EDITORIAL: Decision day for voters is Tuesday

Montana holds its primary election on Tuesday, and it promises to see a fairly large turnout. We encourage everyone who has the right to vote to do so, and based on early voting so far, we believe that many of you will participate.

Statewide, at least 60 percent of early and absentee ballots have been turned in already, and although there are not many races in doubt at the statewide level, we think excitement is high for citizens to “make a statement” with their votes.

At the presidential level, the Democratic race remains in flux. Although Hillary Clinton has a commanding delegate lead nationwide, supporters of Bernie Sanders see the possibility for another Western state victory here, and Sanders has vowed to fight to the convention if at all possible. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Donald Trump’s supporters will get a chance to reject “politics as usual” with their vote for the impolitic outsider. And if some people want to reject Trump’s brand of bragging and bluster, they can still vote for Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio.

Locally, we have some interesting primary elections on the Republican side. In Senate District 3, Whitefish car dealer Don “K” Kaltschmidt is squaring off against retired teacher and House Majority Leader Keith Regier. In House District 11, former House member Derek Skees is up against teacher Jean Barragan. County Commissioner Pam Holmquist is also facing a primary challenge by fairgrounds maintenance superintendent Tim Harmon.

A couple of things to remember: Montana has an open primary, so any registered voter can participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary. You’ll get ballots for both parties, but you can only vote in one.

And if you got an absentee ballot, remember to turn it in by Tuesday at your county election office. (If you are in Flathead County, it’s currently located at the fairgrounds.) Under Montana law, you can also register to vote until the actual election day on Tuesday.

To check your voter registration status, visit the “My Voter Page” at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo.