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Council cancels uncontested November elections for mayor and council seats
Summary
The council voted unanimously to cancel uncontested city elections for several council seats and the mayoral race after county elections staff reported only one candidate filed for each open seat and the write-in period produced no additional candidates.
The Belgrade City Council voted to cancel the uncontested November 4, 2025, municipal elections for the mayoral and specified council seats after the Gallatin County Elections Office notified the city clerk that only one candidate filed for each position and no write-in candidates emerged.
City staff and the city attorney explained the council has discretion to cancel uncontested races to avoid the cost of holding an election that would not change the outcome. The clerk reported there were approximately 350 parcels in the affected area and provided a negotiated reduced rate estimate for election costs; officials said costs vary and staff would circulate a press release explaining the cancellation, the effective date (January 1 for terms), and the process to fill any vacancies within 60 days if applicable.
Council members discussed public-notification practice and agreed staff should post an explanation and take steps to advertise any upcoming vacancy for Ward 1 so that applicants can be recruited before January.
