Decision 2024: Early results show Measure 9-173 passing, expanding Deschutes County Commission

(Update: Adding comments from John Heylin on measure's apparent victory)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Last-minute ballots continued to be returned by Deschutes County voters in the ballot box in front of the Deschutes County Clerk's Office until the 8 p.m. deadline.

Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison said he was still hopeful voter turnout would increase by the end of the night, as the county had been down by 20% compared to this time in the last presidential election.

As election results were released, one county measure took a sizable lead. Measure 9-173, which would expand the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners from three to five, had a strong yes vote, with about 65% in favor.

John Heylin, who headed the citizen initiative to expand the commission, says he's excited about the future. His Unofficial Logging Co. hosted the Deschutes County Democrats' watch party - and he said he was washing dishes when he heard the crowd cheer the initial vote count.

"I mean, it comes down to the fact that I'm just some random guy who is like, 'Hey, here's an easy fix that could potentially be positive for our community'," he said Tuesday night. "And just going for it, just being naïve, stubborn, having strong willpower, and not taking no for an answer."