Montana House of Representatives elections, 2020

Montana 2020 elections

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2020 Montana
House Elections

General| November 3, 2020
Primary| June 2, 2020
Past Election Results

2018・2016・2014
2012・2010・2008
2020 Elections

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Montana Republicans won a supermajority in the 2020 House elections. All 100 House seats were up in 2020. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 58-42 majority. Republicans gained a net nine seats from Democrats, leaving the chamber's post-election partisan balance at 67-33. A 67-seat majority is required to override a governor's veto.

The Montana House of Representatives was one of 86 state legislative chambers holding elections in 2020. All 100 seats in the Montana House of Representatives were up for election in 2020. There are 99 chambers throughout the country. In 2018, 87 out of 99 legislative chambers held elections.

Montana's 2020 state legislative elections affected partisan control of redistricting following the 2020 census. In Montana, a commission is responsible for drawing district lines. This commission comprises five members. The majority and minority leaders of each chamber of the state legislature select one member apiece. These four members then select a fifth to serve as the commission's chair.

Click here to read about Republican state legislative primaries.

## Contents

* 1 Election procedure changes in 2020
* 2 Party control
* 3 Candidates
* 4 General election
* 5 Primary election
* 5.1 Incumbents who were not re-elected
* 5.1.1 Incumbents defeated in the general election
* 5.1.2 Incumbents defeated in primary elections
* 5.1.3 Retiring incumbents
* 5.2 Process to become a candidate
* 5.2.1 For qualified party candidates
* 5.2.2 For independent, indigent, and non-qualified party candidates
* 5.2.3 For write-in candidates
* 5.2.4 2020 ballot access requirements
* 5.2.5 Qualifications
* 5.2.6 Salaries and per diem
* 5.2.7 When sworn in
* 5.3 Montana political history
* 5.3.1 Trifectas
* 5.3.2 Presidential politics in Montana
* 5.3.2.1 2016 Presidential election results
* 5.4 Voter information
* 5.4.1 How the primary works
* 5.4.2 Poll times
* 5.4.3 Registration requirements
* 5.4.4 Automatic registration
* 5.4.5 Online registration
* 5.4.6 Same-day registration
* 5.4.7 Residency requirements
* 5.4.8 Verification of citizenship
* 5.4.9 Verifying your registration
* 5.4.10 Voter ID requirements
* 5.4.11 Early voting
* 5.4.12 Absentee voting
* 5.5 See also
* 5.6 External links
* 5.7 Footnotes

## Election procedure changes in 2020[edit]

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.

Montana modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

* Absentee/mail-in voting: Counties were authorized to conduct the general election entirely by mail.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

## Party control[edit]

See also: Partisan composition of state houses and State government trifectas
Montana House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 42  | 33
| Republican Party | 58 | 67
Total |  100 |  100

## Candidates[edit]

# General election[edit]

#### Montana State House general election

* Incumbents are marked with an (i) after their name.

Office |  Democratic |  Republican | Other
District 1 |

Marvin Sather

Steve Gunderson (i)

District 2 |

Lori Ramesz

Neil Duram (i)

District 3 |

Debo Powers (i)

Braxton Mitchell

District 4 |  |

Matt Regier (i)

District 5 |

Dave Fern (i)

Catherine Owens

District 6 |

Jerramy Dear-Ruel

Amy Regier

District 7 |

Ross Frazier

Frank Garner (i)

Nicholas Ramlow (Libertarian Party)

District 8 |  |

John Fuller (i)

District 9 |  |

Brian Putnam

District 10 |

Jennifer Allen

Mark Noland (i)

District 11 |  |

Derek Skees (i)

District 12 |

Gerry Browning

Linda Reksten

District 13 |

Colleen Hinds

Paul Fielder

Cade Stiles (Libertarian Party)

District 14 |  |

Denley Loge (i)

Mark French (Independent) (Write-in)

District 15 |

Marvin Weatherwax Jr. (i)

|  |

District 16 |

Tyson Running Wolf (i)

|  |

District 17 |

Barnett Sporkin-Morrison

Ross Fitzgerald (i)

District 18 |  |

Llew Jones (i)

District 19 |  |

Wendy McKamey (i)

George Schultz (Libertarian Party)

