Stevensville School District

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Elections

Elections conducted by the District are nonpartisan and are governed by applicable election laws as found in Titles 13 & 20 of the Montana Code Annotated. The ballot at such elections may include candidates for trustee positions, various public policy propositions, and advisor questions.

Board elections shall take place on the first (1st) Tuesday after the first (1st) Monday in May of each year. Any person who is a qualified voter of the District is legally qualified to become a trustee. A declaration of intent to be a candidate must be submitted to the District Clerk at least forty (40) days before the regular school election day. If different terms are to be filled, the term for the position for which the candidate is filing must also be indicated. Any person seeking to become a write-in candidate for a trustee position shall file a declaration of intent no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day before the ballot certification deadline in 20-20-401. Any person seeking to become a write-in candidate in a mail ballot election or for a trustee position in a school board election shall file a declaration of intent no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election. If the number of candidates filing for vacant positions or filing a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate is equal to or less than the number of positions to be elected, the trustees may give notice no later than thirty (30) days before the election that a trustee election will not take place. If a trustee election is not held, the trustees shall declare the candidates elected by acclamation and shall issue a “certificate of election” to each candidate.

A candidate intending to withdraw from the election shall send a statement of withdrawal to the clerk of the district containing all information necessary to identify the candidate and the office for which the candidate filed. The statement of withdrawal must be acknowledged by the clerk of the district. A candidate may not withdraw after 5:00 p.m. the day before the ballot certification deadline in 20-20-401.

In the event of an unforeseen emergency occurring on the date scheduled for the funding election, the district will be allowed to reschedule the election for a different day of the calendar year.

In years when the Legislature meets in regular session or in a special session that affects school funding, the trustees may order the election on a date other than the regular school election day in order for the electors to consider a proposition requesting additional funding under § 20-9-353, MCA.

The District will provide access to polling places and accessible voting technology for individuals with disabilities. The District Clerk will be responsible for assessing polljng place for accessibility and ensuring reasonable access for individuals with Disabilities.

Legal Reference:
§ 13-1-101, MCA Definitions (Revised by Senate Bill 15)
§ 13-10-211, MCA Declaration of intent for write-in candidates
§ 20-3-304, MCA Annual election
§ 20-3-305, MCA Candidate qualification, nomination and withdrawal
§ 20-3-313, MCA Election by acclamation – notice
§ 20-3-322, MCA Meetings and quorum
§ 20-3-322(5), MCA Meetings and quorum (unforeseen emergency definition)
§ 20-3-324(4), MCA Powers and duties
§ 20-3-344, MCA Nomination of candidates by petition in first-class elementary district
§ 20-9-353, MCA Additional financing for general fund – election for authorization to impose
§ 20-20-105, MCA Regular school election day and special school elections – limitation – exception
§ 20-20-204, MCA Election Notice
§ 20-20-301, MCA Qualifications of elector

Cross Reference:
Stevensville Board Policy #1100 – Organization

Policy History:
Adopted on: December 2001
Reviewed on: December 2015; September 14, 2021
Revised on: October 12, 2021