Montana’s three political parties control access to the General Election ballot. Montanans can influence their parties by grassroots electing 3,186 precinct persons in 56 counties. In 2014 no one filed for 2,630, or 82 percent. Of the 571 positions for which individuals filed, only 54 were contested. That small number of names was seen on the ballot by neighbors.
Each county committee quorum of representative, equal to 50 percent or more of precinct positions, can be a valuable forum for discussing and addressing issues. For those committees to reflect community sentiments upward, they must be filled with persons representing their neighbors. You can be appointed, as though your precinct’s person before you has died. Shouldn’t you instead welcome the opportunity to visit with your neighbors, or have them challenge you?
Once in office for two years, you will be standing on your own feet on behalf of your friends and neighbors. Drop by your County Clerk’s Office and file for precinct committee person in the party of your choice by the end of this candidate-filing period.
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