County's most remote polling place serves as social hub

In Montana, just about any gathering is recognized as a significant social opportunity. For four women in the Yaak, the midterm election is their time to get together. 

Terri Nussbaum, Mary Loney, Shirley Brown and Jane Kelly will facilitate the American process from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Upper Yaak Fire Service Building. With 170 active voters, Precinct 5 is the smallest in the county. A majority of voters have already cast absentee ballots, but still, every vote counts. For the women observing the process, the day is a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new neighbors.

“It is a nice way to get to meet new people in the valley since there are not a lot of other opportunities to do so,” Shirley Brown, a table judge, said. “And it’s kinda neat to see people that you haven’t seen in a while.”

Residents of the Yaak — population 248 — are known for their interest in privacy, but routinely demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement. Kelly, who will work as precinct supervisor, said the precinct typically boasts an 85-90 percent turnout. 

Kelly moved to the Yaak from Minnesota in 2003. She had worked with her brother-in-law’s political campaigns in Minnesota. When her friend Winne Canavan mentioned working at the polling place, Kelly volunteered. 

“It was a good way to get to know people when I first got here,” Kelly said. “By now I know most of them. I think the Yaak has particularly patriotic people who want to get the right person in office.”

Nussbaum has been involved in local elections for 20 years. Originally from Michigan, Nussbaum’s grandparents had a homestead in Lincoln County in the 1800s. She sees her move west as a return to her roots. She sees her work as a table judge as an important privilege. 

“Well, initially women were not allowed to vote,” Nussbaum said. “It’s only been 100 years or so. If they want our opinion, I want to exercise that privilege.”

Nussbaum laughs thinking of memorable voting experiences. She recalls proud voters publicly announcing their party affiliation while picking up a concealed ballot. 

“You try to avoid seeing anything about Republican or Democrat, but you hear it from the voters,” Nussbaum said. 

As the only polling place counting fewer than 200 active voters, Precinct 5 opens at noon Tuesday. Kelly plans to arrive at 11 a.m. She looks forward to seeing her friends. She only asks they remember to bring identification.

“It’s funny when you say, ‘Hi, Shirley, can I see your ID?’” Kelly said. “Sometimes they get upset when they don’t have it. They say, ‘Oh, you know me.’ Well, voting is one of the few things out here where that doesn’t work.”