Local Elections
Your go-to source for Northwest Montana election news—covering candidates, issues, voting changes, and results. Get clear, timely updates from the Daily Inter Lake’s dedicated local reporting team.
Counting machines add vote of confidence to elections security
The conference room of the Flathead County Elections Department whirred with noise. Volunteers rattled off strings…
Sheriff candidate Evie Cahalen shares priorities ahead of June primary
Marion resident and retired law enforcement officer Evie Cahalen, 65, is running against incumbent Brian Heino, 47, in the Republican race for Flathead County …
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino gears up for primary election in bid for third term
Seeking a third term, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 47, faces Republican challenger, Evie Cahalen, 65, in the June 2 primary election.
Meet the 2026 school board trustee candidates
School elections are May 5 with contested trustee races in several school districts. The Daily Inter Lake reached out to candidates in contested school board trustee elections. Candidates were invited to provid…
Rally held in support of two-term Flathead County sheriff after local GOP endorses his primary opponent
More than 100 people packed a Kalispell coffee shop Thursday to support Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino after the local Republican committee embraced his p…
Montana Secretary of State says feds confirmed 23 non-citizen voter records
Twenty-three voter records in Montana have been confirmed as potential instances of non-citizens registering to vote and casting ballots in the state, accordin…
Kalispell Public Schools sets $1.1M elementary general fund levy
Kalispell voters will see a $1.1 million general fund levy issue on the ballot in May for Kalispell Public Schools’ elementary district.
Dems focus on affordability at Whitefish forum for congressional candidates
Democratic candidates for Montana’s western congressional district took center stage at Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Monday night.
GOP primaries set for multiple Northwest Montana races
Campaign filings closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, sealing the roster of candidates set to compete for seats in both the federal and state delegations.
Candidates enter Flathead County races
Four candidates are running for county commissioner.
Sen. Steve Daines has dropped his bid for reelection to a third term
Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana dropped his bid for reelection to a third term Wednesday.
Rep. Ryan Zinke to retire at end of current term
Montana U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke announced Monday that he will retire at the end of his current term in Congress and will not seek re-election.
Heino faces Republican challenger in bid for third term as Flathead County sheriff
Marion resident Evie Cahalen, 65, has launched a bid to unseat incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 47, who is seeking a third term in office.
Lawsuit challenges Montana's second-home tax
Three prominent Republicans filed a lawsuit Wednesday asking a judge to invalidate one of the two bipartisan bills that reduced 2025 property taxes for many Mo…
UM President Seth Bodnar to run for Senate as independent
University of Montana President Seth Bodnar is expected to run for U.S. Senate as an independent, part of an elaborate plan apparently backed by former U.S. Se…
Initial review of state voter rolls IDs 23 potential noncitizens
The Montana Secretary of State’s Office has identified 23 potential noncitizens on Montana’s voter rolls, most of which appear to have made their way onto the …