Billings City Council holds special meeting on canceled municipal primary election

The Billings City Council convened a special meeting on June 16, 2025, to address a critical issue regarding the upcoming municipal primary election scheduled for September 9, 2025. The meeting was prompted by a letter from Yellowstone County Election Administrator KV Aldrich, which stated that the primary election would not be held due to a lack of candidates for several key positions, including mayor and city council seats.

During the meeting, council members discussed the implications of this announcement and the possibility of passing a resolution to require a primary election despite the current candidate shortage. The council has a window of ten days from the close of candidate filing to make this decision, which closed on June 11.

Public comments highlighted differing opinions on whether to proceed with a primary election. Resident Clementine Lindley urged the council to allow the election to continue, emphasizing the importance of providing voters with choices in their representation. Conversely, Max Arvinidis expressed concerns about the financial implications of holding a primary, suggesting that the city should prioritize saving funds amid ongoing budget challenges.

The council also addressed potential conflicts of interest among its members regarding the vote on this matter. City Attorney Gina Dahl clarified that voting on the resolution does not constitute a conflict of interest under city code or state law, allowing council members to participate in the decision-making process.

As the council weighs its options, the outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Billings, shaping how residents will choose their leaders in the upcoming general election. The council is expected to deliberate further on this issue in their upcoming work session.