Election Day is here, and it's not too late to cast a vote
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 3 weeks AGO
Stickers for voters who cast their ballots at the Trade Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Nov. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | November 3, 2025 11:10 PM
The Flathead County Election Office is opening its doors at 7 a.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4, and voters have until 8 p.m. to turn in ballots.
The county is conducting an all-mail election this year, and voters who haven't turned in ballots can drop them off at the Election Office in Kalispell at 290 B N. Main St.
Ballots received after 8 p.m., Nov. 4, including those mailed before the day of the election, will not be counted. Voters must sign the voter affirmation line and, owing to a new state law, include their year of birth on the return signature envelope.
In anticipation of high turnout, a drive-thru ballot drop box will be set up in the Election Office’s parking lot. Another ballot drop box is available inside.
County residents who haven’t registered to vote can still do so at the polls. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m., and requires a photo ID and proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.
Voting booths set up in the office are available for in-person voting.
Key issues on the ballot this year include a $105 million bond for a new county jail and, for voters in Kalispell, electing the city's next mayor. City Councilors Ryan Hunter and Sid Daoud, and local entrepreneur Kisa Davison are all vying for the position. Voters will also elect city councilors in each of Kalispell's four wards.
Also on the ballot is an $84.8 million bond to completely remodel a high school in Columbia Falls School District 6. Voters in Columbia Falls will also vote for three new city councilors. Four candidates appear on the ballot, but Hannah Pennington is not seeking election. Pennington’s withdrawal from the race came too late to remove her name from the ballot.
Mayor Don Barnhart is running unopposed for reelection.
For Whitefish residents, four candidates on the ballot are vying for City Council. Newcomer Nathan Dugan is running against incumbents Andy Feury, Giuseppe Caltabiano and Ben Davis for one of the three seats up for grabs.
For more information about voting in the election, visit flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/election or call the Election Department at 758-5535. Ballots can be tracked at voterportal.mt.gov.
Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].
READ MORE:
Visit Daily Inter Lake's Local Election page
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Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series: Kisa Davison
Kisa Davison plans to draw on business experience as mayor
Kalispell Mayoral Candidate Series: Sid Daoud
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