Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 251 § 251.167 — Secretary of State to create list of most commonly spoken languages; public
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 251 ·
Oregon Code § 251.167·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Secretary of State to create list of most commonly spoken languages; public
access and distribution; rules.
(1) The Secretary of State shall create and make publicly available a list of:
(a) The five most
commonly spoken languages in the state, other than English; and
(b) The 10 most
commonly spoken languages in each county, other than English.
(2) The lists
created under subsection (1) of this section must:
(a) Be based on
the best available data, which may include the most recent American Community
Survey from the United States Census Bureau, estimates from the Portland State
University Population Research Center and any other necessary data sources;
(b) Include, when
complying with subsection (1)(b) of this section, the estimated number of
individuals in each county who speak each listed language; and
(c) Be updated at
least once every five years.
(3) The Secretary
of State shall:
(a) Ensure each
state voters pamphlet mailed to residents of a county is translated in the
manner described in ORS 251.170 into:
(A) Each language
listed by the Secretary of State under subsection (1)(a) of this section;
(B) Each language
listed by the Secretary of State under subsection (1)(b) of this section that
the Secretary of State estimates under subsection (2)(b) of this section to be
spoken by 300 or more individuals in any one county; and
(C) Each language
that has previously been listed by the Secretary of State under subsection
(1)(b) of this section, even if the language is not included in the most recent
list created by the Secretary of State;
(b) Ensure each
county voters pamphlet mailed to residents of a county is translated in the
manner described in ORS 251.170 into:
(A) Each language
listed by the Secretary of State under subsection (1)(a) of this section;
(B) Each language
listed for the county for that county voters pamphlet by the Secretary of
State under subsection (1)(b) of this section that the Secretary of State
estimates under subsection (2)(b) of this section to be spoken by 300 or more
individuals in the county; and
(C) Each language
that has previously been listed by the Secretary of State for the county for
that county voters pamphlet under subsection (1)(b) of this section, even if
the language is not included in the most recent list created by the Secretary
of State;
(c) Make each
translation of the voters pamphlet that is made under paragraph (a) or (b) of
this subsection or subsection (4) of this section available on the website of
the Secretary of State and of the county as applicable; and
(d) Prominently
provide the website address for each translation in the manner set forth in ORS
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Secretary of State to create list of most commonly spoken languages; public
. AI-powered analysis coming soon.
Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 251.167
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
This section of Oregon law addresses Secretary of State to create list of most commonly spoken languages; public
. Read the full statute text above for details.
This page reflects the current text as of our last update. Always verify with the official Oregon legislature website for the most current version.
The formal citation is Oregon Code § 251.167. Use this format in legal documents and court filings.
Browse related sections using the links below, or search all Oregon statutes on FlawFinder.