The filing period is open through Aug. 12 for seats on local government study commissions in Butte-Silver Bow and Walkerville.
Voters in both jurisdictions approved study commissions in the June 4 primary and now registered voters can file to serve on the panels by visiting the Clerk and Recorder’s Office in the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse.
There are nine spots open on the Butte-Silver Bow Commission so if more than nine people file, the top nine vote-getters in the Nov. 5 general election will serve. The same scenario applies to Walkerville but its commission will have five members.
Under Montana’s Constitution and state law, cities and counties must give their voters a chance to approve or reject the establishment of a study commission every 10 years.
If one is established, its members study and review local charters and local government structures and operations and can recommend changes that voters accept or reject in the following general election. In this case that would be in November 2026.
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A Butte-Silver Bow commission recommended numerous changes in 2006 that voters approved. But in 2014, voters rejected establishment of a study commission.
Candidates wanting to serve on the Butte-Silver Bow Commission must be registered voters who live in the county. Candidates for the Walkerville Commission must live within the boundaries of Walkerville.
City-county employees are eligible to apply but elected officials are not allowed to serve. There is no filing fee.
People can call 406-497-6335 or visit www.co.silverbow.mt.us/187/ Elections-and-Voting for more information.
Mike Smith is a reporter at the Montana Standard with an emphasis on government and politics.
