CANDIDATE FILING BEGINNING SOON

HELENA—With the eyes of the nation on results from Iowa’s early Presidential caucus, Secretary of State Brad Johnson announced today that the time is drawing near for a political event closer to home. Candidates for state office can begin filing with the Secretary of State’s office on January 22.

“Now that Iowans have finished their caucuses,” said Johnson, “I think Montanans might have more interest in news that really matters locally.  Our own candidates make far more difference in our lives than the people running for President.  It’s almost time for those homegrown candidates to begin stepping forward and volunteering to serve their fellow Montanans.”

The candidate filing period runs from Tuesday, January 22 through Thursday, March 20.  This year includes a notable improvement over filing in previous elections: certain candidates for state office can file online at the Secretary of State’s website, sos.mt.gov.

“We’re bringing this process into the twenty-first century,” Johnson said.  “Online filing will make it easier and less expensive for Montanans to step forward and engage in public service.”

Candidates for state office file their declarations of candidacy with the Secretary of State’s office. Candidates for county offices file with their county election administrator. The only statewide candidates not eligible for online filing are Presidential, write-in, indigent and independent candidates (those not affiliated with a political party).

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