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Community Engagement

Oregon is a better, stronger place when people get involved in their communities and their government. Secretary Read is working to meet Oregonians where they are and provide opportunities for people to get engaged and make a difference.

Secretary Read stands in a brightly lit room having a conversation with 3 other people.

Events

10/06/2026 - PORTLAND Oregon Votes Town Hall with Secretary Read and Mayor Wilson

More events coming soon.

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Awards & Competitions

John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (NASS)

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was created in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) to honor the incredible contributions and lasting legacy of Congressman John Lewis. Serving as a U.S. Congressman for 33 years until his passing in 2020, Congressman Lewis was a dedicated activist and advocate for social change.

This award celebrates young, talented, and civic-minded individuals under 25 years of age in each state, with the chance to recognize recipients twice a year. The award cycle starts at the NASS Winter Conference (January/February) and continues to the next winter conference. Each Secretary of State elects two recipients from their state each year.

Submissions due: October 30, 2026

Learn more and submit a nomination

Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest

The Oregon Secretary of State’s office sponsors a cover photo contest for each edition of the Oregon Blue Book. The contest is open to all Oregon resident, amateur photographers.

Submissions due: October 31, 2026

Learn more and enter

Medallion Award (NASS)

The award honors those who have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas:

  • Elections, with special emphasis on voter education, civic participation, and voter engagement
  • Civic education, including the teaching, promotion, and study of civic knowledge and democratic participation.
  • Service to state government, particularly work that supports or advances the responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary of State.
  • Philanthropic commitment and community service, including individuals, businesses, or organizations whose contributions have significantly enhanced the quality of life in local community, region, or throughout the state.

Submissions due: April 30, 2027

Learn more and submit a nomination

Secretary Read visits the campus of OSU.

Oregon Campus Voting Challenge

The Oregon Campus Voting Challenge is a nonpartisan initiative that supports and recognizes Oregon’s college and university campuses that are committed to increasing nonpartisan student voter participation and civic engagement.

The Oregon Campus Voting Challenge is conducted in partnership with the nonpartisan ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN), a national nonpartisan nonprofit that works to improve nonpartisan civic learning, and voter participation. The competition is open to any post-secondary higher education institution. Participants are eligible for various awards through the challenge. The Secretary of State’s office will recognize the 2026 Oregon Campus Voting Challenge Award recipients in May 2027.

Learn more

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