Election resources: Montana debates, Q&As, voter info

EBS STAFF

With the general election less than three weeks away and absentee ballots mailed by counties across Montana, it’s decision time for registered voters. The following resources may help southwest Montana voters catch up on debates, candidates’ platforms, and other news from the election cycle. 

On Oct. 16, Montana Free Press released its 2024 election guide, a comprehensive webpage aiming to inform voters on the geographic layout of Montana voting districts for various races, and the policy platforms for candidates running to represent each district.

In addition, Explore Big Sky recently shared information about voting, based on a press release from the Gallatin County Elections Office. 

Debate recordings

In the months leading up to election day, statewide candidates have participated in three televised debates. 

On Sept. 30, democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and republican challenger Tim Sheehy held their final debate on Montana PBS. The full video recording of the one-hour debate is available here. 

On Oct. 12, republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke and democrat challenger Monica Tranel held their first, and likely only debate in their race for Montana’s western congressional district. The 30-minute debate was hosted by MTN News and is available here. 

Most recently, on Oct. 15, Montana gubernatorial candidates debated on NonStop Local. Incumbent republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and democrat challenger Ryan Busse participated in the debate, which is roughly 53 minutes in length and available here. 

Explore Big Sky Q&As

In the months leading up to the 2024 election, EBS spoke with a few candidates about their platforms.

About a month after gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse (D) announced his campaign against incumbent (R) Gov. Greg Gianforte, EBS spoke with Busse. The conversation covered Busse’s views on housing affordability, teacher retention in Montana, rural communities and the Montana Legislature. Busse also chatted with Explore Big Sky’s Hoary Marmot podcast hosts in their kitchen.

In an interview with Monica Tranel (D) in 2023, EBS learned about the U.S. House of Representatives’ candidate in the western district. In the conversation, Tranel covered her views on housing affordability and the main issues she believes Montanans are facing today. She also spoke on an episode of the Hoary Marmot podcast. Tranel is running against incumbent Rep. Ryan Zinke (R). 

Montana State Senate seats are also up for grabs this election. Cora Neumann (D) will run for State Senate district 30 against Tyler Rogers (R). EBS learned about Neumann’s views on rural health care, growth in southwest Montana and Big Sky in a May 2024 conversation. Neumann also spoke on an episode of the Hoary Marmot podcast.

The state will see new faces in Montana House of Representatives seats as Big Sky resident Alanah Griffith (D) is running against West Yellowstone resident Jerry Johnson (R) for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives in district 60. EBS spoke to Griffith about solving for the housing crisis and priorities in the legislature if elected.

Outside of western Montana, EBS also spoke with U.S. House candidate Troy Downing (R), who is currently the state auditor. Downing is running against John Driscoll (D) in the state’s eastern congressional district.

Appearances in Mountain Outlaw

In the summer 2024 issue, Mountain Outlaw spoke with Rep. Ryan Zinke (R) about the influence the “outdoor experience” provided him, from growing up in Montana, to the steps of the White House, in “The Red, White and Blue Team.” Zinke is currently seeking to hold his position at the ballot boxes.

During a trip to Billings last fall, Mountain Outlaw set out to better understand three-term Sen. Jon Tester (D), who aims to add a fourth term this election cycle, and his representation of an issue-based, nonpartisan, dying breed of Montana politician. Read more about that visit, and the proud dirt farmer in “The Tester Appeal.”

Government review for Gallatin and Madison counties

Finally, for voters in Gallatin and Madison counties, EBS compiled a guide of candidates for the local government review study commission. 

Voters decided this June to conduct a local government study, and will elect a commission of civilians to review existing government structures and create a plan to improve their “power, form and plan of government.”

In total, 33 candidates applied to serve on study commissions between both counties, which includes Big Sky.