Article Summary –
Cascade County, Montana, is amid a dispute over who will administer the 2024 elections following allegations of mishandling by the current clerk, Sandra Merchant, leading to her losing the duties. The newly created position of commission-appointed election administrator has four candidates, including the former clerk, Rina Moore. The county’s handling of elections could have significant repercussions as its third-largest city, Great Falls, is a noted swing area and could determine the outcomes of several key races.
The MT Lowdown: Montana’s election dispute and impact on 2024 races
The outcome of Montana’s 2024 elections could rest on Cascade County, a prominent swing county in Montana’s third-largest city, Great Falls. An ongoing local election dispute raises the question: who safeguards correct vote counting?
Historically, county clerk and recorder oversaw local elections. However, after allegations of mishandling local elections throughout 2023, the county commission relieved current clerk Sandra Merchant of duties, prompting differing views of election administration.
This week, Cascade County’s three commissioners interviewed four candidates for the new position of commission-appointed election administrator. Supporters of Merchant are demanding her reinstatement, arguing the commission’s actions deprived Cascade County voters of their voice.
The local debate on election administration extends beyond Cascade County. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester won the county by 1,869 votes in 2018 – a margin that contributed to his statewide victory. As the county shifts to the political right, voters could determine control of the U.S. Senate. National scrutiny may fall on Cascade County’s chosen election administrator.
Close Up
A young supporter supports Matt Rosendale at the State Capitol in Helena on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The Montana Republican congressman officially filed his campaign paperwork for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Tester.
Hot Potato
In Montana, child welfare cases are confidential to protect parents and children. A contentious Glasgow case involving a transgender teen and non-confirming parents opposing a psychiatric referral challenges this principle.
Parents Todd Kolstad and Krista Cummins-Kolstad have publicly shared their family’s story, drawing a reprimand from Valley County District Court Judge Yvonne Laird. Despite warnings about contempt of court, the couple intends to continue speaking out.
The case has drawn national attention, with some accusing the state of “kidnapping” the teen. Gov. Greg Gianforte rebutted the allegations without sharing specific details.
The Viz
Despite much-needed January and early February snowstorms, a third of Montana’s basins still report record-low snowpacks as of Feb. 7. This will likely result in low summer streamflows and dry forests heading into fire season. Data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service shows the deficit is most pronounced east of the Continental Divide.
Such lack of snow affects businesses reliant on winter snow or summer streamflows. For instance, Teton Pass Ski Area announced its closure for the season due to insufficient snow, and a nearly four-decades-old central Montana dog sled race was cancelled last week.
Glad You Asked
Reflecting on last week’s MTFP story on the charges incorporated into NorthWestern Energy’s residential power bills, a reader asked: Where are NorthWestern’s profits represented in those charges? The Montana Public Service Commission authorizes NorthWestern to assess power rates including a measure of profit for the infrastructure it owns. Such profit margin is included in charges such as “Residential Transmission Delivery” and “Residential Distribution Delivery.”
On Our Radar
From weather rookies to city hall scandals, we’re keeping our eyes on stories that matter to Montanans. Whether it’s the challenges of this ski season or local community stories, we’re always on the lookout for compelling narratives. Stay tuned for more updates and subscribe to our weekly digest.
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