Montana’s 2024 general election is under scrutiny with the Montana Election Observation Initiative conducting a comprehensive review to assess the state’s electoral strengths and weaknesses. This initiative, backed by the Carter Center and led by former state officials, dispatched 118 observers to 76 locations in 16 counties during the November 5 election. These trained volunteers evaluated diverse election processes, from mail-in ballot preparations to post-election audits, with a full report forthcoming next month.
The findings so far reveal plans to collaborate with election officials, political parties, and lawmakers to enhance election processes. “Our goal is to reinforce public confidence in elections through education and also highlight our role as a nonpartisan voice,” stated Katie Vaughan of the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana.
Highlights include the adherence to election laws, transparency from officials, and a commitment to ballot security. Public involvement was notably strong, exemplified by interest in a recount of a tight legislative race in Gallatin County. Initiative coordinator Daniel Bruce acknowledged the pivotal role of volunteer election judges, emphasizing their problem-solving skills and dedication.
However, areas for improvement were noted. Observers reported voter ID verification lapses, voting machine setup delays, and material shortages. While election workers maintained professionalism, these issues suggest opportunities for legislative improvements. Recent legislative changes mandating uninterrupted vote counting on Election Day led to exhaustion among election staff and observation teams, underscoring the need to revisit this policy to prevent delays in result reporting.
The full report, set for release in January, aims to influence election policy debates during Montana’s 2025 legislative session. Geraldine Custer, former Republican lawmaker and initiative co-chair, expressed confidence in the initiative’s success in countering misinformation by achieving broad observer coverage. “I wanted to showcase it and prove it so that all the rumors from the 2020 election, the misinformation, would maybe tamp down,” Custer said.
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