Extension of deadline for returning ballots in case of emergency

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 171.185, 203.085, 221.230, 221.621, 254.056, 254.470, 254.655, 255.335, 255.345, 258.075, 545.135 and 568.520, the Governor by written proclamation may extend the deadline for returning ballots in any state, county, city or district election if the Governor receives a written request for the extension from the Secretary of State. The secretary may request the Governor to extend the deadline for returning ballots under this section if, after consultation with affected county clerks, the secretary determines that it would be impossible or impracticable for electors to return ballots or for elections officials to tally ballots due to an emergency as defined in ORS 401.025. (2) The Governor may not extend the deadline for returning ballots in any state, county, city or district election under subsection (1) of this section for more than seven calendar days after the date of the election. (3) The written proclamation required under subsection (1) of this section shall state: (a) The determination of the Governor; (b) The reason the deadline for returning ballots was extended; and (c) The date and time by which ballots must be returned in the election. (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the Governor extends the deadline for returning ballots under subsection (1) of this section, a county clerk in any county in this state may not order a tally report from any vote tally machine in the election until the date and time set by the Governor by which ballots must be returned in the election.