Judges must reside in the Madison County portion of Big Sky; county to provide two-hour training on March 27
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
For the first time, Big Sky’s Madison County residents will be able to vote here in Big Sky. With support from the Big Sky Fire Department, the county has established a new polling station at Fire Station No. 2 near Big Sky Resort.
Also a first, Big Sky’s Madison County residents will need to officiate upcoming 2024 elections—the federal primary on June 4, and general election on Nov. 5. Madison County Clerk and Recorder Paula McKenzie is looking for workers who will become certified election judges for two years.
Election judges work at the polling station, taking voters’ information, demonstrating how to properly fill ballots, and communicating with county officials when issues arise. The judges are paid an hourly wage with a stipend for miles driven and meals.
“Basically their job is to make sure you get the correct ballot, know how to vote that ballot, and get it back to us… [to ensure] the ballots you cast are actually counted with everybody else,” McKenzie told EBS in a phone call.
McKenzie will host a paid two-hour training at the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District on Wednesday, March 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. She asks that anyone interested contact her by calling 406-843-4270 or emailing pmckenzie@madisoncountymt.gov ahead of the training so she can prepare. However, signing up is not required.
“It’s fine if people just show up for the class,” McKenzie said.
She has had a few people show interest but hopes to find more interested workers.
Election judges will not have noteworthy commitments aside from serving on election days. With a new polling place comes new responsibility, she explained, and she hopes Big Sky residents will step up.