District 20 |

Melissa Smith

Fred Anderson (i)

District 21 |

Jaime Horn

Edward Buttrey (i)

District 22 |

Jasmine Taylor

Lola Sheldon-Galloway (i)

District 23 |

Brad Hamlett (i)

Scot Kerns

District 24 |

Barbara Bessette (i)

Steven Galloway

District 25 |

Jasmine Krotkov (i)

Steve Gist

District 26 |

Helena Lovick

Jeremy Trebas

District 27 |  |

Joshua Kassmier (i)

District 28 |

Krystal Steinmetz

Ed Hill

District 29 |  |

Dan Bartel (i)

District 30 |

Cindy Palmer

Wylie Galt (i)

District 31 |

Frank Smith

|  |

District 32 |

Jonathan Windy Boy (i)

Bruce Meyers

District 33 |  |

Casey Knudsen (i)

District 34 |  |

Rhonda Knudsen (i)

District 35 |  |

Brandon Ler

District 36 |  |

Bob Phalen

District 37 |  |

Jerry Schillinger

Jacob Kitson (Libertarian Party)

District 38 |  |

Kenneth Holmlund (i)

District 39 |  |

Geraldine Custer (i)

District 40 |

Kris Spanjian

Barry Usher (i)

District 41 |

Rynalea Whiteman Pena

|  |

Kristina Redbird-Quaempts (Independent) (Write-in)

District 42 |

Sharon Stewart-Peregoy (i)

|  |

District 43 |  |

Kerri Seekins-Crowe

Melody Benes (Libertarian Party)

District 44 |

Terry Dennis

Larry Brewster (i)

District 45 |  |

Katie Zolnikov

Did not make the ballot:
Nathan McKenty (Libertarian Party)

District 46 |

Zach Ladson

Bill Mercer (i)

District 47 |

Katharin Kelker (i)

TJ Smith

District 48 |

Jessica Karjala (i)

Leigh Verrill-Rhys

District 49 |

Emma Kerr-Carpenter (i)

Colin Nygaard

District 50 |

Jade Bahr (i)

Mallerie Stromswold

District 51 |

Anne Giuliano

Frank Fleming (i)

District 52 |

Hannah Olson

Jimmy Patelis

District 53 |  |

Dennis Lenz (i)

District 54 |

Ryan Thomsen

Terry Moore (i)

District 55 |  |

Vince Ricci (i)

District 56 |  |

Sue Vinton (i)

District 57 |  |

Fiona Nave

District 58 |

Betsy Scanlin

Seth Berglee (i)

District 59 |

Dan Vermillion

Marty Malone

District 60 |

Laurie Bishop (i)

Joe Lamm

District 61 |

Jim Hamilton (i)

|  |

District 62 |

Ed Stafman

|  |

Francis Wendt (Libertarian Party)

District 63 |

Alice Buckley

Bryan Haysom

District 64 |

Brian Popiel

Jane Gillette

Doug Campbell (Libertarian Party)

District 65 |

Kelly Kortum

Jolene Crum

District 66 |

Denise Hayman (i)

|  |

District 67 |

Colette Campbell

Jedediah Hinkle

Andrew Schaefer (Libertarian Party)

District 68 |

Emily Brosten

Did not make the ballot:
Claire Broling

Caleb Hinkle

District 69 |  |

Jennifer Carlson

District 70 |  |

Julie Dooling (i)

District 71 |

Ian Root

Kenneth Walsh

District 72 |  |

Tom Welch (i)

District 73 |

Jim Keane (i)

Marjory McCaffery

District 74 |

Derek Harvey (i)

Jim Kephart

District 75 |

J. Bryher Herak

Marta Bertoglio

District 76 |

Donavon Hawk

Andy Johnson

District 77 |

Sara Novak

Heather Blom

District 78 |

Cindy Hiner

Gregory Frazer

District 79 |

Robert Farris-Olsen (i)

Dennison Rivera

District 80 |  |

Becky Beard (i)

Ron Vandevender (Libertarian Party)

District 81 |

Mary Caferro (i)

Bob Leach

District 82 |

Moffie Funk (i)

Debbie Westlake

District 83 |

Kim Abbott (i)

