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Deschutes County commissioners vote 2–1 to send disputed five-district map to voters, set Nov. 3, 2026 ballot date
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and legal questions about population versus voter-based mapping, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 to refer "MAP C" to county voters and to place the measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. Commissioners also asked staff and counsel to draft code and ballot-language options about redistricting timing.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 Feb. 4 to send a proposed five-district county map, known as MAP C, to voters and to put the measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
The decision came after roughly two hours of public comment, with speakers sharply divided over whether the advisory District Mapping Advisory Committee’s proposal produces fair representation or amounts to a partisan gerrymander. Supporters urged letting the electorate decide; opponents warned of legal risk and taxpayer litigation costs. "If you turn a deaf ear to 80% of the commenters, are you listening to the people?" said Sheila Doyle Kelly during public comments.
Commissioner DeBoehn moved to refer MAP C to voters, a motion seconded and carried…
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