95,000 voters who made a choice for County Clerk and 66% chose new leadership. There are many votes still to be tabulated. Every vote will be counted. Every voice will be heard.

We have work ahead of us.  I have work ahead of me. But we all have a part in upholding election integrity, strengthening democracy, and opening wide the gates to participation in local decision-making and access to government services. We all have a part.

As your next County Clerk I will:

Protect voting rights and ballot access for all eligible voters.

Ensure timely, transparent, and accurate elections.

Restore trust to Clackamas County elections.

Abolish racist language in covenants and deeds.

I will Officiate Weddings for ALL Couples.

We live in a beautiful and diverse county. Tonight I want to celebrate the path ahead of us, thank those who came before us, and prepare to work for those who will come after us.  Thank you Clackamas County voters for choosing me as your next County Clerk.