Two-thirds of Montana legislative races still missing one major party – One Week Left to File for Montana Public Office – Candidate Filing Deadline is Monday, March 15

Secretary of State Linda McCulloch today reminded Montanans that there is only one week left to file to run for public office in 2010. The deadline for all candidates to file with the Secretary of State or county election office a declaration of nomination for placement on the primary ballot is Monday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m.

“Voting and running for public office are two of our most fundamental rights as citizens of this great state,” McCulloch said. “The steady number of candidate filings indicates 2010 is going to be a strong election year.”

In January, McCulloch reported 106 candidates filed on opening day – nearly doubling the first day filings from 2008. So far, 274 candidates had filed for both the legislative and non-legislative races. For a complete list of candidates and eligible offices, logon to the Secretary of State’s website at sos.mt.gov. The list is updated throughout the day.

The final day to file for any public office is Monday, March 15, 2010. Candidates may file electronically via the Secretary of State’s online candidate filing service, in person at the Secretary of State’s office, by mail, or by facsimile. Forms postmarked by the deadline, but not received by the deadline, cannot be accepted.

The deadline for every candidate to file for office is March 15, regardless of party affiliation. The deadline for certain candidates, including those from independent and minor parties, to submit the Petition to county election administrators is Monday, March 8. However, the time period for those candidates to collect additional petition signatures and submit them to county election offices is March 15. (MCA, 13-10-503)

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Two-thirds of legislative races still missing one major party

By Mike Dennison of The Standard State Bureau

HELENA — With just one week remaining for candidates to file for office in Montana, nearly two-thirds of the 126 contested legislative seats are without a candidate from one of the two major parties.

Democrats haven’t fielded a candidate yet in 46 legislative races, including half of the 26 contested state Senate seats.

Republicans are doing a better job rounding up candidates for the 2011 Legislature, but still have yet to sign someone up in 32 races.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2010/03/09/state/hjijjgjajgigff.txt