Montana Election Observation Initiative
A Nonpartisan Election Observation project sponsored by The Carter Center
The Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) aims to enhance transparency and public understanding about election procedures in Montana, detect and deter electoral malfeasance, and offer evidence-based recommendations for electoral reform to improve the conduct of elections, if warranted.
MTEOI Activity
Observers will report on how Montana election laws and procedures are followed, representing all voters without interfering in the electoral process. Findings from their observations will be compiled to assess the overall quality of elections in Montana.
Research has long indicated that the presence of nonpartisan or independent election observers during critical stages of an election can improve election administration and bolster public trust in electoral outcomes.
The 2022 Survey of the Performance of American Elections – a national survey administered to 10,200 registered voters – found, for example, that a majority of American voters (61%) would have more confidence in the integrity and security of their state’s election system if they knew that nonpartisan poll watchers had observed the process.
Research has long indicated that the presence of nonpartisan or independent election observers during critical stages of an election can improve election administration and bolster public trust in electoral outcomes.
The 2022 Survey of the Performance of American Elections – a national survey administered to 10,200 registered voters – found, for example, that a majority of American voters (61%) would have more confidence in the integrity and security of their state’s election system if they knew that nonpartisan poll watchers had observed the process.
Advisory Committee
- Jeff ManganCo-ChairJeff has spent 35+ years successfully navigating roles in the private & public sectors. Having led several successful businesses and serving when given the opportunity in both elected and appointed public service roles, Jeff served several terms in the Montana House and Senate. Jeff was appointed as Montana's 12th Commissioner of Political Practices and served from 2017 - 2022.
- Geraldine CusterCo-ChairGeraldine Custer has a public service career spanning 44 years. Elected as the Rosebud County Clerk and Recorder in l978, Custer retired after 36 years. She championed legislation for all mail ballot elections beginning with special districts, and expanding to schools, municipal and even a Federal General during Covid.
Custer served four terms in the Montana Legislature serving on State Administration, Taxation, Energy and Local Government Committees - Casey HayesCommitteeCasey Hayes began working in election administration in 2014 at the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. From 2018 through 2021, he served as the Election Manager for Gallatin County during which time the department received national recognition from the Election Assistance Commission for outstanding innovations in elections.
- Bret RutherfordCommittee
Get Involved! Become a MTEOI Observer!
If you wish to volunteer as a nonpartisan observer, please complete the Recruitment Form or contact us at montana@cartercenter.org and we'll initiate the process. MTEOI observers are provided training, materials, observation schedule, and a small stipend
PLEASE NOTE - Effective 10/30/2024 We are no longer recruiting observers for the 2024 General Election. Please stay tuned for information as we move forward in 2025!
PLEASE NOTE - Effective 10/30/2024 We are no longer recruiting observers for the 2024 General Election. Please stay tuned for information as we move forward in 2025!
Current News
Montana Election Observation Initiative News & Media
Voices of Montana (radio program)
There’s no doubt the 2020 presidential election left some questions to be answered about the integrity of our election system. In Montana, one group is taking steps forward in closely observing our election process and in training volunteers across the state to do the same for more accountability. Co-Chairs of the Montana Election Observation Initiative Geraldine Custer and Jeff Mangan, join the program to discuss their initial reactions and report on the 2024 general election in Montana.
The Electric (Great Falls)
The Montana Election Observation Initiative, a nonpartisan effort to increase transparency and trust in Montana’s elections, mobilized citizen volunteers to observe the 2024 general election in several counties across the state, including Cascade County.
On. Nov. 5, the MTEOI deployed 118 observers who visited 76 unique voting locations in 16 of Montana’s 56 counties.
Observers were deployed to: Big Horn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Hill, Lake, Lewis & Clark, Missoula, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Rosebud, and Yellowstone counties.
On. Nov. 5, the MTEOI deployed 118 observers who visited 76 unique voting locations in 16 of Montana’s 56 counties.
Observers were deployed to: Big Horn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Hill, Lake, Lewis & Clark, Missoula, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Rosebud, and Yellowstone counties.
Issue One - Democracy Fix
With such a closely watched vote count in 2024, election process transparency is critical for voter confidence. Former Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan and former State Representative Geraldine Custer join Dr. Carah Ong Whaley and Risa Dorf to share their new nonpartisan initiative to provide voters in Montana with trusted and independent oversight of state elections.
Montana Free Press
Partnering with the global Carter Center, a pair of voices from Montana’s election integrity debate look to restore voter confidence in democracy
ABC FOX Non-Stop Local News
With the success of the program, supported by the Carter Center, the MEOI now plans to recruit and train upwards of 100 more observers to carry out the same oversight for several more counties in the November election.
ElectionLine Podcast
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Jeff Mangan. He’s a former Commissioner of Political Practice in Montana, and one of co-chairs of the Montana Election Observation Initiative [MEOI], a Carter Center-supported nonpartisan election observation effort.
Contact Us
Montana Election Observation Initiative
sponsored by the Carter Center & Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center
+1 (406)452-6966
montana@cartercenter.org
montana@cartercenter.org