Darin Gaub

District 84 |

Mary Ann Dunwell (i)

Charlie Hull

District 85 |

Laura Jackson

Michele Binkley

District 86 |  |

David Bedey (i)

District 87 |

Laura Merrill

Ron Marshall

District 88 |  |

Sharon Greef (i)

District 89 |

Katie Sullivan (i)

Gary Wanberg

District 90 |

Marilyn Marler (i)

Lana Hamilton

District 91 |

Connie Keogh (i)

Bethanie Calvert Wanberg

District 92 |

Tom Browder

Mike Hopkins (i)

District 93 |

Lisa Pavlock

Joe Read (i)

District 94 |

Tom France

Karen Sherman

Did not make the ballot:
Kelsey Cooley

District 95 |

Danny Tenenbaum

Rebecca Dawson

District 96 |

Loni Conley

Kathy Whitman

District 97 |

LouAnn Hansen

Brad Tschida (i)

District 98 |

Willis Curdy (i)

Nancy Burgoyne

Richard Armerding (Libertarian Party)

District 99 |

Mark Thane

David Moore

District 100 |

Andrea Olsen (i)

Carol Minjares

The Gallatin County Democratic Party selected Emily Brosten to replace Montana House of Representatives District 68 candidate Claire Broling on the general election ballot after Broling withdrew from the race.[1]

Karen Sherman was appointed to replace Kelsey Cooley on the District 94 general election ballot after Cooley withdrew from the election.[2]

# Primary election[edit]

The candidate lists below are based on candidate filing lists provided by the Montana Secretary of State.[3]

#### Montana State House primary election

* Incumbents are marked with an (i) after their name.
* * = The primary was canceled and the candidate advanced.

Office |  Democratic |  Republican | Other
District 1 |

Marvin Sather

Steve Gunderson (i)

District 2 |

Lori Ramesz

Neil Duram (i)

District 3 |

Debo Powers (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Garrett Henson

Braxton Mitchell

District 4 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Matt Regier (i)

District 5 |

Dave Fern (i)

Shawn Leslie Guymon
Catherine Owens

District 6 |

Jerramy Dear-Ruel

Amy Regier
Bruce Tutvedt

District 7 |

Ross Frazier

Frank Garner (i)
Jerry O'Neil

Libertarian Party

Nicholas Ramlow*

District 8 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

John Fuller (i)

Libertarian Party

This primary was canceled.

Did not make the ballot:
Joshua Forsythe (Libertarian Party)

District 9 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

David Dunn (i)
Brian Putnam

District 10 |

Jennifer Allen

Mark Noland (i)
Doug Mahlum

District 11 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Derek Skees (i)
Dee Kirk-Boon

District 12 |

Gerry Browning

Linda Reksten

District 13 |

Colleen Hinds

Paul Fielder

Libertarian Party

Cade Stiles*

District 14 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Denley Loge (i)
Mark French

District 15 |

Marvin Weatherwax Jr. (i)
Nick White

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 16 |

Tyson Running Wolf (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 17 |

Barnett Sporkin-Morrison

Ross Fitzgerald (i)

District 18 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Llew Jones (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Bob Phalen

District 19 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Wendy McKamey (i)

Libertarian Party

George Schultz*

District 20 |

Melissa Smith

Fred Anderson (i)

District 21 |

Jaime Horn

Edward Buttrey (i)
Sally Tucker

District 22 |

Matt Rains
Jasmine Taylor

Lola Sheldon-Galloway (i)

District 23 |

Brad Hamlett (i)

Scot Kerns

District 24 |

Barbara Bessette (i)

Steven Galloway

District 25 |

Jasmine Krotkov (i)

Steve Gist

District 26 |

Helena Lovick

Sheridan Buck
Rudolf Tankink
Jeremy Trebas

District 27 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Joshua Kassmier (i)

District 28 |

Krystal Steinmetz

Ed Hill

District 29 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Dan Bartel (i)

District 30 |

Cindy Palmer

Wylie Galt (i)

District 31 |

Frank Smith

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 32 |

Jonathan Windy Boy (i)

Bruce Meyers

District 33 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Casey Knudsen (i)
Joyce Stone

District 34 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Rhonda Knudsen (i)
Tracy Schuster

