Election judges needed for in-person voting

So far, 19 election judges have committed to working the polls in November, leaving Jefferson County short of the minimum 65 volunteers it needs to open the polls on Election Day, according to Jefferson County Election Administrator Bonnie Ramey.

The lack of election judges puts the county a long way from being able to hold an in-person election, said Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman, who put out an appeal for volunteers at the Aug. 18 Commission meeting.

Earlier this month, Gov. Steve Bullock gave Montana counties the decision-making power to expand the choices for voters by offering mail ballots and expanded early voting due to COVID-19, while still requiring an in-person option for those who want to go to the polls.