Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

The Big Sky Way: A primary decision 

in Opinion
The Big Sky Way: A primary decision 

American at a polling booth

The Montana Constitution allows for county and municipal government to undergo a periodic review. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
EBS Staffby EBS Staff
May 13, 2024

Montanans can decide if their local governments are right for them

By Daniel Bierschwale EBS COLUMNIST 

We just wrapped up the May 7 school and special purpose district election, and already there is another election on the horizon. The primary elections happen on Tuesday, June 4.  

Traditionally, in a primary election, people choose which candidates will represent their party. This year in Montana, there is more at stake. First, let’s look at what this election is about.  

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad

Montana has an open primary system, which means that voters do not have to register with a specific party to participate in that party’s primary election. Voters can choose which party’s primary they wish to vote in on the day of the election.  

Four ballots—is that a mistake? 

Whether you vote at the polls or by absentee ballot, you will be given four different ballots—one for each of the parties: Democratic, Green, Libertarian and Republican. This is a result of open primaries and not a mistake by your county’s elections office. You will return just one ballot with your selections; the other three will be discarded. 

The Study Commission question 

This year, voters will get to decide on more than just their party nominations. A question that will appear on the ballot is whether voters would like a local government review.  

This Local Government Review process was unprecedented in the United States and remains… arguably, one of the most important innovations in modernizing the performance and accountability of local government in the twentieth century (and beyond).” 

 – Dr. Kenneth Weaver, Montana’s Local Government Review   

However, on the ballots, the question may not be very informative. It broadly asks voters to fill in the oval “For” or “Against” establishing and funding the review at a certain cost. (The Gallatin County website says that, on average, the cost to property owners would be less than $5.) But what is this and why is it important?  

The Montana Constitution allows for county and municipal government to undergo a periodic review. Every ten years, citizens have the opportunity to say if they like their current structure, or if they would like to see alternate options that could make government more effective, more efficient or more affordable. 

Sample ballot for the 2024 local government review, by county. COURTESY OF BSRAD

Specifically, the review would look at power, form and plan of local governments, which for Big Sky, would be Gallatin and Madison counties. This is not a policy or personnel review, where individuals are judged on how they are doing their jobs. For instance, it doesn’t look at a specific commissioner’s performance. Instead, it would look at the structure: Are there enough commissioners seated to accommodate community needs? Are terms long enough to ensure a smooth transition between candidates, or are terms too long and don’t allow for enough change in leadership? Is a position better served by an elected official who gets the most votes, or would it be better to hire a person who is trained in that specific area?  

If the voters decide in favor of (“FOR”) the local government review, a study commission will be established. Regular citizens may file to be a study commissioner—seven in Gallatin County, three in Madison County. In the Nov. 5 general election, the electorate would vote on which community members they would like to lead this deeper dive into how things are run. 

Once the study commission is elected, they will come up with a budget and plan for how to execute this study. They will spend the next 18 months reviewing the powers, structures, duties and limitations of governmental offices, and decide if they will chose either ‘no change’ or will make their recommendation to the voters in the November 2026 election. All recommendations would comply with Montana law.  

The Local Government Center at the Montana State University Extension has more detailed information on their website about what is reviewed. They offer virtual hours on Fridays, May 17 and May 31 from 10 to 11 a.m. so voters can ask specific questions about this topic.  

The local government review is a unique opportunity for Montanans to ensure that their local governments remain relevant as their communities grow.  Whatever you decide, remember to get out there and vote. 

Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs. 

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes

Upcoming Events

Jun 18
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jun 18
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Post 99 Honey sales

Jun 18
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Pickup Ultimate Frisbee

Jun 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jun 20
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Community Yoga

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

A la Carte: Proof is in the chia pudding  
Opinion

A la Carte: Proof is in the chia pudding  

June 10, 2025
Thriving Landscapes: Collective action sparks change
Environment

Thriving Landscapes: Collective action sparks change

June 9, 2025
Let’s Talk About Mental Health: You can love your own way 
Health

Let’s Talk About Mental Health: You can love your own way 

June 9, 2025
Dispatches from the Wild: The Nature Conservancy 
Environment

Dispatches from the Wild: The Nature Conservancy 

June 6, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube