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Election

Visit the County Clerk’s Elections page – dates, deadlines, and voter information for the May 19, 2026 Primary and November 3, 2026 General Elections.
Casey Miller serves as County Commissioner in Position 1.

Casey Miller serves as County Commissioner in Position 1

Civic Engagement and Public Meetings

Lincoln County is currently experiencing a challenging period with respect to public access to government. In recent months, the County has removed the community’s ability to gather in person and has cancelled regularly scheduled public meetings at the County Courthouse.

This is not routine, normal, or consistent with how counties across Oregon typically operate.

All local governments in Oregon are required by law to provide the public with a place to gather for public meetings.

Oregon Law – Public Meeting Access – ORS 192.630(4) states:

“Meetings of the governing body of a public body shall be held: (A) Within the geographic boundaries over which the public body has jurisdiction; (B) At the administrative headquarters of the public body; (C) At the nearest practical location; or (D) If the public body is a state, county, city or special district entity, within Indian country of a federally recognized Oregon Indian tribe that is within the geographic boundaries of this state.”

The current situation in Lincoln County — where meetings are conducted “virtual-only” — raises serious concerns under Oregon public meetings law. For more than 30 years, community members have physically gathered at the Lincoln County Courthouse for Board of Commissioners meetings. The removal of that access is highly unusual and inconsistent with standard local government practice.

I will continue to advocate for lawful, accessible, and transparent public meetings — for you and for myself as an elected official.

Why Civic Participation Matters

I believe civic participation is essential — and perhaps more important now than it has ever been.

This is a call to action for community members to:

  • Engage with local government
  • Run for office
  • Support candidates who believe in equity, transparency, and shared governance

Everyone deserves a seat at the table.

We must also prioritize youth civic engagement and civic literacy. The future is being shaped now — by how much we invite, encourage, and empower the next generation to participate. Young people can run for office, volunteer, and help build the communities they want to live in.

For those 18 and older, we have a responsibility to model participation and show our youth that democracy is not passive — it requires attention, care, and involvement.

Investing in the Future

Part of my ongoing work includes highlighting the career opportunities available in county government. Many positions require specialized training and offer meaningful, stable careers serving the public. These opportunities are often overlooked, and I intend to continue bringing that information to local schools and educators so young people can see these paths clearly.

My work on the County’s Climate Action Plan also emphasizes youth engagement — specifically inviting young people to provide feedback and participate in shaping our response to climate-related challenges.

In many ways, the solution is simple:

  • Show people how to engage
  • Build the pathways
  • Communicate clearly
  • Invite participation early and often

That is how we strengthen democracy — locally, practically, and together.