HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Hill County finalized the local results of the 2020 general election wiith their canvassing on Monday morning.
Hill County saw 79 percent voter turnout, with 7,302 residents casting a ballot. This is the highest turnout in a general election for Hill County since at least 1992, when turnout was 78 percent.
Precinct 14 had the highest turnout, with 90%. This precinct includes much of southeastern Hill County, including Beaver Creek Park.
Precinct 28 had the lowest turnout, with 55%. This precinct includes much of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation.
Overall, the final results show that Hill County is quite polarized, with most rural areas voting overwhelmingly for the Republican candidates, the Rocky Boy Reservation voting overwhelmingly for the Democrats, and Havre being much more down the middle.
Two of the contested local races ended up with slim margins.
In the race to replace Democrat Jacob Bachmeier and represent Havre in the State Legislature, Republican Ed Hill took down Democrat Krystal Steinmetz by 163 votes out of over 4,400 cast (this race only includes the nine precincts in Havre).
And in the contest for the County Commission seat Democrat Mike Wendland is vacating, Democrat Jake Strissel defeated Republican Mark Wicks by 213 votes out of over 6,900 cast.
The two county ballot issues passed with ease. The City of Havre adopted a charter by a margin of 2,284-1,736, while the Ambulance Services Mill Levy was approved by a margin of 1,910-997.
For complete Hill County results, click here.
During a County Canvass, local administrators declare elected the individuals having
received the highest number of votes cast for each county-certified office and
proclaim the adoption or rejection of county ballot issues.
Once a canvas is complete, Election Administrators send the results to the Secretary of State. On November 30th, the State Canvass Board is expected to declare the winners of each race.
After that is done, the Secretary of State certifies the election results.
