Primary Countdown: Gearing up for Election Day
Ballots were mailed Monday for school board elections in Polson, Charlo and St. Ignatius.
Local Government Review on ballot
Voters across Lake County have the option to vote for or against establishing a Local Government Review Commission.
The Montana Constitution insists that citizens be given the opportunity at 10-year intervals to weigh in on their form of local government.
Municipal voters in the incorporated towns of Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius, as well as Lake County residents, will be asked to vote whether or not to review their form of government. A majority of votes in favor will authorize the establishment of a commission of five elected members to conduct that review, along with funding of up to half a mil for Lake County, two mills in Polson, $20,000 in Ronan, and two mills in St. Ignatius to finance the process. These funding levels were approved last winter when local governments voted to put the measure on the ballot, as required by state law.
A majority of “yes” votes launches a two-year process for the municipality or county government, beginning with the election of a local five-member study commission in November. Residents of each jurisdiction that has voted to review local government may file to join the commission.
That group then reviews potential changes to local government and recommends changes, which in turn must be approved by voters.
Christopher still on the ballot
Deborah “Kim” Christopher’s name remains on the ballot for the 20th Judicial Court District, opposite that of Polson attorney Britt Cotter, even though she announced her retirement from the bench in March.
John Mercer was temporarily appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fill her position in May and will preside through Dec. 31.
Christopher’s name also remains on the Secretary of State’s listing of candidates who have filed for office, although her political campaign account filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices has been closed. However, since Christopher’s name appears on the ballot her votes will be tallied for the primary, according to Lake County Election Administrator Toni Kramer. And if Christopher doesn’t formally withdraw her candidacy by Aug. 12, her name will also appear on the November ballot, Kramer says.
Correction on commissioners’ race
A profile of the four Republican candidates for Lake County Commissioner that appeared in the Leader on May 16 incorrectly reported that the primary winner would automatically become the District 3 commissioner in January since no Democrats have filed for the seat.
An astute reader pointed out that the winner of the primary goes up against Independent Kelly McDonald in the general election.
Polling places & satellite office hours
The Lake County Election Office is gearing up for next Tuesday’s primary election.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the following locations: Arlee High School (new location), Charlo School Gymnasium, St. Ignatius School gym, Ronan Community Center, Mission Valley Power Conference Room in Pablo (new location), Linderman Gym in Polson for precincts 2-8 and Elmo Community Health and Wellness Center for Polson precinct 1, Dayton Presbyterian Church, Bear Dance Club House, Ferndale Fire Department and Swan Lake Community Center.
Election satellite offices are open 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the Elmo Health Center; 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Arlee Indian Senior Center; 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, May 31, at the St. Ignatius Indian Senior Center; 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Ronan Indian Senior Center; and 8 a.m.-noon Monday, June 3, at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.
Election Administrator Toni Kramer advises those voters who received absentee ballots but haven’t returned them yet to return them directly to the Elections Office in the Lake County Courthouse by 8 p.m. June 4, or to satellite offices or at their local polling place on June 4.
“We do have same-day registration in our office, but I encourage voters not to wait until election day to avoid lines,” Kramer said. “All late registration needs to be done in person.”
For more information or to check your voter registration, visit www.lakemt.gov/170/Elections, the Voter Portal at prodvoterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx or call 406-883-7268.