Politics & Government
The Daily Inter Lake’s Politics & Government section delivers updated local and national political coverage, featuring legislative developments, elections, policy debates, and government actions shaping Montana.
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…
Polls open at 7 a.m. on Election Day
The polling places for Flathead County’s 42 precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Election judge reflects on experience
While the nation seems stretched from a tense election season, one Bigfork resident is less focused on candidates and more concerned with voters.
Gianforte makes final campaign stop in Flathead
Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte made a brief stop in Columbia Falls Friday, urging supporters to help drive turnout in the Flathead Valley du…
Marsy's Law would create rights for crime victims
Montana voters will have the chance to adopt a constitutional bill of rights for crime victims through ballot initiative 116 known as Marsy’s Law.
Polls show GOP has an edge in Montana
The results of a pair of statewide polls released in the past two weeks indicate strong support for Republicans in the Treasure State, with the exception being in Montana’s gubernatorial race.
Zinke reaffirms support for Trump presidency
In an interview Monday, Montana’s lone Congressman reaffirmed his support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, while acknowledging that both of th…
Senators want investigation of whistleblower allegations
A pair of Republican state lawmakers from the Flathead Valley are pushing for a new Senate committee to investigate recent allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers by state employees.
National group pushes to defeat brain research ballot initiative
HELENA (AP) — The National Education Association is spending $528,000 to defeat a Montana ballot initiative that would authorize the state to issue $200 million in bonds over the next decade for research into brain…
Ballot initiative hopes to boost funding for brain research
A ballot initiative could open the door to Montana spending $200 million to fund research on brain diseases or illnesses like Alzheimer’s and post-traumatic st…
Son looks to fill father's former House seat
A new face in local politics comes with a familiar name as House District 4 candidate Matt Regier campaigns for the seat in which his father termed-out.
Incumbent challenged by fifth-generation Montanan
Democratic candidate Brittany MacLean faces Republican incumbent Randy Brodehl in the race for House District 9.
Fern and Billi contend for Whitefish's HD5 seat
The race for House District 5, which covers Whitefish and overlaps into neighboring areas, pairs a longtime Whitefish School Board trustee against a recent Whi…
Lavin, Rappleye face off for House District 8
Republican incumbent Steve Lavin, 49, and Democrat Paige Rappleye, 39 are vying for House District 8.
Revisiting medical marijuana: Montana ballot initiative looks to roll back restrictions
Nearly 90 percent of cannabis cardholders in Montana are without access to a legal provider, a roughly 300 percent increase since a Montana Supreme Court rulin…
Hertz, Evans contend for District 12
In the race for House District 12, an incumbent Republican who wants to limit the scope of government is pitted against a Democratic challenger who believes pu…