Flathead County residents should be proud—this year, we made history. The 2024 General Election not only marked the highest voter turnout in the county's history but also showcased the precision and integrity of our election process.
More than 64,000 ballots were cast, a monumental achievement that reflects an active and engaged electorate. Compared to the 2020 election, nearly 4,000 additional voters participated, and the growth is even more dramatic when looking back to 2016, with 15,000 more ballots cast this year. This level of engagement sends a powerful message: Flathead County values its voice in shaping the future.
But this story isn't just about numbers—it's about what those numbers mean.
Our voter turnout speaks volumes about the health of democracy here in the Flathead. With 89.5% of active registered voters participating, Flathead County is an example of how local communities can step up and make a difference.
Absentee voting played a major role, with nearly 80% of ballots cast by mail. Even with this record-setting volume, our election team managed the process with professional precision during very long and very hectic days.
Elections are about trust, and accuracy is the cornerstone of that trust. This year, a post-election audit hand-counted ballots across six precincts. The results were a variance of just +1 vote in Precinct 9, translating to an extraordinary margin of error of 0.0135%.
A few discrepancies occurred—a total of seven ballots across all precincts. Most of these involved voters casting ballots in the wrong precincts. Even with these small challenges, the margin of error was just 0.0109%, demonstrating the diligence of our election officials and the integrity of our system.
Every election teaches us something, and this year is no exception. While a margin of error this small is nearly imperceptible, we remain committed to continual improvement. Striving for a zero-margin error is more than a goal; it’s a promise to Flathead County voters that we value their confidence and participation.
This year’s success didn’t happen by accident. It took a collaborative effort from election staff, poll workers, volunteers, and voters. Each step of the process—from voter registration to ballot tabulation—was a testament to their dedication.
A Thank You to the Voters
None of this would be possible without you, the voters of Flathead County. By showing up in record numbers, you’ve reinforced the value of community engagement and the importance of participating in our democratic process.
Your participation this year is a reminder of what democracy is all about—not just the act of casting a ballot but the collective impact of thousands of voices coming together to shape the future.
Flathead County has set the bar high, and with continued engagement and effort we can carry this momentum forward into future elections.