Election Advisory Committee seeks broader membership

The Missoula County Election Advisory Committee restructured its membership to include three new, at-large members. Applicants with rural representation and a knowledge of underserved communities are preferred, but not required. The online application is open through Tuesday, Sept 1.

 Current bylaw and membership revisions reflect the EAC’s desire to ensure all Missoula County constituents have access to vote. One of the positions reassigned was the Libertarian central committee seat, which has been vacant for years, as there is no longer an established committee in Missoula. Transitioning this position into an at-large member creates a more efficient and balanced EAC.

“This is a unique opportunity for people to serve their community, to offer substantive feedback on ways to improve elections,” said EAC chair Denver Henderson.

The committee is also seeking a university student to fill the remainder of a vacant term through Jan. 31, 2022. To qualify, a student member applicant must be a registered Missoula County voter, reside in Missoula County and be enrolled at the University of Montana or other post-secondary education institution in Missoula County on at least a half-time basis.

In addition, an at-large alternate member term is vacant and open to new applications. The remainder of this term runs through Jan. 31, 2022. Alternates are voting members if another at-large member is unable to attend.

The EAC is now comprised of nine regular members and three alternates. The committee studies the efficiency of the elections process, advocating for fair, robust and trustworthy elections. Its objectives include listening to stakeholders, conducting sound research and learning best practices, and offering thoughtful advice and recommendations to commissioners with the goal of increasing public participation in the electoral process. Commissioners appoint five citizen members, one student member and one member representing people with disabilities. In addition, the Democratic and Republican central committees each select one voting and one alternate member. One county commissioner also serves as an ex-officio member. 

Meetings are held virtually, until further notice, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.

Applications are available online. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1, 2020. Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman is available to answer questions via email at bseaman@missoulacounty.us or phone at 406-529-8980.