Belgrade Cancels Elections Due to Lack of Contesting Candidates

Strategic Insights -

The City of Belgrade will not hold elections for the mayoral and council positions this year after only one candidate, Michael Meis, filed for the mayor's position and no one challenged the council seats. According to City of Belgrade officials, Montana law permits local governments to cancel elections when all races have a single candidate. The current Mayor, Russ Nelson, explained that the decision is a standard administrative process under Montana Election Code 13-1-403, which states that when only one candidate is certified for an office, the governing body may declare that person elected and cancel the election. Meis, a current member of the Belgrade City Council and deputy mayor, will take over as mayor-elect, and the council will review applications and appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat. The decision is not unusual, as other Montana cities and towns have made similar decisions during election cycles with no contested races.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Belgrade cancelled elections for the mayoral and council positions due to lack of contesting candidates.
  • Montana law allows local governments to cancel elections when all races have a single candidate, as per Montana Election Code 13-1-403.
  • Three council positions were available, but none were challenged, and the mayor's position was up for reelection.
  • Michael Meis, a current member of the Belgrade City Council and deputy mayor, is the sole candidate for the mayoral position and will take over as mayor-elect.
  • The Belgrade City Council will review applications and appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat.
  • This is not the first time Belgrade has cancelled elections due to lack of interest in city government, with Nelson stating that it has happened "two or three times" in the past.

Statistics:

  • 1: The number of candidates who filed for the mayoral position.
  • 0: The number of candidates who filed for the council positions.
  • 3: The number of council positions available for renewal.
  • 1: The number of vacant seats in the Belgrade City Council.
  • 22 years: The amount of time Russ Nelson has served as mayor.
  • 2: The number of wards in Belgrade City Council.

Sources:

  • City of Belgrade's Facebook announcement on Aug. 20.
  • Montana Election Code 13-1-403.
  • Belgrade's mayoral and council elections website at https://www.belgrademt.gov/.