Polls open Tuesday for school elections

Polls are open Tuesday for school elections in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Marion and Whitefish school districts.

All polls close at 8 p.m.

Voters in Evergreen, Marion and Whitefish school districts will see levies on the ballot. Voters will decide either a general fund levy or technology levy — or both. General fund levies go toward the day-to-day operation and maintenance of schools. Money raised by a general fund levy can be used for a broad range of expenses such as personnel, classroom supplies, textbooks, technology and building repairs or maintenance. Technology fund levy money is specifically used for the rental, purchase or maintenance of technology and training.

Typically, there is no expiration on a general fund levy, unlike technology levies that have 10-year durations.

In addition to levies, Evergreen and Whitefish have contested trustee races. Columbia Falls school district residents will vote on a contested trustee race only.

Following is a recap of previous election coverage:

Columbia Falls School District polls open at 8 a.m. at Glacier Gateway Elementary, 440 Fourth Ave. W.

There are two three-year terms open on the school board with the following candidates — incumbent Larry Wilson, Bruce Crockett, Heather Mumby and David Shaffer.

Evergreen School District polls open at 7 a.m. in the district office at 18 West Evergreen Drive.

Voters will see a $295,000 general fund levy will be on the ballot. If approved, owners of homes with assessed values of $200,000 may see an annual tax increase of $50.34.

There are three trustee candidates vying for two, three-year terms on the school board including Brant Karlstad and incumbents Dave Lowitz and Tamara Williams.

Marion School District polls are open at noon at the Marion Fire Hall, 180 Gopher Lane.

A general fund and technology levy will be on the ballot.

Marion School District residents will see two levies on the ballot — a $112,000 general fund levy and a $90,250 technology levy.

If the general fund levy is approved, annual taxes may increase by $43.90 for owners of homes with an assessed value of $200,000. If the technology levy is approved, owners may see a $35.37 increase.

Whitefish School District polls open at 8 a.m. at Whitefish Middle School, 600 E. Second St.

There will be technology levies for the high school and elementary districts on the ballot. The elementary district is also running a general fund levy.

The elementary general fund levy is for $50,975. If approved, owners of homes with $200,000 assessed values can expect an annual tax increase of $2.43.

The elementary technology levy is for $321,600. The annual tax impact is estimated to be an $11.08 increase, if approved.

Voters living in the high school district, which encompasses Whitefish and a portion of Olney-Bissell School District, will see a $158,400 technology levy on the ballot. If approved, owners of homes with assessed values of $200,000 may see an annual tax increase of $3.80.

There are two, three-year terms open on the school board with the following candidates — incumbent Nick Polumbus, Marguerite Kaminski, Todd Lengacher and Darcy Schellinger.

Tuesday is also the last day to hand deliver any ballots for mail-in elections by 8 p.m. in Kalispell, Helena Flats, Smith Valley and West Valley school districts.

Voters are reminded that the new Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act goes into effect and impacts individuals who are collecting and delivering another individual’s ballot.

A person bringing in another voter’s ballot must sign a registry with their name address and phone number. The person must also provide their relationship to the voter such as: caregiver, family member, household member or acquaintance in addition to the voter’s name and address.

A person may drop off a maximum of six ballots. Anything above that amount may result in a $500 fine per ballot.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.