Polk County Clerk

The Polk County Clerk's Office is responsible for conducting elections for the state, county, special districts and the cities of Polk County. In addition, maintains all records of voter registration and election statistics. The recording side of the Clerk's Office records all deeds, contracts, mortgages, powers of attorney and other documents that affect real and personal property within the County.  The  Clerk's Office also issue marriage licenses and are responsible for keeping the Commissioners' Journal. The Board of Property Tax Appeals (BOPTA) handles appeals from property taxpayers on issues of equity concerning property tax assessments, following procedures laid down by the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Obtaining a Marriage License

To obtain a marriage license, each applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age (or 17 years old with a parent or legal guardian's consent). Each couple must appear in person.

There is a three (3) day waiting period before a license may be used and it is valid for sixty (60) days after the effective date. THE LICENSE IS VALID ONLY IN THE STATE OF OREGON.

There are no blood tests required.

The cost of the license is $50.00, payable by cash or check. Credit cards are not accepted at this time.

Open Hours: 8:00 -- 5:00, Monday through Friday. Please allow 20 minutes to complete the license.

Declarations of Domestic Partnership

Effective February 4, 2008, same-sex couples wishing to be legally recognized partners in a domestic partnership may register with the County Clerk's office.

Forms may be obtained at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/chs/index.shtml or at the County Clerk's office.

Requirements

All forms must be printed on legal sized paper -- 8.5 inches by 14 inches -- and completed in blue or black ink.

At least one partner must be a resident of Oregon.

Both partners must be of the same sex and 18 years of age and older.

Both partners' signatures must be notarized by a Notary Public. The County Clerk's office has notaries available throughout the building or you may use an outside notary. Once the form is completed, signed and notarized, it must be filed at a County Clerk's office in Oregon.

Fees:

$50, payable by cash or checks. There is no fee for the use of a notary in the Courthouse.

Registered partners will receive a copy of the registered Declaration of Domestic Partnership, along with a commemorative Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership form. An optional certified copy may be purchased for an additional $4.00.

Note: Should you wish to change your name(s), you will be required to do so through the Oregon Circuit Court System.

Register to Vote!!!

Click to download a Voter Registration Form which can be printed out.
Please complete the form and mail back to the County Clerk's Office at:

January 26, 2010 Special Election

The following issues will be on the January 26, 2010 Special Election Ballot:

State Measures

Measure 66

Raises tax on household income at and above $250,000 (and $125,000 for individual filers).  Reduces income taxes on unemployment benefits in 2009.  Provides funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services

Measure 67

Raises $10 corporate minimum tax, business minimum tax, corporate profits tax.  Provides funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services

For a complete description and further information on the Measures please go to the Secretary of States’ web page at:

http://oregonvotes.org/jan262010/military_vp.html

Voter Registration Deadline:

January 5, 2010 is the deadline for new voter registrations.  This applies only to individuals that have not been registered to vote in the State of Oregon.

Registered voters that moved without updating their voter registration have until 8:00 PM January 26, 2010 to update, receive a ballot, and vote.  This includes individuals that have moved to Polk County from another Oregon county.

Ballots:

Military and Oversees ballots were mailed out on December 11^th, 2009.

All other ballots will go to the Post Office on January 8^th 2010.