Board of County Commissioners to Conduct Recounts of Primary Races

Great Falls, Cascade County, MT: The Board of County Canvassers certified the June 4, 2024, Primary Election results on June 18, 2024. The certified results for Precinct Committeewoman for Precinct 19A reflect candidates Becky Anderson and Jennifer Fisher each received 101 votes. The tie for Precinct Committeewoman for Precinct 19A necessitates an automatic recount; neither candidate is required to file a formal petition. Pursuant MCA § 13-16-203, the Election Administrator shall proceed as if a petition for a recount has been filed.

In addition, on June 20, 2024, two candidates who lost their races filed petitions for a recount with the Elections Administrator. Pursuant MCA§ 13-16-201, a defeated candidate may file a verified petition stating the candidate believes that a recount will change the results and that a recount of the votes for the office or nomination should be conducted. Cathy Koenig Brown has filed a petition for a recount of Precinct 19B Precinct Committeewoman race based upon a ten (10) vote count difference. Michael Polaske filed a petition for a recount of Precinct 19C Precinct Committeeman race based upon a four (4) vote count difference.

Pursuant to MCA § 13-16-101, the County Recount Board must consist of three (3) members, who are members of the governing body. Further, if three (3) members of the governing body cannot attend when the Recount Board meets, any vacant position must be filled by one or more county officers chosen by the remaining members of the governing body. As Commissioner Briggs is unavailable to participate on the Recount Board as currently scheduled to convene, it is necessary, pursuant to MCA § 1-15-101(3) that his vacant position be filled by another county officer. Treasurer Diane Heikkila has been appointed to serve on the Recount Board.

The Recount Board will convene on June 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Cascade County Commission Chambers to recount the races for Precinct 19A Precinct Committeewoman, Precinct 19B Precinct Committeewoman, and Precinct 19C Precinct Committeeman. The Recount Board has authority to schedule additional dates and times as needed until all races have been recounted.