Tuesday is Election Day for county voters

Lincoln County residents will head to the polls next week with a variety of decisions to make.

Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and close at 8 p.m.

There are three polling places in the county, including:

- Eureka – High Road Youth Center – 1295 2nd Ave. E, Eureka, MT – Precincts 1, 2, 4, 15 and 16;

- Troy – Troy Activity Center – Troy Activity Center 4th Street, Troy, MT – Precincts 5, 6, 7, 8, 14;

- Libby – Memorial Center – 111 E. Lincoln Blvd., Libby, MT – Precincts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

At the county level, registered voters will decide if the county will be able to collect a 3% tax on sales of recreational and medicinal marijuana.

Those voting by mail should receive a separate ballot with a vote on whether to impose the 3% tax. For residents in Libby, Troy and Eureka, the marijuana tax ballot should be returned in a white envelope while county voters should return the ballot in a green envelope.

The county estimates total revenues will run about $126,000. If voters approve the measure, 50% of the revenue will go to Lincoln County's coffers while 45% will go to Libby, Troy and Eureka. The split among the three cities will be based upon population. All three cities have indicated their interest in such a tax. Five percent will go to the state.

If voters approve the measure, it would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

For those who missed the Oct. 10 regular registration deadline, they may still register to vote in the election by coming to the Lincoln County Election Center located at 418 Mineral Avenue, Floor B, in Libby. While the county website says the deadline for late registration is noon, Monday, Nov. 6, the Montana Secretary of State says late voter registration may be done on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Voters may drop off their ballot at a secure drop location on Election Day, including at Troy Dispatch, Eureka Dispatch or at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lobby.

Mail ballots are due at the Elections Center at 418 Mineral Ave., Libby, by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Remember, postmarked by then does not count – it needs to be at the Elections Center by 8 p.m.

Voters are asked to hand deliver their ballot to the Elections Center if they couldn't be mailed by Oct. 31.

In Libby, there are six candidates for three, four-year seats. They include incumbents Brian Zimmerman, Zach McNew and Hugh Taylor, as well as a former councilor, Darrel “DC” Orr and newcomers Brad Nelson and Ian Smith.

In Troy, the town council has two four-year terms up for election and one two-year term. Six candidates have filed to run. They include Jamie Shupe, Robert Henson, Scott Hoffman, Gilbert Gravier II, Dallas Carr and Tyler Boswell.

In Eureka, two town council positions are open for four years and one term is open for two years. Jim Monroe, Mike O’Neill, Jason B. Hayes, James Northrupp and Arthur Walters have filed to run.

The Rexford Town Council has one four-year position open. Neil Wayne Gardner is the only candidate. There will be a race for the Rexford Town Mayor position which is another four-year term. Bill Marvel and Danny Lemer have filed to run.

More information about elections in Lincoln County can be found at https://lincolncountymt.us/.