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The Sanders County Clerk and Recorder’s office last week mailed ballots for the Hot Springs Municipal General Election. Voters have until 8 p.m. November 5 to return ballots to the election office by mail or in person. The election is mail ballot only and no polling places will be open on election day.

Four residents are running for two open positions on the Hot Springs Town Council. Candidates include Crystal Graham, Renea Keough, Edwin Gail Weatherly and Mary Whitsett.

County Elections Deputy Bobbi Christenson said that if Hot Springs residents have not received their ballot by Oct. 25, they should call the election office at 827-6949 or 827-6929. The elections staff will do the necessary research to see why the voter did not receive a ballot.

Christenson added that postmarks do not count as when a ballot was received, so voters need to mail their ballots early enough to ensure ample time for it to reach the elections office. If a voter makes a mistake on his or her ballot, call the election office to request a new one. Do not use correction fluid or stickers to make a change.

If a Hot Springs resident is not currently registered to vote in the election, there is still time to register. Go to the Clerk and Recorder’s office at the Sanders County Courthouse to register and receive a ballot. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Voters also may register from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 4, or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, November 5.

Christenson also reminds voters that if they are planning to hand deliver a ballot that is not their own, the Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act, approved last year, requires the person to sign a registry when presenting the ballots. There is a limit of six ballots that can be turned in per person per election. The penalty for ballots unlawfully collected is $500 per ballot.

For more information, contact the Sanders County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.