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Elections

Candidate Filing

So, you want to run for office? If you'd like to serve in a local position, such as a City, County, school or special district seat, you'll need to file with the Missoula County Elections Office using the forms below.

Running to serve as a state senator or representative, or statewide office? File to run with the Montana Secretary of State.

All candidates should refer to the Commissioner of Political Practices for candidate financial reporting information and forms to ensure their name appears on the ballot.

Candidates for office must affirm when filing that they meet (or will meet within constitutional and statutory deadlines) the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Montana. Candidate filing forms must be submitted in-person to the Elections Office.

Did you know?
Special districts are comprised of elected board members voted into office by the registered voters of a specific tax district during a spring special district election. Examples of special districts include fire, water and sewer, irrigation and public hospital districts. Find information on special districts below. The first step in serving on a special district board is filing as a candidate in the next special district election. Candidate filing takes place each year from December through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Elections Office needs the original physical paperwork within three days of filing. In order to record the document and make it permanent record with the County, an original document is required to record.

If you’re filing for a local position, such as commissioner, judge, school trustee, fire district, community council, city council, requirements may vary. Please call us to find out if you must reside within a particular district to file for office.

Yes. In order to accept your filing forms, fees must be paid for at the time of filing. If you’re unable to pay the associated fees, please see the indigent candidate process. Payment is accepted by cash or check only.

The Commissioner of Political Practices regulates campaign finance for candidates, and that paperwork must be requested and submitted to the CPP, not the Elections Office.

 

Special District Elections

  • Filing dates: Filing has closed.
  • Election date: May 6, 2025. Click here to see the results.
  • Click here to check residency requirements.
  • Required forms are linked below.
  • There are no fees required to file for these positions.
  • Click here for a list of candidates filed.
  • Open positions: East Missoula Community Council, East Missoula Rural Fire District, Frenchtown Fire District, Greenough-Potomac Fire District, Lolo Community Council, Missoula Irrigation District, Missoula Rural Fire District, Seeley Lake Community Council, Seely Lake Hospital District, Swan Valley Community Council, Swan Valley Rural Fire District.
 

School District Elections

  • Filing dates: Filing has closed.
  • Election date: May 6, 2025. Click here to see the results.
  • Click here to check residency requirements.
  • Required forms are linked below.
  • There are no fees required to file for these positions.
  • Click here for a list of candidates filed.
  • Open positions: Missoula Elementary/High School District #1, Missoula High School Districts A, B, C and D, Hellgate School District #4, Lolo School District #7, Potomac School District #11, Bonner School District #14, Woodman School District #18 and DeSmet School District #20.
  • The Alberton Joint District #2 will file and run with the Mineral County Elections Office.
  • The Arlee School District #8 will file and run with the Lake County Elections Office.
  • The Florence School District #15-6 will file and run with the Ravalli County Elections Office.
 

Municipal Elections

 

Countywide Elections

There are no county positions up for election in 2025.