District 35 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Joel Krautter (i)
Brandon Ler

District 36 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Jim Johnson
Charles Peterson Jr.
Bob Phalen
Jason Stuart

Did not make the ballot:
Tanner Roe

District 37 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Frederick Moore (i)
Jerry Schillinger

Libertarian Party

Jacob Kitson*

District 38 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Kenneth Holmlund (i)

District 39 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Geraldine Custer (i)
Amanda Scheidler

District 40 |

Kris Spanjian

Barry Usher (i)

District 41 |

August Scalpcane
Rynalea Whiteman Pena

Did not make the ballot:
Kaden Jeray Walksnice

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 42 |

Sharon Stewart-Peregoy (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 43 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Kerri Seekins-Crowe

Libertarian Party

Melody Benes*

District 44 |

Terry Dennis

Larry Brewster (i)

District 45 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Katie Zolnikov

Did not make the ballot:
Larry Brewster

Libertarian Party

Nathan McKenty*

District 46 |

Zach Ladson

Bill Mercer (i)

District 47 |

Katharin Kelker (i)

TJ Smith

District 48 |

Jessica Karjala (i)

Leigh Verrill-Rhys

District 49 |

Emma Kerr-Carpenter (i)

Colin Nygaard

District 50 |

Jade Bahr (i)

Mallerie Stromswold

District 51 |

Anne Giuliano

Frank Fleming (i)

District 52 |

Hannah Olson

Jimmy Patelis

District 53 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Dennis Lenz (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Ray Tracy

District 54 |

Ryan Thomsen

Terry Moore (i)

District 55 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Vince Ricci (i)

District 56 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Sue Vinton (i)

District 57 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Fiona Nave

District 58 |

Betsy Scanlin

Seth Berglee (i)

District 59 |

Dan Vermillion

Marty Malone

District 60 |

Laurie Bishop (i)

Joe Lamm

District 61 |

Jim Hamilton (i)
Brian Close

The Republican primary was canceled.

Libertarian Party

This primary was canceled.

Did not make the ballot:
Daniel Bennett (Libertarian Party)

District 62 |

Ed Stafman

The Republican primary was canceled.

Libertarian Party

Francis Wendt*

District 63 |

Alice Buckley

Bryan Haysom
Jason Zeng (unofficially withdrew)

District 64 |

Brian Popiel
Josh Seckinger

Randy Chamberlin
Jane Gillette

Libertarian Party

Doug Campbell*

District 65 |

Kelly Kortum

Jolene Crum

District 66 |

Denise Hayman (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.

District 67 |

Colette Campbell

Jedediah Hinkle

Did not make the ballot:
Don Seifert

Libertarian Party

Andrew Schaefer*

District 68 |

Claire Broling

Bruce Grubbs (i)
Caleb Hinkle

District 69 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Jennifer Carlson
Don Seifert

District 70 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Julie Dooling (i)
Tim Ravndal

District 71 |

Ian Root

Kenneth Walsh
Cindy Younkin

District 72 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Tom Welch (i)

District 73 |

Jim Keane (i)

Marjory McCaffery

District 74 |

Derek Harvey (i)

Jim Kephart

District 75 |

J. Bryher Herak

Greg DeVries (i)
Marta Bertoglio

Did not make the ballot:
Ken Stuker

District 76 |

Donavon Hawk

Andy Johnson

District 77 |

Sara Novak

Heather Blom

District 78 |

Cindy Hiner

Gregory Frazer

Did not make the ballot:
Suzzann Nordwick

District 79 |

Robert Farris-Olsen (i)
Ed Coleman

Dennison Rivera

District 80 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Becky Beard (i)

Libertarian Party

Ron Vandevender*

District 81 |

Mary Caferro (i)

Bob Leach

District 82 |

Moffie Funk (i)

Debbie Westlake

District 83 |

Kim Abbott (i)

Darin Gaub

District 84 |

Mary Ann Dunwell (i)
Jon Jackson

Charlie Hull

District 85 |

Laura Jackson

Michele Binkley
Kyle Ellsworth
Matthew Locati
Hollis Poe

District 86 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

David Bedey (i)
Kenneth Allen

District 87 |

Laura Merrill

Jolena Bugli
Sashin Hume
Ron Marshall

District 88 |

The Democratic primary was canceled.

