With the May 20 primary just days away, Jefferson County voters will decide three high-stakes local races: county sheriff and two county commissioner seats. Here's what you need to know before you mail your ballot.

Jefferson County Sheriff: Pollock vs. Anderson

The race for Jefferson County's top law enforcement job pits incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock against challenger Tyler Anderson, a former JCSO deputy with 17 years of law enforcement experience — and significant legal baggage heading into election day.

Anderson was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in April 2025 following an internal investigation that concluded with "findings of untruthfulness." He was subsequently placed on the Brady List by both the Jefferson County and Crook County District Attorneys, meaning prosecutors cannot ethically call him to testify in criminal cases.

The concerns go deeper. A staff report from Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) found that Anderson failed to disclose prior employment at the Parma, Idaho Police Department — where he was fired for dishonesty in 2004 — on his applications to both the Madras Police Department and JCSO. Anderson was also investigated for allegedly exchanging messages with the subject of a criminal investigation through his personal cell phone, and later admitted to deleting "a ton" of text messages before being interviewed.

A DPSST committee review of Anderson's law enforcement certifications is scheduled for May 21 — two days after the primary. Under Oregon law, a sitting sheriff must hold a law enforcement certification or obtain recertification within one year of taking office.

Anderson has said he will remain in the race and is confident his certifications will be upheld. He has also said that if they are revoked, his planned undersheriff could step in while he pursues recertification.

Sheriff Pollock, who has held the office, has not faced similar scrutiny. With questions swirling around the challenger's fitness to serve, voters may want to weigh whether Jefferson County can afford the uncertainty.

Commissioner Position 1: Three-Way Race

Position 1 features incumbent chair Mark Wunsch against challengers George Curtiss and Tony Chard.

Wunsch, a rancher who was first elected in 2022, has focused on the county's strategic plan, gravel road assessment, and weed management during his term. He's also pushed to expand drug enforcement staffing at the sheriff's office.

Curtiss, a Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran who grew up in Crooked River Ranch, is running on a platform of responsible growth — more local jobs and businesses, while protecting the county's agricultural character. "I'd like to see more quality jobs, and I'd like to see a few more people living here," Curtiss said. "Not a lot because I want to have responsible growth, and I understand that it is an agricultural community."

Chard is also on the ballot. Candidate statements are available through Jefferson County's elections page at jeffco.net.

Commissioner Position 2: Crowded Field

Position 2 has the most candidates — four people are vying to unseat incumbent Kelly Simmelink, who has held the seat since 2017.

Ara Erdekian, a farmer and homebuilder who has lived in Jefferson County for over 20 years, has raised concerns about a proposed data center that could strain the county's water resources. "I feel like the county commissioners are trying to make up for past errors of spending to bring in a data center which they feel will be this fiscal boom but will then drain our natural resources," Erdekian said.

Greg Mead came to Jefferson County in 2023 and worked in the Warm Springs Behavioral Health department before retiring. He's focused on improving access to mental health and substance use disorder services — an area the county has historically underinvested in.

Bill Atherton has lived and farmed in Jefferson County for 26 years and ran for commissioner previously in 2008. He's pushing back against pressure to turn the county into a "bedroom community" for Bend and Redmond, and wants stronger land use protections for unincorporated areas.

Simmelink, the nine-year incumbent, is running on his track record of fiscal responsibility, agricultural support, and community service funding.

When and How to Vote

Oregon's May 20 primary is a mail-in election. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on May 20 — either by mail (postmarked by May 20) or dropped off at an official Jefferson County drop box. If you haven't mailed yours yet, plan to drop it off in person to be safe.

For candidate statements and official race information, visit jeffco.net.