Candidates Can Begin Filing for the 2023 Municipal Election - April 20, 2023

GREAT FALLS, Montana – Great Falls residents who are interested in becoming more involved with their local government are encouraged to consider running for elected office.  In November, a mail ballot election is scheduled.  Positions for elected office include one (1) Mayor for a two-year term, two (2) City Commissioners for four-year terms, forty-five (45) Neighborhood Council representatives consisting of five representatives in each of the nine districts for two-year terms; one (1) Municipal Court Judge for Department A for a four (4) year term, and one (1) Municipal Court Judge for a two (2) year term for Department B for an initial two (2) year term.  All newly elected officials will take office in January 2024.

Qualified electors interested in filing can do so April 20, 2023, through June 19, 2023, by completing a Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form at the Cascade County Election Office (325 2nd Ave N). Pursuant to the Montana Constitution and state law, to be considered a qualified elector an individual must be a resident of Great Falls and be registered to vote. Those interested in running for the position of Mayor or Commissioner or as a Neighborhood Council representative must be qualified electors of the City of Great Falls.

Those seeking a Commission seat must be a resident of Great Falls for at least 60 days preceding the election.  Mayoral candidates must be at least 21 years of age and have been a resident of Montana for at least three years and a resident of Great Falls for at least two years preceding the election. Nominees for election to a Neighborhood Council must be residents of their designated neighborhood district.

Municipal Court Judge candidates shall have the same qualifications as a judge of the district court as set forth in Article II, Section 9, of the Montana Constitution, except a municipal court judge need only be admitted, and in good standing, to the practice of law in Montana for at least three years prior to the date of election.  A municipal court judge shall be a resident of Cascade County one year preceding the election, and be a resident and qualified elector in the City of Great Falls at the time of his or her election.  Further, a municipal court judge shall become certified as provided in Mont. Code Ann. §§ 3-1-1502 and 3-1-1503, to assume the functions of that office.

The fees to file are $56.16 for Mayor, $37.44 for Commissioner, $0 for Neighborhood Council Representatives, $1,284.15 for Municipal Court Judge Department A, and $1,070.12 for Municipal Court Judge Department B.

If the Cascade County Election Administrator determines that a primary election needs to be held, the primary election will take place on September 12, 2023.  The general election will be held on November 7, 2023.

The City of Great Falls operates under the Commission-Manager form of government and the Commission serves as the City's legislative and policy-making body. The City Commission employs the City Manager who directs the day-to-day operations of the City. City Commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month.

In 1996, a Local Government Study Commission recommended the formation of Neighborhood Councils in Great Falls to provide opportunities for citizen involvement in City government. The proposal was placed on the ballot and was approved. Since that time, Neighborhood Councils have operated in an advisory capacity and as liaisons to City staff, the City Commission and residents.  Neighborhood Council meetings take place monthly. 

NEW for this election the City is seeking two (2) Municipal Court Judges.  The second Municipal Court Judge position shall be designated Municipal Court Department B and is subject to an initial two (2) year term.  Thereafter, Municipal Court Department B shall be subject to the four (4) year general election cycle commencing in November 2025.

Additional information about the upcoming 2023 Municipal Election can be found on the City’s website: https://greatfallsmt.net/citycommission/municipal-elections or contact the Cascade County Election Office at 454-6803; Lisa Kunz, City Clerk at 455-8451; or, Lanni Klasner, Communications Specialist (Neighborhood Council Liaison) at 455-8496.