The Harney County Special Election was held Tuesday, May 16. The unofficial results are as follows: Harney Education Service District (ESD) Director, Zone 6 — Tom Doman 883 votes (98.66 percent); Write-in 12 votes (1.34 percent). Director, Zone 4 — Doug Stott 39 votes (79.59 percent); Write-in 10 votes (20.41 percent). Director, Zone 5 — Daniel F. Brown 26 votes (100 percent); Write-in 0 votes (0 percent). Crane School District No. 4 Director, Position 1 — Chris Venell 88 votes (96.70 percent); Write-in 3 votes (3.30 percent). Director, Position 2 — Luke Hall 87 votes (96.67 percent); Write-i ..read more

Photos by Brandon McMullen Clockwise from top left: Harney County Treasurer Bobbi Jo Heany, newly elected Harney County Judge Bill Hart, and Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh took the oath of office during a ceremony on Jan. 3. On Jan. 3, an Oath of Office Ceremony was performed at the Harney County Courthouse. The Honorable Robert S. Raschio, presiding circuit court judge of the 24th judicial district (Grant and Harney counties), administered the oath of office to Harney County Treasurer Bobbi Jo Heany and Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh. Treasurer Heany and Commissioner Dorroh ..read more

The unofficial results of the Nov. 2 Special Election have been tallied, and the results for Harney County are as follows: Out of 5,505 eligible voters in Harney County, 2,559, or 46.49 percent, returned ballots to the Harney County Clerk’s Office. Special Election Harney County 13-18 Harney County: Requires County Court meetings regarding relocation of Oregon-Idaho border. Yes — 63.08 percent, 1,567 No — 36.92 percent, 917   City of Burns  13-19 City of Burns: Advisory vote on State Deer Cull Program Yes — 58.52 percent, 484 No — 41.48 percent, 343   City of Burns 13-20 Ci ..read more

Stock photo Measure 13-18 is moving forward to the November 2021 Special Election. Chief petitioners submitted the required number of signatures to qualify Petition 20-05, an Ordinance Requiring County Court meetings regarding relocation of Oregon-Idaho Border, to the ballot on a Special Election to be held Nov. 2, 2021. Ballots for this election will go in the mail to voters of Harney County on Oct. 21. The question to be voted on by the people of Harney County is: Shall the county court meet three times annually to discuss promoting Harney County’s interests regarding relocation of the state ..read more

The unofficial results from Harney County and the state of Oregon for the Nov. 3 General Election are as follows: Total ballots cast: 4,518. Harney County Clerk: Derrin (Dag) Robinson 3,585 (99.39 percent); Write-in 22 (0.61 percent). Harney County Sheriff: Dan Jenkins 3,574 (95.79 percent); Write-in 157 (4.21 percent). Harney County Assessor: Karen Zabala 3,401 (99.04 percent); Write-in 33 (0.96 percent). City of Burns, Mayor: Jerry Woodfin 831 (66 percent); Write-in 428 (34 percent). City of Burns, City Council, Position 1: Jen Keady 608 (46.31 percent); Kim Rollins 403 (30.69 percent); Alan ..read more

The Nov. 3, 2020 General Election is less than a month away. In the next few days, Oregonians will start seeing Voters’ Pamphlets arriving at residences. Every election is important, and the decisions we make on Election Day affect our future. Take the time to get registered (if eligible), ensure registration information is correct, and become familiar with key dates for this year’s General Election. The devastating wildfires have impacted many Oregonians. For any Oregonians displaced from their home and concerned about voting in the General Election this November, rest assured our office is w ..read more

On Sept. 18, Grant County District Attorney Jim Carpenter announced that he was suspending his campaign for the Grant-Harney Circuit Court Judge position. Carpenter’s announcement is as follows: It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of Grant County as your District Attorney. When Circuit Judge William D. Cramer Jr. announced his decision to retire in December 2019, I and others were concerned regarding who would fill the role of Circuit Court judge for Grant and Harney counties. I believe I am far better equipped and suited for the position than my Grant County counterpart ..read more

The Harney County Clerk’s Office released the following information regarding the upcoming election: • The Presidential Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. • The last day for NEW Oregon voters to register to vote for the Nov. 3 General Election is Tuesday, Oct. 13. • Oregon is entirely vote-by-mail. • You do not need to request an absentee ballot UNLESS you will not be at your home address between Oct. 14 and Nov. 3. • Check the status of your voter registration, NOW, with the county clerk or online at www.oregonvotes.gov — My Vote. Ballots will not/can not be forwarded. We start preparing ..read more

The unofficial results of the May 19 Primary Election have been tallied, and the results for Harney County are as follows: Out of 5,307 eligible voters in Harney County, 3,344, or 63.01 percent, returned ballots to the Harney County Clerk’s Office. Local races County commissioner Position No. 1Kristen Shelman — 50.05 percent, 1,576 votes Bill Wilber — 18.45 percent, 581 votes Chris Pratt — 4.35 percent, 137 votes Forrest T. Keady — 26.52 percent, 835 votes Write-in — 0.64 percent, 20 votes County SheriffKerry J. Boggs — 10.96 percent, 356 votes Lucas D. McLain — 16.84 percent, 547 votes Dan Je ..read more

Ballots for the primary election will go in the mail April 29. New this year, the legislature funded prepaid postage for returning ballots. With this in mind, please plan to vote early and return your ballot early. Postmarks do not count. If returning your ballot by mail, be sure to mail it no later than May 13 to ensure timely delivery to the county clerk’s office to be counted. Twenty-four-hour ballot drop sites will be available in Crane, at Hines City Hall, and the rear of the courthouse in Burns. There will also be a drop site located inside the main door of the courthouse, near the count ..read more