2023 Municipal Election Information

Livingston Residents who are interested in becoming more involved with their local government are encouraged to consider running for elected office.

The Park County Election Office will administer the 2023 Livingston Municipal Elections, for two (2) City Commission Seats.

Candidate filing opens: April 20, 2023

Candidate filing closes: June 19, 2023

Municipal Primary Election (if held): September 12, 2023

Municipal General Election: November 7, 2023

Municipal Election Calendar 2023

QUALIFICATIONS AND ELECTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION

Pursuant to the Montana Constitution and all applicable state law, in order to be considered a qualified elector an individual must be a resident of the City of Livingston, and registered to vote. Additionally, according to state law, those seeking a Commission seat must be a resident of the City of Livingston for at least 60 days preceding the election.

Qualified electors interested in running for office can do so by completing a Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form at the Park County Election Office located at 414 E. Calendar Street in Livingston.

DUTIES OF THE CITY COMMISSION

The City of Livingston operates under the Commission-Manager form of government and the Commission serves as the City's legislative and policy-making body. The City Commission employs the City Manager who directs the day-to-day operations of the City. The City Commission does not interfere with or direct city staff in the day-to-day operations.

The City Commission is composed of 5 voting members who serve 4-year terms. In Livingston, municipal elections are held on uneven numbered years. The Commissioners are elected on an at-large, non-partisan basis. The duties are outlined in Livingston Municipal Code and include:

Adopt policies and enact ordinances and resolutions as necessary for the proper execution of governmental functions and responsibilities.
Appoint and supervise, and may remove, the city manager.
Adopt an annual budget, levy taxes, and special assessments, and may borrow money and issue bonds subject to Montana law. Appropriations, exclusive of bond and loan indebtedness, shall not exceed anticipated revenue.
Appoint citizens to boards, committees, or any other body or group under state law.
Attend semi-monthly City Commission meetings held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Salary of City Commission members

The salary of each Commissioner is currently set at $5,400 per year.

CANDIDATE RESOURCES

Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy Forms

Prior to running for office, a nomination form must be completed, signed in the presence of a Notary Public or an officer of the Park County Election Office, and returned to the Park County Election Office during the filing period. The forms are available in person at the Park County Election Office, or on their webpage at https://www.parkcounty.org/Government-Departments/Elections/Election-Forms/

After filing the Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy Form or Write-In Candidate Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy Form, Candidate Campaign Finance Forms are required to be filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

ELECTION-RELATED POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGNS

Sign Permit – Election-related political signs are exempt from the sign permit requirement. However, signage must be in compliance with Section 30.50 of Livingston Municipal Code regarding Signs.
Size – Political signs may be no larger than 16 sq. feet in size.
Time – Signs may be placed no earlier than 60 days before any election. Signs must be removed within seven consecutive days after an election.
Where/Setbacks – Signage may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission. The sign must be placed at least 12 feet from the back of the curb. Vehicular and pedestrian sight distances must be unobstructed.

Signage is not allowed on public property, in City boulevards, on boulevard trees, utility poles, street lights or signs, traffic poles, or other public property.