Primary ballots due back Tuesday

Ballots are trickling in for the Montana Primary, which is Tuesday, June 2. Sanders County opted for a mail-in election due to COVID-19 restrictions, under the direction of the Secretary of State and Governor. Sanders County Clerk and Recorder Nichol Scribner said that more than 3,000 ballots (39% of the 7,680 mailed) had been returned as of this Tuesday.

Scribner said that drop boxes are located in each community throughout the county and added that those are working well. “We have two judges who go and bring in the ballots and check them in. The closer we get to election day, the more people are using the drop box instead of the mail.”

Scribner noted that the Elections Office is strongly encouraging people to use the drop boxes in communities instead of mailing ballots. Drop boxes will be open until 6 p.m. on June 2. The polls close at 8 p.m., so those wanting to turn in a ballot after 6 p.m. will have to do so at the Sanders County Courthouse. Scribner said each ballot has to be processed and that takes 5-7 minutes per ballot.

“Ballots are due on Election Day. There is currently a case before the courts to determine whether or not ballots postmarked on Election Day will be counted for this election,” Scribner said. “Don’t wait to find out – return your ballot as soon as possible!”

The Elections Office sent out ballots earlier this month to voters in Sanders County. More than 200 of those were sent back as undeliverable, Scribner said. If a voter did not receive a ballot and believe they should have, Scribner said they need to contact the Elections Office at 827-4969 immediately. The office will prepare a ballot that can be picked up at the courthouse.

“We do our best to make sure issues are resolved,” Scibner said. “Every vote counts.”

The Sanders County Courthouse opened to the public again on Wednesday. For several weeks, entrants were screened for COVID-19 symptoms and people were allowed in by appointment only, due to COVID-19 concerns and Phase 1 restrictions in Montana. Non-residents will be screened at the door until June 1. Sanders County commissioners stated that reserve deputies will be on hand to try and monitor social distancing.