Election Day is exactly one week away—Tuesday, November 3—and Jefferson County election officials are urging all registered voters to use official ballot drop boxes rather than postal mail to ensure their votes are counted on time.
With Oregon mail currently routed through a regional sorting facility in Portland before returning to local post offices, ballots mailed in the final days before the election face an increased risk of arriving too late. Drop boxes bypass the postal system entirely and guarantee on-time delivery.
Drop Box Locations
- Jefferson County Clerk’s Office – D Street, Madras (open during business hours through Election Day)
- Warm Springs Campus – Near Fire & Safety building
- Simnasho – Three Warriors Market
The Jefferson County tally machine was certified today, October 27, in advance of Election Day. Under Oregon law, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; however, given current mail routing conditions, using a drop box is the safest option.
What’s on the Ballot
Jefferson County voters will decide several local races this November. The Madras mayoral seat is open following Mayor Mike Lepin’s decision not to seek re-election. Two candidates are vying for the position: Travis Montgomery and Jennifer (full name not available at time of publication). Additional local offices and statewide measures also appear on the ballot.
For a full breakdown of Jefferson County candidates and measures, the Madras Pioneer’s 2026 Voter’s Guide is available at madraspioneer.com.
Voters with questions about their ballot status can check oregonvotes.gov or contact the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office directly. As a reminder, Warm Springs community members can also return ballots using the on-campus drop box near Fire & Safety or at Three Warriors Market in Simnasho.