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Write-in candidates file for Ward 2 vacancy

KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 11 months AGO
by KRISTI NIEMEYER
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | September 21, 2023 12:00 AM

Voters in Polson’s Ward 2 will face a choice between two write-in candidates in the Nov. 7 election.

Incumbent Tony Isbell opted not to file for office and no candidates filed for his seat by the March deadline. However, two candidates did file by the write-in deadline of Sept. 5: David Coffman and Lisa Rehard.

According to Lake County Election Administrator Toni Kramer, neither of the declared write-in candidates will appear on the November ballot. Instead, voters in that ward will need to write the name of their preferred candidate on the ballot and mark the adjacent oval.

Ronan had no contested council seats and formally cancelled its election during last week’s council meeting.

Two at-large four-year seats are open on the St. Ignatius City Council. Candidates are incumbent Steve McCollum, Janis Heffern, Rikki Menz-Merchant and Davin Sorrell.

The St. Ignatius Rural Fire District is asking voters to support a levy for 6.19 mills, which will raise approximately $27,205 a year for the next seven years.

Kramer said ballots will be mailed Oct. 18 and must be returned to the county election office by Tuesday, Nov. 7.

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