A proposed permanent ban on psilocybin-related businesses in Philomath fell behind for the first time in updated May 19 primary returns, with opponents now holding a narrow 15-vote edge as ballot counting continues.
Measure 2-147, which would prohibit psilocybin-related businesses and product manufacturing within Philomath city limits, trailed 858 yes votes (49.57%) to 873 no votes (50.43%) in results updated Friday by the Benton County Records and Elections Department. The measure had led by seven votes in the previous count.
The margin has shifted repeatedly throughout the count — from a 44-vote yes lead on election night to 27 votes, then seven, and now a 15-vote no lead.
The county reported 29,059 ballots counted out of 61,181 active registered voters as of Friday, for a turnout of 47.5%. The next update is scheduled for June 15.
Philomath voters approved a temporary psilocybin ban in 2022 while the City Council studied the issue and extended the moratorium two years later. That extension is set to expire this year. If the measure passes, it would block psilocybin service centers and manufacturers from operating in the city. If it fails, those establishments could move forward subject to time, place and manner restrictions the council has already adopted by ordinance.
In the contested Democratic primary for Benton County commissioner, challenger John Wilson extended his lead over incumbent Pat Malone. Wilson led 7,017 to 6,544 — a margin of 473 votes, or 51.67% to 48.18%. Write-ins accounted for 20 votes and 13,581 total votes were cast.
Philomath Fire and Rescue’s Measure 2-155, a five-year local operating levy for fire rescue personnel and operations, continued to pass comfortably with 2,436 yes votes (65.34%) to 1,292 no votes (34.66%), out of 3,728 total votes cast.
All seven annexation measures referred by the City Council were passing by large margins in updated returns.