County, Kalispell reject local government review, but Whitefish, Columbia Falls OK them

Flathead County voters have rejected a review of county government by turning down a ballot issue on the matter in Tuesday’s election by 57 percent to 43 percent.

Kalispell voters also turned down the study panel, voting 55 percent to 45 percent against the review, which is an option provided to voters by the state Constitution. 

All local governments vote every 10 years on whether to institute a review of the current form of government.

Whitefish voters favored the issue by 58 percent to 42 percent

By a closer margin, Columbia Falls voters apparently approved the review process. In that city, voters in favor of the review were leading by 53 percent to 42 percent.

The next step for Whitefish and Columbia Falls will be in the November election, when voters will elect members of study committees.

Voters will choose five study commission members from each city.

The study commissions have two years to complete their reviews. Ten years ago, Whitefish was the only city in Flathead County to conduct a government review.

The Montana Constitution requires that residents statewide get this opportunity every 10 years. 

The following results do not include 200 uncounted late ballots.

LOCAL 

GOVERNMENT 

REVIEW

Flathead County

For   6,102   46%

Against   7,164  54%

Kalispell

For  1,237  45%

Against  1,526  55%

Whitefish

For  513  58%

Against  378  42%

Columbia Falls

For  305  53%

Against  270  47%