A recount of the Gallatin County local government study review commission race has affirmed the original election results while slightly narrowing the margin between the seventh- and eighth-place candidates. 

On Monday, Nov. 25, the Gallatin County Elections Office conducted a hand recount of all 71,027 ballots counted in the Nov. 5 federal election. The recount focused on the local government study commission race, where 22 candidates competed for seven seats on the nonpartisan commission. This commission is tasked with reviewing the county’s structure, powers, and service delivery and recommending potential changes. 

The recount was requested by candidate Rene Flynn, who finished eighth in the initial tally, trailing the seventh-place candidate, EJ Porth, by just 77 votes. Under Montana law, a recount is permitted for this race for when the margin of victory is within one-quarter of 1% of 1/7 of total votes cast for this race. 

After the recount, Porth’s final vote total stood at 15,029, while Flynn received 14,980 votes—a 49-vote difference. This outcome confirmed Porth’s election to the commission. 

Differences in votes counted by hand as compared to votes counted by tabulator machines can occur for a variety of reasons including a recount clerk’s interpretation of a voter’s intent, difference in resolution of questionable ballot or miscounting in the hand count.  

The recount was conducted at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds and involved over 140 paid staff and temporary election workers. The process, which lasted nine hours and 15 minutes, was overseen by the Gallatin County Commissioners, serving as the recount board. 

“This recount demonstrates the integrity and transparency of our election process,” said Gallatin County Elections Administrator Eric Semerad. “It’s crucial that voters have confidence in how their votes are counted and that candidates have the ability to verify results when the margins are so close.” 

Upcoming Recount for Montana House District 57

The Gallatin County Elections Office is preparing for another recount, this time for the Montana House District 57 race. That district overlaps with Park County, which will also conduct a recount of ballots cast in their portion of the district. Unofficial final results showed Democratic candidate Scott Rosenweig with a 20-vote lead over Republican candidate Marty Malone. 

Gallatin County’s recount of approximately 3,000 ballots is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room (311 W. Main St., Bozeman). Park County’s recount is being held on Wednesday, Nov. 27.  

For more information on recount procedures or upcoming election activities, please contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060.