Jefferson County voters will face a substantial ballot when Election Day arrives on November 3 — one that includes contested races for sheriff, mayor, city council, and a decision on whether to renew the levy that funds the county jail. Ballots have already been mailed to registered voters, and the deadline to return them is 8 p.m. on November 3.

Sheriff's Race: Pollock vs. Anderson

The most high-profile contest on local ballots is the race for Jefferson County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock faces challenger Tyler Anderson in what has been a closely watched race. Both candidates have laid out their priorities for the office, with dispatch services, staffing levels, and rural patrol coverage emerging as central issues.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has faced well-documented challenges with patrol coverage — at times having only a single deputy on duty for the county's entire 1,781 square miles and roughly 22,000 residents. Both candidates have spoken to how they would address that gap and improve response times for residents in areas including Crooked River Ranch, Ashwood, Culver, and Metolius.

Jail Operations Levy: A Renewal, Not a Tax Increase

Jefferson County voters will also decide the fate of Measure 16-118, a five-year local option levy at $1.69 per $1,000 of assessed value to fund continued operations and maintenance of the county jail. County officials and the Jefferson County Commission have been clear: this is a renewal of an existing levy.

If voters approve the measure, property tax bills will not go up — the rate stays the same. If voters reject it, the county would need to find alternative funding sources to keep the jail operational through the next budget cycle.

Madras Mayor and City Council

Within Madras city limits, voters will also weigh in on contested races for mayor and city council seats. Priorities debated on the campaign trail have included housing affordability, infrastructure investment, downtown development, and community services.

Assessor, Clerk, and Treasurer

Three additional county offices — assessor, clerk, and treasurer — appear on the ballot. Each has only one declared candidate, though write-in votes remain an option for voters who wish to register a preference.

How to Return Your Ballot

  • Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on November 3
  • Drop box located at Jefferson County Clerk's Office, 66 SE D Street, Madras
  • Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 3
  • Voter registration questions: call the Jefferson County Clerk at 541-475-4451

Oregon is a vote-by-mail state — no polling places will be open on Election Day. Voters who have not yet received a ballot or need a replacement should contact the Jefferson County Clerk's office as soon as possible to allow time for delivery and return before the deadline.