SANDPOINT — Bonner County saw one contested race for the 2026 General Election, with most county candidates running unopposed after the May primary election.  

By 10 p.m.,  ballots were still being counted, and final results were not expected until 2 or 3 a.m. At the time of publishing, Smith appears to have claimed the Bonner County Commissioner District 1 seat in the 2026 General Election. Bonner County as a whole saw five uncontested county races and one request to retain Magistrate Judge Luke Hagelberg.  

Bonner County races 

Two political newcomers, Republican Steve Smith and independent Fred Arn, faced each other for the Bonner County Commissioner District 1 seat with Smith leading by 3,640 votes, or 54.01%.  Arn trails with 3,099 votes, or 45.99% of the vote. 

Republican Jeff Roberts went unopposed for the Bonner County Commissioner District 2 seat and has 4,104 votes. 

Bonner County Clerk of the District Court was awarded to Republican Roger Rudd, who ran unopposed in the race. He currently has 4,266 votes.  

Republican incumbents Clorrisa Koster and Robert Beers each won their respective uncontested races for Bonner County treasurer and coroner. Koster has 4,332  votes, and Beers received 4,404 votes. 

For the Bonner County Assessor, Republican Cory Gabel is winning his uncontested race with 4,260 votes.  

Luke Hagelberg was voted to be retained as Magistrate Judge for the First Judicial District. He has 4,464  votes for approval.  

Local ballot measures 

The Coolin Sewer District sought approval of $8 million revenue bonds to finance the design, acquisition and construction of improvements to its existing wastewater treatment and collection system. The bonds would be repaid over no more than 30 years. 

A simple majority must vote in favor of the bond for it to pass. There have been 11 votes in favor, or 45.83%, with 13 votes against, or 54.17%. 

Spirit Lake Fire Protection District asked voters to approve a permanent tax levy override for $785,000 to help and maintain staffing levels and equip and maintain fire district operations.  

At least 66.67% of voters must vote in favor of the levy for it to pass. There have been 241 votes in favor, or 49.9%, with 242 votes against, or 50.10%. 

Westside Fire Protection District requested a temporary levy of $380,000 for two years to increase personnel and maintain district operations.  

A simple majority must vote in favor of the bond for it to pass. There have been 418 votes in favor, or 67.42%, with 202 votes against, or 32.58%. 

The city of Sandpoint requested a 1% local option sales tax, applicable through 2036, for the maintenance and improvement of city streets, sidewalks and other means of pedestrian travel.  

A 2/3 majority vote is required for the local tax to pass. There have been 736 votes in favor, or 56.62%, with 564 votes against, or 43.38%.  

The city of Dover sought a local-option non-property occupancy tax for a period of ten years, placing a 12% occupancy tax on short-term lodging charges 

The occupancy tax requires a 2/3 majority approval for it to pass. There have been 126 votes in favor, or 72%, with 49 votes against, or 28%.