Sharon Greef (i)
Jim Crews
Scott Roy McLean

District 89 |

Katie Sullivan (i)

Gary Wanberg

District 90 |

Marilyn Marler (i)

Lana Hamilton

District 91 |

Connie Keogh (i)

Bethanie Calvert Wanberg

District 92 |

Tom Browder

Mike Hopkins (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Shane Curry

District 93 |

Lisa Pavlock

Joe Read (i)
Ralph Foster

District 94 |

Tom France
Jim McLean

Kelsey Cooley

District 95 |

Danny Tenenbaum

Rebecca Dawson
Karen Sherman

Did not make the ballot:
Curtis Bridges

District 96 |

Loni Conley
Dakota Hileman

Kathy Whitman

District 97 |

LouAnn Hansen

Brad Tschida (i)

District 98 |

Willis Curdy (i)

Nancy Burgoyne

Libertarian Party

Richard Armerding*

District 99 |

Mark Thane

David Moore

District 100 |

Andrea Olsen (i)

Carol Minjares

## Incumbents who were not re-elected[edit]

See also: Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report: Vol. 10, 2020

### Incumbents defeated in the general election[edit]

Five incumbents lost in the Nov. 3 general election. Those incumbents were:

Name  | Party  | Office

|
|

Debo Powers |  Democratic | House District 3
Brad Hamlett |  Democratic | House District 23
Barbara Bessette |  Democratic | House District 24
Jasmine Krotkov |  Democratic | House District 25
Jade Bahr |  Democratic | House District 50

### Incumbents defeated in primary elections[edit]

Five incumbents lost in the June 2 primaries, the highest number since 2012 when three incumbents were defeated in the primaries.

Name  | Party  | Office

|
|

David Dunn |  | House District 9
Joel Krautter |  | House District 35
Frederick Moore |  | House District 37
Bruce Grubbs |  | House District 68
Greg DeVries |  | House District 75

### Retiring incumbents[edit]

There were 30 open seats where the incumbent legislator did not file for re-election in 2020.[4] Those incumbents were:

Name  | Party  | Office

|
|

Carl Glimm |  Republican | House District 6
Greg Hertz |  Republican | House District 12
Bob Brown |  Republican | House District 13
Casey Schreiner |  Democratic | House District 26
Jacob Bachmeier |  Democratic | House District 28
Bridget Smith |  Democratic | House District 31
Alan Doane |  Republican | House District 36
Rae Peppers |  Democratic | House District 41
Peggy Webb |  Republican | House District 43
Dale Mortensen |  Republican | House District 44
Daniel Zolnikov |  Republican | House District 45
Rodney Garcia |  Republican | House District 52
Forrest Mandeville |  Republican | House District 57
Alan Redfield |  Republican | House District 59
Tom Woods |  Democratic | House District 62
Zach Brown |  Democratic | House District 63
Kerry White |  Republican | House District 64
Christopher Pope |  Democratic | House District 65
Tom Burnett |  Republican | House District 67
Walt Sales |  Republican | House District 69
Ray Shaw |  Republican | House District 71
Ryan Lynch |  Democratic | House District 76
Mark Sweeney |  Democratic | House District 77
Gordon Pierson |  Democratic | House District 78
Theresa Manzella |  Republican | House District 85
Nancy Ballance |  Republican | House District 87
Kimberly Dudik |  Democratic | House District 94
Shane Morigeau |  Democratic | House District 95
Tom Winter |  Democratic | House District 96
Marilyn Ryan |  Democratic | House District 99

The 30 seats left open in 2020 were roughly average relative to the five preceding election cycles. The table below shows the number of open seats in each election held between 2010 and 2020.

