Candidate Filing

All candidacy filing documents are recorded and accessible as public record for Flathead County.  There are two forms that candidates can complete dependent on the the type of candidacy that they file for.

Candidates that file during regular candidate filing periods appear on the ballot if the position goes to an election.

Write-In Candidates do not appear on the ballot, but can receive votes toward being elected to a filed position if their name (as properly filed) is written in on the ballot. 

For candidate/write-in candidate filings, complete the appropriate Declaration of Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form provided in the section(s) below. These forms require notarization and must be filed within a certain timeframe.*

All candidacy forms are recorded by the Flathead County Election Office located at 290 N Main, Kalispell, MT 59901. 

*The Flathead County Election office has notaries on staff that can be available to assist in filing candidacy forms. There is no notarization fee. 

Positions expire every year for Fire, Water and Sewer Districts across Flathead County and become open for candidacy and potential election. 

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 here to view current county board members and available opportunities. 

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. 

Below are the positions that were eligible for candidate filing in 2025.