Mayors were elected until Bend's charter was changed in 1928 following controversies sparked under the term of E.D.
[1] The modified charter called for city councilors to appoint one member of the council to serve as mayor for a two-year term.
In May 2018, Bend voters approved charter amendments bringing back the direct election of the mayor.
Bend's mayors currently serve four-year terms and are directly elected by voters.
The office is nonpartisan, meaning there is not a primary election or partisan affiliation on the ballot.