A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

5 May 2015

Vetter Ehrenberg runs afoul of write-in law, endorses Kamenski

Joan Vetter Ehrenberg’s quixotic write-in campaign for the Whitefish school board ended just 36 hours after it began when she learned yesterday that a peculiarity in Montana law forbids last minute write-in candidates.

Because there were sufficient candidates on the ballot to fill the positions up for election, Vetter Ehrenberg needed to have notified the school district no later than 9 April that she was declaring a write-in candidacy. “I think that’s an unwise law, an incumbents’ protection act,” she said, “but it’s still the law.”

She immediately stopped her campaign and asked voters to cast their ballots incumbent trustee Pat Jarvi and newcomer for Marguerite Kaminski, “a talented woman.”

Vetter Ehrenberg thanked Danelle Riesch of School District 44 and Flathead Elections Department chief Monica Eisenheimer for catching the missed deadline quickly. Because they flagged the error so quickly, Vetter Ehrenberg was able close down her campaign before additional resources were irretrievably committed.

She spent $12 on her website, www.voteforjoan, and will return any and all contributions. I have not, incidentally, been able to connect with her website.

Voters who marked ballots for Vetter Ehrenberg, but have not yet delivered them, should bring their ballots to the school district’s office and ask for a new ballot.