Open Seats in Montana House of Representatives elections: 2010 - 2020

Year  | Total seats  | Open seats  | Seats with incumbents running for re-election
2020 | 100 | 30 (30 percent) | 70 (70 percent)
2018 | 100 | 29 (29 percent) | 71 (71 percent)
2016 | 100 | 31 (31 percent) | 69 (69 percent)
2014 | 100 | 30 (30 percent) | 70 (70 percent)
2012 | 100 | 31 (31 percent) | 69 (69 percent)
2010 | 100 | 33 (33 percent) | 67 (67 percent)

## Process to become a candidate[edit]

See also: Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Montana

### For qualified party candidates[edit]

See statutes: Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 201 of the Montana Code Annotated 2013

In order to qualify for placement on the primary ballot, a candidate for the nomination of a recognized political party must file a declaration of nomination and pay the required filing fees. The declaration must include an oath of candidacy, which the candidate is required to sign to affirm that, under the state constitution and applicable federal and state laws, he or she is qualified to hold the office being sought. This paperwork must be filed with the Montana Secretary of State if the office being sought is a congressional seat, a state or district office voted for in more than one county, or a state legislative seat.[5][6]

Filing fees are established in Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 202, of the Montana Code Annotated 2013. These fees are summarized in the table below.[7]

Filing fees

Office sought  | How the fee is determined
For offices earning an annual salary of $2,500 or less and members of the state legislature | $15
For offices (except county-level) earning an annual salary of more than $2,500 | 1% of salary
For offices in which compensation is paid in fees | $10

### For independent, indigent, and non-qualified party candidates[edit]

See statutes: Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 501 of the Montana Code Annotated 2013

In order to qualify for placement on the general election ballot, a candidate must file an "Independent, Minor Party, or Indigent Candidate Declaration, Oath of Candidacy, and Petition for Nomination." Independent and non-qualified party candidates are liable for the same filing fees as qualified party candidates (see table above). Indigent candidates (i.e., those who do not have the resources to pay the filing fees) are not required to pay the statutory filing fees and may have their names placed on the ballot via the petition process only.[8][9]

Nominating petitions must be signed by electors residing within the state and district or political subdivision in which the official is to be elected. Valid signatures must total at least 5 percent of the total votes cast at the last general election for the successful candidate for the office being sought.[10]

### For write-in candidates[edit]

In order to have his or her votes counted, a write-in candidate must submit to the Montana Secretary of State a "Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy" and pay the requisite filing fees (noted above).[11]

### 2020 ballot access requirements[edit]

The table below details filing requirements for Montana House of Representatives candidates in the 2020 election cycle.

Filing requirements for state legislative candidates, 2020

Chamber name  | Party  | Signatures required  | Filing fee  | Filing deadline  | Source
Montana House of Representatives | Qualified party | N/A | $15.00 | 3/9/2020 | Source
Montana House of Representatives | Unaffiliated | 5% of votes cast for the last successful candidate for the office | $15.00 | 6/1/2020 | Source

### Qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

To be eligible to serve in the Montana House of Representatives, a candidate must be:[12]

* A resident of the state for at least one year next preceding the general election
* A resident of the county for six months preceding the general election if it contains one or more districts or of the district if it contains all or parts of more than one county.

### Salaries and per diem[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$100.46/legislative day| $126.12/day; For additional expenses, legislators will receive a primary $3,000 stipend and a secondary amount between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the size of a legislator's district.

### When sworn in[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Montana legislators assume office the first Monday of January following the election. If January 1 is a Monday, legislators assume office on the first Wednesday.[13]

## Montana political history[edit]

### Trifectas[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government.

Montana Party Control: 1992-2022
No Democratic trifectas • Twelve years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22

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Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R
Senate | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | S | S | R | R | S | S | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

### Presidential politics in Montana[edit]

#### 2016 Presidential election results[edit]

U.S. presidential election, Montana, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | Electoral votes
| Democratic  |  Hillary Clinton/Tim Kaine | 35.7% | 177,709 | 0
| Republican  | Donald Trump/Mike Pence | 56.2% | 279,240 | 3
| Libertarian  |  Gary Johnson/Bill Weld | 5.6% | 28,037 | 0
| Green  |  Jill Stein/Ajamu Baraka | 1.6% | 7,970 | 0
| American Delta  |  Roque De La Fuente/Michael Steinberg | 0.3% | 1,570 | 0
| \-  |  Other/Write-in  | 0.5% | 2,621 | 0
Total Votes | 497,147 | 3
Election results via: Federal Election Commission

## Voter information[edit]

### How the primary works[edit]

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Montana utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.[14][15][16]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

