Elections

• Position #5, currently held by Ariel Méndez 
• Position #6, currently held by Mike Riley 
• Mayor (Position #7), currently held by Melanie Kebler 

Positions are not tied to geographic areas of the City and each councilor is elected at-large.

• Must be a qualified elector, as defined by the Oregon State Constitution: 
  • US citizen 
  • 18 years or older 
  • Has resided in Oregon State during the 6 months immediately preceding the election 
  • Is registered to vote not less than 20 calendar days immediately preceding the election 
• Must reside in the City of Bend during the 12 months immediately before the election
• Cannot be running for another City position on the same ballot 
• Cannot be running for another lucrative office 
  • An office is considered lucrative if a salary or other compensation beyond expenses is attached to it. 
• Candidates are required, by City Ordinance, to file by petition. 

• June 3, 2026 – First day to file 
• August 18, 2026 – Last day for elected incumbent candidates to file 
• August 25, 2026 – Last day for candidates, other than elected incumbents, to file 
• August 28, 2026 – Last day for candidates to withdraw 
• November 3, 2026 – Election Day 

Election Forms

• SEL 101 Candidate Filing – Major Political Party or Nonpartisan
• SEL 121 Candidate Signature Sheet – Nonpartisan
• SEL 220 Statement of Organization for Candidate Committee  
• SEL 180 Residence Address Exemption Request 
• SEL 338 Petition Submission – Candidate, Voter’s Pamphlet
• SEL 150 Candidate Filing – Withdrawal 

• Secretary of State Election Forms
• Deschutes County Clerk, Elections & Voting
• Secretary of State Manuals and Quick Guides
  • Candidate Manual
  • Campaign Finance Manual
  • See Manuals & Quick Guides for additional Campaign Finance manuals 

Candidates can expect to meet in the Council capacity at least four nights each month. Individuals elected to the City Council are automatically placed on the Bend Urban Renewal Agency Board, serve on the Budget Committee and other local and regional committees.

City Councilors are not City of Bend employees, but to reduce barriers for individuals interested in serving their community in this capacity, City Councilors are compensated.  Candidates elected to a Councilor position in the November 2026 election will receive an annual $30,000 stipend, health benefits, and an annual $3,000 health and wellness stipend. Candidates elected as Mayor in the November 2026 election will receive an annual $50,000 stipend, health benefits, and an annual $3,000 health and wellness stipend. The Ordinance and corresponding Issue Summary provide additional detail.