Election season
Get ready to vote
Election season is upon voters. Here is a rundown of open seats, appointments and local elections upcoming elections.
County:
“Pursuant to 7-34-2117(3) MCA, if there is only one nominee for a ballot position, it is not necessary to hold an election for that position and the Board of Commissioners shall declare elected by acclamation candidates who file Declaration and Oaths for the position,” wrote Paula McKenzie, Madison County Clerk and Recorder and Election Administrator to the Madison County Board of Commissioners after the Feb. 12, 2024 filing deadline.
The following will be elected by acclamation:
Fire Districts:
Virginia City: (1 open seat) Don Mefford
Alder: (2 open seats) Les Gilman and Dale R. Smail
Sheridan: (2 open seats) Daniel Durham and Del Bieroth
Twin Bridges: (2 open seats) no filings
Harrison: (2 open seats) no filings
Madison Valley: (2 open seats) John Lounsbury and James King
Yellowstone Mountain Club Rural: (1 open seat) Tom Butler
Park Districts:
Sheridan: (0 open seats) no filings
Twin Bridges: (0 open seats) no filings
Hospital Districts:
Madison Valley: (2 open seats) Bryant Harp and Mary G. Oliver
Sewer and Water District
Alder (2 open seats) Tom Pruitt and Laurie Buyan
Harrison: (3 open seats) Judd M McBurney, E. Allen Sprunger and Stan Amack
Big Sky: (3 open seats) no filings
The only Special District Election that will be held on May 7, 2024 is for Ruby Valley Hospital Trustees. Ruby Valley Medical Center has two open seats for three year terms. Les Gilman, Cleve Witham, Jean S. Prough, Reuben Cochran and Leroy Penn Spell Jr,. will be on the ballot. (Dustin Tetrault will be on the ballot but has already been appointed to an open seat so will not be elected)
All other Special District Filings can be appointed by acclamation. The all mail School/Special District ballots will be mailed April 17, 2024.
School board elections:
The filing deadline for open school board trustee positions is Thursday, March 28. School board elections will take place May 7, 2024.
Ennis School District 52 is currently seeking two trustees for three-year terms. The Harrison School District is seeking candidates for one Harrison trustee position for a three-year term. The Sheridan School District is seeking candidates for two Sheridan trustee positions for three-
year terms and one Alder trustee position for a three-year term. The Twin Bridges School District is seeking candidates for two open trustee positions for three-year terms.
Other races and candidate profiles will be covered in future editions as the May 7 Special District and School Board Elections and June 4 Primary Election approach.