Election connection

Tis the season, election season that is.

Carter County electors may be a little confused this election season, and hopefully this article will clarify some of the questions that have come up regarding the three active elections that are going on at this time.

School District #1, Hawks Home

All active voters registered for School District #1, Hawks Home should have received their mail ballots. They were mailed on April 14 and may have been delayed due to recent weather events. If you did not receive a ballot for that district and believe you should have, contact the election office at 406-775-8749. Ballots received at the office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 will be counted. Electors may drop off their ballots at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka or mail them. Don’t forget to sign the affirmation envelope.

School District #15 and High School District #3

This is a poll election for the 2022 election season and may be creating a bit of confusion for electors in the district as traditionally it is conducted by mail ballot. However, that’s not the case this year. Active electors who have requested absentee ballots for the federal primary and general elections have been sent their school ballot as an absentee voter. Those electors who did not receive a ballot in the mail have not requested an absentee ballot and must come to the poll at the school on Tuesday, May 3 from noon to 8 p.m., bring an ID and vote. Electors unable to make it to the polls can vote in person at the school prior to election day by stopping at the office during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 121 W Speelmon Street in Ekalaka. Any questions regarding this election can be directed to Lora Tauck at 406-775-8767.

Federal primary election

The federal primary election, set for Tuesday, June 7, will be conducted as a poll election. The Carter County Clerk and Recorder’s Office will be conducting this election. Absentee ballots will be sent to registered voters who have requested them on May 13, 2022. Polls will be open on election day. Polling places include the Alzada Community Center, Boyes Community Center and the Carter County Event Center. Electors who did not receive a ballot by mail and are wishing to vote absentee must contact the Carter County Election Office at 406-775-8749 and request a ballot either by mail or in person. Electors are reminded that there are three party ballots this year, the Democratic, Libertarian and Republican ballot. Voters can only vote one ballot.