Governor gives counties all-mail option for primary election

Gov. Steve Bullock announced on Wednesday a directive that will give counties the choice to conduct all-mail ballot elections for Montana’s primary election on June 2, in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

According to the directive, all counties will be required “to establish, implement and enforce social distancing policies at polling locations, designated drop-off locations or other public-facing portions of facilities involved in voting.”

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson said she is in the process of looking into the governor’s directive and could not yet say what it means for Flathead County.

Bullock said in a press release, “This is about protecting Montanans’ right to vote at a time we face unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic ... Locally elected officials best understand the voting needs of their communities, and taking this action now ensures they will have the time to make the right decisions for their localities.”

According to the press release, Bullock “consulted with county election administrators, public health experts, emergency management professionals, the Secretary of State and political leaders from both parties to determine the safest way to proceed with school elections and the June primary while protecting the rights of Montanans to vote safely.”

The governor’s directive also extends the close of regular voter registration to 10 days before the election.

Montana had a total of 65 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday afternoon.