Jefferson County voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 to return their ballots in one of the most contested local primary elections in recent memory. Ballots can be dropped at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at 66 SE D Street in Madras, or mailed — though mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

The Sheriff’s Race

The highest-profile contest on the local ballot pits incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock against former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tyler Anderson. Pollock is seeking his second term after taking office in 2023.

Anderson, who was fired by Pollock in 2025 following an internal investigation, has made the race a direct referendum on his former boss. The firing came after investigators found Anderson allegedly violated office policy regarding an improper relationship with an informant and failed to disclose a prior termination from an Idaho law enforcement agency. Two Central Oregon district attorneys — Jefferson and Crook counties — have placed Anderson on their Brady lists, meaning they will not call on him as a witness in prosecutions.

Adding to the controversy, the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s Police Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on May 21 — just two days after the primary — on whether to recommend revoking Anderson’s law enforcement certification. A dishonesty finding could result in a permanent ban from Oregon law enforcement. Elected sheriffs must hold valid certification within one year of taking office.

Anderson has contested all major allegations against him, saying his firing was politically motivated and that he was targeted for not supporting Pollock’s 2022 campaign. He has filed a tort claim notice threatening to sue Jefferson County for wrongful termination, among other claims.

Commissioner Position 1

Incumbent Commissioner Mark Wunsch faces two challengers: George Curtiss and Tony Chard. Curtiss, who attended all three candidate forums hosted by the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, focused his campaign on bringing outsourced county services — including the animal shelter and 911 dispatch — back in-house.

Commissioner Position 2

Incumbent Commissioner Kelly Simmelink, who has served since 2017, faces the most crowded field: challengers Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead, and Bill Atherton. Key themes in this race have included rural land development, short-term rental regulation, and economic concerns raised by the upcoming closure of Madras’s only bank branch.

Library Bond Measure

Voters will also weigh in on a revised Jefferson County Library expansion bond measure. An earlier version of the measure appeared on a prior ballot; officials updated the plan and brought it back to voters this cycle.

How to Return Your Ballot

  • Drop boxes are available at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 66 SE D St., Madras
  • Ballots may be mailed (must be postmarked May 19)
  • For questions, call the Jefferson County Clerk at 541-475-4451
  • Check your registration at oregonvotes.gov/myvote

Initial results will be posted online shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday. Final certification of the primary is expected June 25, 2026.