Missoula County approves purchase of ballot‑programming software and staff training

Missoula County commissioners approved a contract for ballot‑programming software and a staff training package that county elections staff said will allow the office to design and test ballots internally rather than relying on an outside vendor.

County elections staff told commissioners the cost is included in the fiscal 2026 budget and that the change should produce a small net savings—estimated at about $10,000—because it reduces the county’s dependence on multiple rounds of vendor proofing.

The elections presenter said the county currently relies on a single certified vendor to produce ballot proofs and must wait for that vendor’s schedule to receive and correct proofs. “Currently, ES&S is the only vendor that’s certified by the Montana Secretary of State’s office,” the presenter said. The presenter added, “this will allow us to increase internal controls over our elections processes because of our familiarity with districts and candidates and all of the components that go into setting up the election.”

Staff described practical benefits: the office would be able to lay out ballot styles directly, spot discrepancies immediately, shorten proofreading time, and begin tabulator testing earlier. The presenter said the county had used 17 different ballot styles in the last election because ballot content varies by residence and district. She said the county will schedule vendor training over the summer after the contract is executed.

Commissioners voiced support, and the motion to approve the contract passed after a vote in which commissioners responded, “Aye.” The presenter said the county will proceed with training and internal programming this year.

The county noted it has previously assisted other Montana counties by providing proofing capacity; staff said bringing programming in‑house will reduce competition for vendor turnaround time among counties.