Jefferson County voters delivered a clear message in the May 19 primary election: both incumbent county commissioners will return for another term, while a bid for a new library building fell short at the ballot box.
Commissioner Races
Incumbent Commissioner Mark Wunsch held off challenger George Curtiss by a comfortable 20-point margin in Position 1, capturing approximately 58.6% of the vote (3,600 votes) to Curtiss's 40.5% (2,493 votes). A small number of write-in ballots accounted for the remainder.
In the four-way race for Commissioner Position 2, incumbent Kelly Simmelink — who has served on the board since 2017 — led the field with roughly 53.9% of the vote (3,357 votes). Challenger Ara Erdekian came in second at 23.5% (1,477 votes), followed by Greg Mead at 15.3% (962 votes) and Bill Atherton at 6.9% (432 votes).
Because these are nonpartisan races in a primary, the general election in November will simply confirm the winners, barring any dramatic shift in the electorate. Both Wunsch and Simmelink are now heavily favored to continue serving on the three-member board.
Library Bond Defeated
The night's sharpest rebuke came for the Jefferson County Library District, whose $15 million bond measure was rejected by roughly two-thirds of voters. Unofficial results showed 3,512 votes against the measure (about 65.8%) and 1,827 in favor (34.2%).
The bond would have funded a brand-new library building in Madras — across the street from the current facility at 241 SE Seventh St. — as well as a smaller branch in Culver. Library supporters had argued the existing building is undersized and inadequate for the growing community. Opponents raised concerns about the added tax burden on property owners.
The defeat marks at least the second time in recent years that Jefferson County voters have turned down a library bond — a similar measure failed in May 2025. Library district officials have not yet commented on next steps.
Local Levies Pass in Camp Sherman Area
Voters in the Camp Sherman area approved two separate measures. The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District passed a levy to fund fire, EMS, and wildfire preparedness staffing, 105 to 55. The Camp Sherman Road District 18 renewed its local option tax levy for five years, passing 130 to 32.
The Jefferson County Clerk's office noted that ballot tally machine certification is scheduled for June 10, 2026 at the Jefferson County Annex conference room. Results remain unofficial until the county canvass is complete.