After being bombarded for months with relentless political advertising, the 2024 election couldn't end soon enough for many Montanans. But, one dedicated group is still digging into the details in hopes of improving the voting system and restoring public trust in its integrity.
The Montana Election Observation Initiative sent 118 trained volunteers to monitor 76 polling locations in 16 counties across the state.
Leaders of the independent effort to put nonpartisan eyes on the Nov. 5 election recently shared key takeaways after taking a close look at almost all aspects of the state's voting process.
Observers highlighted overall strengths, including local election workers adherence to the law, transparency from officials, a focus on ballot security and widespread regard for voter participation.
People are also reading... Missoula Hellgate girls soccer coach Natalie Hiller-Claridge, volleyball coach Erin Keffeler resign Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes rename Dixon, now called Sčilíp 5 years after recognition, Little Shell announces plans for massive event center and resort End of an era and a fresh start: Sushi Hana to move into Scotty's Table location Missoula man accused of raping multiple teenagers in 2023 These Missoula restaurants are open Christmas Day Sushi Hana in downtown Missoula says it is closing sometime in 2025 Forest Service aware of Snowbowl chairlift incident; more details released Business Buzz: Sauna business shut down; new coffee cart; 1 million passengers Chair rips off lift at Snowbowl 'I thought he was helping me': Patient endured 9 years of chemotherapy for cancer he never had Snow, freezing rain could impact Christmas travel beginning Saturday night Montana Grizzlies sign USC quarterback transfer Jake Jensen Montana SupCo sides with kids in landmark climate ruling
"When you think about electoral quality and integrity, these strengths are not indicative of an election where someone is intent on malfeasance," the initiative's coordinator Daniel Bruce said.
Observers also reported weaknesses, such as long lines at some polling sites, lapses in ID verification, delays in setting up voting machines, insufficient supplies, staff shortages and fatigued election workers.
The Georgia-based nonprofit Carter Center funded the observation effort, working in partnership with the University of Montana's Mansfield Center.
The group plans to release a more detailed report of its findings on Jan. 6, making the information available just in time for the upcoming legislative session. Katie Vaughan, director of civic engagement at the Mansfield Center, said initiative leaders hope to work with lawmakers, election officials and political parties to improve Montana's voting system.
"Our goal is to reinforce public confidence in elections through education and also highlight our role as a nonpartisan voice in this politically polarized environment for the 2024 election and now into the future," she said.
0 Comments Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!
Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. anile Follow anile Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today