Jefferson County voters cast their ballots on November 3, and the initial returns — still unofficial as mail-in ballots continue to be processed and signatures verified — show several notable outcomes for local government heading into 2027.
Sheriff: Pollock Wins Decisively
Incumbent Jason Pollock claimed a commanding victory in the Jefferson County Sheriff's race, capturing approximately 70.8% of first-count votes — roughly 5,551 ballots — over challenger Tyler Anderson, who received about 28.7% with 2,250 votes. The race was the most visible contested local office on the ballot, and voters gave Pollock a clear mandate for a continued term leading the county's law enforcement.
The result is particularly notable given that the county's sheriff was at the helm during Friday's response to a school lockout in Madras — a multi-agency operation that Pollock and local educators said went smoothly.
Jail Levy Renewal Appears to Pass
County Measure 16-118, a five-year renewal of the levy funding jail operations and maintenance, was passing in early returns with approximately 57.2% in favor (4,792 "Yes" votes) versus 42.8% opposed (3,587 "No" votes). The current levy was approved by voters in 2021 and was set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2026-27.
Had the levy failed, the county would have faced difficult decisions about jail staffing levels and operations — a concern that sheriff's officials had raised publicly in the months leading up to the election.
Madras Mayor: Townsend Leads
In the Madras mayoral race, Jennifer Townsend held a lead with 57.4% of initial votes (1,023) over Travis Montgomery, who received 41.7% (743 votes) in the first count.
City Council: Three Seats, Six Candidates
Three Madras City Council positions were on the ballot with six candidates competing. Early returns showed the following order:
- Tanya Murren — 23.9%
- Tony Chard — 22.3%
- Eric Timmerman — 16.9%
- GW Curtiss — 12.2%
- Bill Robathan — 12.2%
- Mary Frances Purschwitz — 11.5%
The top three vote-getters will fill the open council seats. Counts will shift as additional ballots are added over the coming days.
Results Not Yet Certified
Under Oregon election law, mail-in ballots postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day are accepted and counted as they arrive. Jefferson County election officials will continue releasing updated tallies throughout the week. Final certification will follow completion of signature verification. Most other county offices on the November ballot were uncontested this cycle.