### Poll times[edit]

In Montana, polling place hours vary throughout the state. Most polling places open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m, although some polling places may open as late as 12:00 p.m. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[17]

### Registration requirements[edit]

To register to vote in Montana, each applicant must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Montana for at least 30 days prior to the election, and at least 18 years old by the day of the election. Individuals serving a felony sentence in a penal institution and those who have been declared by a court to be of unsound mind are not eligible to vote.[18] The regular registration deadline is 30 days before the election. Citizens can register to vote at their county election office, drop off a registration application at the county election office or mail it to the county election administrator, or fill out an application when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state ID. Late registration is available at county election offices or other designated locations until noon on Election Day.[18]

### Automatic registration[edit]

Montana does not practice automatic voter registration.

### Online registration[edit]

See also: Online voter registration

Montana does not permit online voter registration.

### Same-day registration[edit]

Montana does not allow same-day voter registration.

### Residency requirements[edit]

In order to register to vote in Montana, applicants must have lived in the state for at least 30 days prior to the election.

### Verification of citizenship[edit]

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Montana does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

### Verifying your registration[edit]

The site My Voter Page, run by the Montana secretary of state’s office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

### Voter ID requirements[edit]

Montana requires voters to present identification while voting.

Montana's voter identification requirements are outlined in Section 13-13-114 of Montana Code, as amended when SB169 was signed into law on April 19, 2021. The law states, "Before an elector is permitted to receive a ballot or vote, the elector shall present to an election judge one of the following forms of identification showing the elector's name:"[19]

“  |

(i) Montana driver's license, Montana state identification card issued pursuant to 61-12-501, military identification card, tribal photo identification card., United States passport, or Montana concealed carry permit; or
(ii) (A) a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows the elector's name and current address; and
(B) photo identification that shows the elector's name, including but not limited to a school district or postsecondary education photo identification. [20]

| ”

|
|

To view the full text of the law, click here.

### Early voting[edit]

Montana permits early voting. Learn more by visiting this website.

### Absentee voting[edit]

All voters are eligible to vote absentee in Montana. There are no special eligibility requirements for voting absentee.[21]

To vote absentee, an absentee ballot application must be received by county election officials by noon the day prior to the election. A returned absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted.[21]

## See also[edit]

* Montana House of Representatives
* Montana State Legislature
* State legislative elections, 2020

## External links[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* Montana State Legislature

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Bozemain Daily Chronicle, "Gallatin Democrats pick candidate for vacant state House seat," August 4, 2020
2. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "2020 Candidate Filing List: Legislative," accessed October 20, 2020
3. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "2020 Candidate Filing List: Legislative," accessed March 9, 2020
4. ↑ Ballotpedia defines an incumbent as retiring if the incumbent did not file for office or filed for office but withdrew, was disqualified, or otherwise left a race in a manner other than losing the primary, primary runoff, or convention. If an incumbent runs as a write-in candidate, Ballotpedia does not consider them to be retiring. If an incumbent runs in the same chamber for a different seat, Ballotpedia does not consider them to be retiring.
5. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "Information for Major Party Candidates," accessed January 7, 2014
6. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2013, "Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 201," accessed January 7, 2014
7. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2013, "Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 202," accessed January 7, 2014
8. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "Information for Independent, Minor Party and Indigent Candidates," accessed January 7, 2014
9. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2013, "Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 501," accessed January 7, 2014
10. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2013, "Title 13, Chapter 10, Section 502," accessed January 7, 2014
11. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "Information for Write-in Candidates," accessed January 7, 2014
12. ↑ Montana Legislative Services, "Constitution of Montana," accessed March 6, 2014 (Referenced Art. V, Sec. 4)
13. ↑ Montana State Legislature, "Montana Code Annotated 2021, 5-2-102. Term of office," accessed November 4, 2021
14. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures,"State Primary Election Types," accessed October 25, 2019
15. ↑ FairVote,"Primaries," accessed October 25, 2019
16. ↑ Corey Stapleton Montana Secretary of State,"Frequently Asked Questions," accessed October 25, 2019
17. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, “November 6 General Election,” accessed October 17, 2019
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Montana Secretary of State, “How to Register to Vote,” accessed October 3, 2019
19. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2019, "Montana Code 13-13-114." accessed October 4, 2019
20. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Montana Secretary of State, “Frequently Asked Questions,” accessed October 20, 2019

