City elections under way today

The Daily Inter Lake

It's Election Day for city elections across Flathead County.

While voters in Kalispell and Columbia Falls head to the polls, Whitefish voters who haven't already mailed their ballots have until 8 p.m. to drop them off at Whitefish City Hall or the Election Department at the main courthouse in Kalispell.

As of Monday, 1,373 ballots - about 36 percent of the 3,746 Whitefish ballots mailed out - had been received by election officials. However, 31 ballots weren't signed and won't be counted unless they're signed by the time the polls close, Election Supervisor Monica Eisenzimer said.

There's a three-way race for mayor in Whitefish. Interim Mayor Cris Coughlin, City Council member Nick Palmer and former Mayor Mike Jenson are vying for the position.

Whitefish City Council candidates are Turner Askew, Ryan Friel, Mark McGlenn, Martin McGrew, John Murdock, Kent Taylor and incumbent John Muhlfeld. These seven candidates are competing for three seats on the council.

IN KALISPELL, voters from all four wards will cast their ballots at the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

The polls will be open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Ward 3, Rick Hull is running against incumbent Randy Kenyon.

In Ward 4, Clinton Cathcart is challenging incumbent Duane Larson.

Incumbent Kari Gabriel is unopposed in Ward 1, as is incumbent Wayne Saverud in Ward 2.

IN COLUMBIA Falls, three incumbents - Julie Plevel, Don Barnhart and Doug Karper - are official candidates for three City Council openings.

A fourth candidate, Kathie Lapcevic, withdrew from the election, although her name will appear on the Columbia Falls ballot.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Columbia Falls City Hall.