Jefferson County voters will decide several significant local races on November 3, including a contested Madras mayoral election, three city council seats, the Jefferson County Sheriff's race, and a potential renewal of the county jail levy.
With mail-in ballots already arriving in households across the county, here is what residents need to know before Election Day.
Mayor of Madras
For the first time in several years, Madras will welcome a new mayor. Incumbent Mike Lepin announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election after serving since 2023, opening the city's top elected post to two candidates: Travis Montgomery and Jennifer Townsend.
Both candidates participated in a public forum earlier this month where staffing shortages, city finances, and development priorities dominated the conversation. A second forum took place Saturday morning at the Jefferson County Community Center, giving voters a final opportunity to compare the candidates ahead of Election Day.
Madras City Council
Three seats on the Madras City Council are on the ballot, including two positions filled by appointment earlier this fall. Six candidates have filed for those permanent roles:
- Tony Chard
- Maryfrances Purschwitz
- Tanya Murren
- Kaitlyn Lynch
- Bill Robathan
- Eric Timmerman
The top three vote-getters will earn four-year terms on the council.
County-Wide Races
The Jefferson County Sheriff's race is also on the November ballot. Voters will additionally weigh in on a renewal of the Jefferson County jail levy — a measure that directly funds county public safety operations. County assessor, clerk, and treasurer races appear on the ballot as well, though each of those three offices has only one declared candidate.
The Jefferson County tally machine is scheduled to be certified on October 27.
How and Where to Return Your Ballot
Oregon is a vote-by-mail state. Ballots must be deposited in an official drop box or postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Night, November 3. Official 24-hour drop box locations across Jefferson County:
- Jefferson County Clerk's Office — 66 SE D St., Madras
- Metolius City Hall — 636 Jefferson St.
- Culver City Hall — 200 W. First St.
- Crooked River Ranch Administration Area — 5195 Club House Rd., Terrebonne
- Warm Springs Fire & Safety Department — 2112 Wasco St.
- Black Butte School — 25745 SW Suttle-Sherman Rd., Camp Sherman
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For questions, visit jeffersoncountyor.gov.