[show]

Current members of the Montana House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Wylie Galt

Representatives

District 1

Steve Gunderson (R)

District 2

Neil Duram (R)

District 3

Braxton Mitchell (R)

District 4

Matt Regier (R)

District 5

Dave Fern (D)

District 6

Amy Regier (R)

District 7

Frank Garner (R)

District 8

John Fuller (R)

District 9

Brian Putnam (R)

District 10

Mark Noland (R)

District 11

Derek Skees (R)

District 12

Linda Reksten (R)

District 13

Paul Fielder (R)

District 14

Denley Loge (R)

District 15

Marvin Weatherwax (D)

District 16

Tyson Running Wolf (D)

District 17

Ross Fitzgerald (R)

District 18

Llew Jones (R)

District 19

Wendy McKamey (R)

District 20

Fred Anderson (R)

District 21

Edward Buttrey (R)

District 22

Lola Sheldon-Galloway (R)

District 23

Scot Kerns (R)

District 24

Steven Galloway (R)

District 25

Steve Gist (R)

District 26

Jeremy Trebas (R)

District 27

Joshua Kassmier (R)

District 28

Ed Hill (R)

District 29

Doug Flament (R)

District 30

Wylie Galt (R)

District 31

Frank Smith (D)

District 32

Jonathan Windy Boy (D)

District 33

Casey Knudsen (R)

District 34

Rhonda Knudsen (R)

District 35

Brandon Ler (R)

District 36

Bob Phalen (R)

District 37

Jerry Schillinger (R)

District 38

Kenneth Holmlund (R)

District 39

Geraldine Custer (R)

District 40

Barry Usher (R)

District 41

Rynalea Whiteman Pena (D)

District 42

Sharon Stewart-Peregoy (D)

District 43

Kerri Seekins-Crowe (R)

District 44

Larry Brewster (R)

District 45

Katie Zolnikov (R)

District 46

Bill Mercer (R)

District 47

Katharin Kelker (D)

District 48

Jessica Karjala (D)

District 49

Emma Kerr-Carpenter (D)

District 50

Mallerie Stromswold (R)

District 51

Mike Yakawich (R)

District 52

Sherry Essmann (R)

District 53

Dennis Lenz (R)

District 54

Terry Moore (R)

District 55

Vince Ricci (R)

District 56

Sue Vinton (R)

District 57

Fiona Nave (R)

District 58

Seth Berglee (R)

District 59

Marty Malone (R)

District 60

Laurie Bishop (D)

District 61

Jim Hamilton (D)

District 62

Ed Stafman (D)

District 63

Alice Buckley (D)

District 64

Jane Gillette (R)

District 65

Kelly Kortum (D)

District 66

Denise Hayman (D)

District 67

Jedediah Hinkle (R)

District 68

Caleb Hinkle (R)

District 69

Jennifer Carlson (R)

District 70

Julie Dooling (R)

District 71

Kenneth Walsh (R)

District 72

Tom Welch (R)

District 73

Jim Keane (D)

District 74

Derek Harvey (D)

District 75

Marta Bertoglio (R)

District 76

Donavon Hawk (D)

District 77

Sara Novak (D)

District 78

Gregory Frazer (R)

District 79

Robert Farris-Olsen (D)

District 80

Becky Beard (R)

District 81

Mary Caferro (D)

District 82

Moffie Funk (D)

District 83

Kim Abbott (D)

District 84

Mary Dunwell (D)

District 85

Michele Binkley (R)

District 86

David Bedey (R)

District 87

Ron Marshall (R)

District 88

Sharon Greef (R)

District 89

Katie Sullivan (D)

District 90

Marilyn Marler (D)

District 91

Connie Keogh (D)

District 92

Mike Hopkins (R)

District 93

Joe Read (R)

District 94

Tom France (D)

District 95

Danny Tenenbaum (D)

District 96

Kathy Whitman (R)

District 97

Brad Tschida (R)

District 98

Willis Curdy (D)

District 99

Mark Thane (D)

District 100

Andrea Olsen (D)

Republican Party (67)

Democratic Party (33)

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