After a referendum on last years ballot, the city will move from its current procedure of selecting a mayor by rotating amongst City Council members and into a popular election. It's been a long time, so forgive Portland if its first election since before the Great Depression may seem unusual. There are 15 candidates and voters can rank their preferences from 1 to 15. On election night the candidate with the most first place votes will be announced, but the final tally won't come until the next day when preferences have been taken into account. For those living within the city we encourage you to research the candidates before voting on Nov. 8, and determine for yourself who is fit to lead one of the most important economic centers of our state.

The following candidates will appear on the ballot: Nick Mavadones, Hamza Haadoow, Jill Duson, Jed Rathband, David Marshall, Michael Brennan, Markos Miller, John Eder, Charles Bragdon, Peter Bryant, Ralph Carmona, Richard Dodge, Jodie Lapchick, Ethan Strimling and Christopher Vail.