Fall updates from the Oregon SOS

Oregon Secretary of State sent this bulletin at 10/10/2023 10:12 AM PDT

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Dear Oregonians,

This fall, the Secretary of State’s Office celebrated National Voter Registration Month, released an important report summarizing audits of federally funded programs, and we’re celebrating American Archives Month!

Additionally, our agency recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 9, 2023). Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. I encourage you to read the President’s proclamation from that year to learn more about the importance of the holiday in calling attention to the many injustices native people have faced in our country and the ongoing work to repair those harms.

I hope you’ll spend some time learning more about our work below.

Sincerely,

LaVonne Griffin-Valade
Oregon Secretary of State

Oregon Elections Division

Oregon sees spike in registration during National Voter Registration Month

Voting in Oregon Feels Good, says Blobby

In celebration of National Voter Registration Month, the Oregon Elections Division released a new PSA highlighting the work that goes into keeping our voter registration list up to date and accurate. The Division launched a new social media initiative and encouraged Oregonians to register or update their voter registration information. During the campaign, 11,105 Oregonians updated their voter registration and 2,790 Oregonians registered to vote for the first time.

Oregon Audits Division

Oregon Audits Division released “Keeping Oregon Accountable,” reporting $35.2 million in questionable state expenditures

Keeping Oregon Accountable for fiscal year 2022 graphic

In September, the Oregon Audits Division released its annual report, “Keeping Oregon Accountable,” which summarizes financial audit results for fiscal year 2022. Auditors evaluated the State of Oregon’s financial statements and assessed state compliance in its administration of 17 federal programs, reviewing the expenditures of over $20.8 billion in federal funds.

Auditors identified $4.6 billion in accounting errors and questioned whether $9.1 million in known expenditures, and $35.2 million in total likely expenditures, were appropriately paid with federal funds. The division also identified significant control weaknesses and a lack of sufficient, appropriate audit evidence in two separate programs, issuing both an adverse opinion and disclaimer of opinion for the first time in 25 years. Read the full highlights or download the report here: “Keeping Oregon Accountable: Summarizing Statewide Financial Audits for Fiscal Year 2022.”

Oregon Archives Division

Archives Division celebrates American Archives Month

Throughout October, the Archives Division is celebrating American Archives Month on Facebook and Instagram. The celebration includes Electronic Records Day on Tuesday, October 10, and Ask An Archivist Day on Wednesday, October 11. Electronic Records Day is set aside to raise awareness about the many electronic records held by the Oregon State Archives and their accessibility. On Ask An Archivist Day, the professional archivist team at the Archives Division will answer questions about preservation, conservation, safe records storage, how Archives can help people find their Oregon ancestors, and much more! Submit your question on this web form and your question/answer may appear on Facebook or Instagram!

Constituent Services

The Secretary of State’s Office receives many requests for information or assistance each month. Below are the 3 most common topics constituents reached out to us about last month, and helpful information related to them. If you need assistance, contact us at oregon.sos@sos.oregon.gov.

How can I update my Business Registry information? Update your business’s information, reinstate a business or submit your annual renewal.
Where can I address my concerns about Housing Health and Safety? We redirect constituents with these questions to the Oregon Housing and Community Services agency.
Where can I submit a Consumer Complaint? We redirect constituents with these questions to the Oregon Department of Justice’s consumer protection division.