With higher than average Montana voter turnout, incumbent, Democrat Jon Tester, slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the US Senate Race. Sen. Tester received 50% of the Montana vote to Rosendale who had 47% and Libertarian, Rick Breckenridge received 3%. All totaled it was 251,611 for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with a 51% lead to her 46%.

In Mineral County there was a 63.6% registered voter turned out. This was down slightly from the 2016 General Elections where there was a 68% turnout. However, registered voters has increased in the county with 3,281 this year and 2,087 cast, compared to 3,101 registered in 2016 with 2,096 cast.

In the county, Rosendale was given a solid lead with 57% of the votes, to Tester’s 38%. County voters also supported Gianforte with 62% of the vote giving Williams 34%.

Republican incumbent, Denley Loge, had a solid lead over Democrat, Diane Magone, taking 74% (1,513) of the vote to Magone’s 26% (543) for the House District 14 seat. Dale Magone retained his seat as the Mineral County Justice of the Peace with 54% of the vote to challenger, Jessica Schaak who had 46%. Other unchallenged positions were approved by voters giving County Commissioner, Rep. Laurie Johnston another term with 100% of the vote as well as, Rep. Kelann McLees, for the County Clerk and Recorder. Sheriff, Mike Boone (Rep.) also received 100%, as did County Attorney, Ellen Donohue, who ran as an Independent. Mary Yarnall will remain as the County Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools.

Statewide ballot initiatives reported a “no” on Initiative 185, which would have expanded Medicaid eligibility and raise taxes on tobacco products, 55% to 45%. Initiative 128, the 6-Mill Levy for the Montana University System, received a “yes” vote with 61% with 39% of Montana voters casting a “no”.

On I-129, the Prohibition of Ballot Collection by Certain Individuals, was supported with 63% “yes” and 37%, “no”. Voters also cast a “no” to I-185, “Deny a Hardrock Mine Permit for Perpetual Treatment of Water”, with 41% supporting the initiative.

Full elections results will be featured in the Nov. 14 issue of the Mineral Independent.