Five Districts.
Local Representation. Stronger Communities.

Donate

Vote YES on Ballot Measure 9-185 by November 3, 2026

What the Measure Does

Representation That Reflects Our Geography

Deschutes County is home to growing cities, small towns, farms, ranches, and rural communities, each with its own priorities and local perspective.

In 2024, voters expanded the County Commission from three members to five. This measure builds on that decision by creating geographic districts so every part of Deschutes County has a local voice on the Commission.

With voter approval, beginning in 2028, voters in each district would elect one commissioner who lives in their district. All five commissioners would continue serving countywide and making decisions for the benefit of the entire county.

The measure creates a clearer local line of representation while preserving one County Commission that serves all of Deschutes County.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Where we live shapes the issues we face

Every region should have a commissioner who understands its community and brings that local perspective to countywide decisions.

Wildfire preparedness, water, transportation, public safety, housing and growth, farming, economic development, parks, and access to services affect different parts of Deschutes County in different ways.

Let Local People Elect a Neighbor

At-large elections would end. Voters in each district would elect a commissioner who lives in their area and is accountable to their community.

Strengthen Local Control

People would know who represents their district, who to contact, and would have a clearer line of accountability with their commissioner.

A Voice for Every Region

County leadership would better reflect the communities that make up Deschutes County.

Bring On-the-Ground Knowledge

Commissioners who live in their districts would bring firsthand knowledge of local communities, industries, challenges, and how county services are delivered at the local level.

Create Lower-Cost, More Accessible Campaigns

Candidates could focus their outreach within one district rather than campaigning across the entire county, reducing travel and outreach demands while making it more practical for community members to run.

Local Voices, Countywide Decisions

Each commissioner would represent the voters of one geographic district while continuing to serve on a single County Commission responsible for decisions affecting all of Deschutes County.