SCHOOL DISTRICT POSITIONS
Flathead county has 19 Elementary Districts and 4 High School Districts. Each year, various trustee positions within these districts become open for candidacy and potential election.
Any person qualified to vote in a district is eligible for the office of trustee. However, there are restrictions on who may hold office. A trustee may not be employed in any capacity by the trustee's own school district (except for officiating athletic competitions of the Montana Officials Association). 20-3-305 and 20-9-204, MCA.
Click on the following link to access the required candidate filing form: Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for School Trustee Candidates. Declarations must be filed directly with the school district.
Candidate filing for 2026 opened on December 11th, 2025 at 8AM and will close February 9th, 2026 at 5PM. Click here to view the list of the current candidates.
For more information and filing instructions, please reach out to your school district clerk. Details about available positions and clerk contact information can be found here.
Special District Positions
Candidate Filing for the 2026 Special District Elections will open January 20, 2026, and close February 4, 2026.
To file for an open Special District position, you must be:
- registered to vote as required by law
- 18 years of age or older
- a citizen of the United States
- resident of the district or owner of real property within the district (must provide proof of current payment of taxes for the property when filing)
Click the following link to access the required candidate filing form: Special District Declaration of Nomination
Special district board opportunities will be posted soon.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT POSITIONS
Flathead County is comprised of 11 elected officials. Various terms expire on even numbered years and become open for candidacy and potential election.
County government candidacy filing documents are recorded and available as public records in Flathead County. Candidates must complete one of two forms, depending on the type of candidacy they are filing for.
Candidates that file during regular candidate filing periods appear on the ballot if the position goes to an election.
Write-in candidates are not listed on the ballot; however, they can receive votes for an elected position if their properly filed name is written in by voters.
To file as a candidate, use the following link: Declaration of Nomination. To file as a write-in candidate, use this link: Write-In Candidate Declaration.
Candidate filing for 2026 will open on February 17th, 2026 at 8AM and close March 4th, 2026 at 5PM.
More information coming soon!
COMMISSIONER OF POLITICAL PRACTICES
The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) is a nonpartisan office that ensures transparency and integrity in Montana’s political process. COPP oversees campaign finance, lobbying, ethics, and political disclosure laws. It also provides guidance and education to candidates, public officials, and voters.
For questions or assistance, contact COPP at or 406-444-3919.
A candidate may begin campaigning as soon as they register on CERS.
When does a person become a candidate?
A person becomes a candidate and must register on CERS within 5 days of any of the following:
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Public Announcement: The individual publicly announces (verbally, on social media, etc.) that they are running for a specific office.
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Campaign Activity Begins: The individual spends or receives money related to their campaign. This includes:
- Filing fees paid to County Election Office or SOS
- Purchasing signs, flyers, stickers, websites, etc. -
Filing Official Paperwork: The individual files the Declaration of Nomination and Oath of Candidacy with the County Election Office or SOS.
Helpful Resources for Candidates:
MUNICIPAL POSITIONS
Flathead County has three municipalities with elected positions; Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish. Each Municipal governing body has positions that expire every four years in odd years and become open for candidacy and potential election.
Candidate filing for the opening municipal positions is closed! Click here to view the list of candidate filings.
Candidate filing for municipal positions opened on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 8AM. Candidate filing closed on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 5PM.
Write-in candidate filing for the Municipal General Election opened on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 8AM. Write-in candidate filing closed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 5PM.
Within five (5) days of filing, candidates must file required campaign paperwork with the Commissioner of Political Practices. Guidance on how to file as a candidate with COPP can be located here.
Please visit the website for the Commissioner of Political Practices for requirements related to candidacy and campaigning prior to filing for a position. There may be additional requirements related to the filing process that are not regulated by the Flathead County Election office.