Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. If you haven't voted yet, here is a complete rundown of what's on the Jefferson County ballot and what you need to know before you mark it.

County Commissioner — Position 1

This seat pits commission chair and incumbent Mark Wunsch against challenger George Curtiss of Crooked River Ranch. A third candidate, Tony Chard, also filed for Position 1 and will appear on the ballot.

Curtiss has centered his campaign on bringing outsourced county services back in-house and reducing dependence on outside vendors. Wunsch, as the incumbent, has defended the county's record and its economic progress. Chard's platform focuses on fiscal responsibility and rural land rights.

County Commissioner — Position 2

Incumbent Kelly Simmelink, who has served since 2017, faces three challengers: Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead, and Bill Atherton.

Erdekian has been the most vocal challenger at candidate forums, emphasizing the loss of local services — including the coming Wells Fargo closure — and advocating for a stronger commissioner role in economic retention. Mead has focused on infrastructure-first growth planning. Atherton has stressed public participation in land use decisions. Simmelink has defended his record and emphasized keeping Jefferson County distinct from the growth pressures of the Bend metro.

County Sheriff

Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock faces challenger Tyler Anderson, a former Jefferson County deputy whom Pollock fired last year. Because only two candidates filed, the sheriff's race does not appear on the May primary ballot — it will be decided in the November 2026 general election.

However, the race is generating significant attention: Anderson faces a state DPSST credential review on May 21 stemming from misconduct and dishonesty allegations. The outcome could determine whether he is legally eligible to serve as sheriff.

Jefferson County Library District Bond — Measure 22-140

Voters will decide on a $15.5 million bond to build a new 14,000-square-foot library in Madras and establish a branch in Culver. The measure replaces a $22.5 million expansion proposal that failed in May 2025. Library officials say the existing Madras library, built in 2002 at just 6,000 square feet, is too small for the district's needs.

How to Return Your Ballot

  • By mail: Must be postmarked by May 19
  • Drop box — Madras: Jefferson County Courthouse, 66 SE D Street
  • Drop box — Culver: Culver City Hall
  • Drop box — Crooked River Ranch: Check jeffco.net for location

Ballots must be received or postmarked by 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026. For questions, contact the Jefferson County Elections Office at 541-475-4451 or visit jeffco.net.

This is a nonpartisan primary. All registered voters in Jefferson County, regardless of party, may vote on these races and the library bond measure.