Jefferson County voters have eight days left to cast their ballots in the May 19 primary, which will shape the county's leadership for years to come. Two commissioner seats and the sheriff's office are at stake — and in one of those races, the outcome Tuesday could be determinative for who leads the county through 2028 and beyond.

Commissioner Position 1: Wunsch vs. Curtiss

Incumbent Mark Wunsch, who serves as commission chair, is being challenged by George Curtiss, a Crooked River Ranch resident who grew up in the community. Wunsch brings years of institutional knowledge and relationships with state agencies to the race. Curtiss, running as a fresh voice from one of the county's largest unincorporated communities, has framed his campaign around responsiveness to rural areas that often feel overlooked by county government centered in Madras.

The Position 1 race is a head-to-head between Wunsch and Curtiss — whoever wins the primary wins the seat, as only two candidates filed.

Commissioner Position 2: A Four-Way Primary

The most competitive race on the ballot is Position 2, where incumbent Kelly Simmelink — who has served since 2017 — faces three challengers: Bill Atherton, Ara Erdekian, and Greg Mead. Because this is a nonpartisan race with four candidates, the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.

Simmelink is the best-known name in the field but will need to avoid vote-splitting among challenger supporters. Erdekian and Mead both bring specific policy perspectives to the race, while Atherton is also seeking to make a case for change on the board.

Voters can expect that if no candidate receives a majority on May 19, the two top finishers will face off again in November.

Sheriff: Pollock vs. Anderson (November Race with May Backdrop)

The sheriff's race features incumbent Jason Pollock and former deputy Tyler Anderson. Because only two candidates filed, there is no competitive primary — both advance to November. However, Anderson's ongoing legal challenges — including his Brady List status and an upcoming DPSST certification review on May 21 — have made this race a dominant topic in the county heading into primary season. See our separate coverage for full details.

How to Vote

  • Oregon is a vote-by-mail state. If you have not yet mailed your ballot, drop it in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on May 19.
  • Mailed ballots must be postmarked by May 19 and received within seven days of the election.
  • Jefferson County drop boxes are available at the county clerk's office and other designated locations. Call the county clerk at 541-475-4451 for locations.
  • Track your ballot at oregonvotes.gov.

Results will begin to be reported after 8 p.m. on May 19. Check back at madrasbulletin.com for live results and post-election analysis.