HELENA, Mont. — As the calendar turns to 2023, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is proud to celebrate numerous successes from the past 12 months.

“I’m grateful for the accomplishments seen in the Secretary of State’s Office in 2022,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Our team worked incredibly hard to serve voters, businesses, notaries, other agencies, and more. I’m proud to reminisce about the achievements, from record business registrations to successful elections and beyond.”

In January, Secretary Jacobsen announced a record number of new businesses were created during 2021. Later in the year, Secretary Jacobsen proudly announced she was cutting registration fees for new Montana businesses in half, while several other fees would be waived entirely.

“Montana businesses deserve less government deterrents in their day-to-day operations,” she said at the time. “We want Montana businesses to know they are supported and appreciated.”

Secretary Jacobsen visited with numerous businesses across Montana, highlighting many in the Montana Business Spotlight series.

In May, the Secretary of State’s Office hosted the 2022 Montana Notary Conference in Helena, welcoming nearly 300 Montana notaries, 20 presenters from across the country, and dozens of sponsors. The 2022 conference brought record attendance and focused on a variety of educational topics. Sidney’s Kristi Strouf was named the 2022 Montana Notary of the Year at the event.

State and local election officials conducted successful elections during June’s Primary and November’s General. Montana’s 2022 elections were historic with the state gaining a second United States Representative seat as a result of the census. Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke were elected to represent Montana during November’s General Election.

Secretary Jacobsen thanked election officials and voters, while congratulating all candidates who appeared on the midterm ballots.

“Our state and local election officials have worked incredibly hard to provide all Montanans with an election they can be proud of,” she said following November’s election. “Thank you, Montana voters, for participating in our electoral process. Casting your ballot means your voice is heard, and you determine the leaders of our state. Also, to the candidates, thank you for your willingness to serve our great state.”

November also brought exciting opportunities for Montana students. Secretary Jacobsen announced the 2022 Constitution Contest, “Why the Constitution is Important to Me,” and joined Superintendent of Public Schools Elsie Arntzen in encouraging students to participate in the Montana Youth Vote Election. Students in grades K-12 from across the state engaged in both opportunities. 

Students from Great Falls, Boulder, Red Lodge, Plevna, Townsend, Clancy, and Kalispell were honored in this year’s Constitution Contest.

“I’m excited to see our youth involved in learning about this significant document and sharing their views,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the students who participated in this year’s contest.”

Secretary Jacobsen also continued to distribute US/Montana Constitutions to schools, teachers, and students across Montana.

In September, last year’s middle school Constitution Contest winner, Molly Gilbert, joined Secretary Jacobsen and other elected officials during a Constitution Day celebration in the State Capitol. Gilbert performed her song, What the Constitution Means to Me.

Throughout the year, Secretary Jacobsen also visited with constituents, students, businesses, election officials, voters, and more. This included speaking engagements with the Montana Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Boys State, and Helena Rotary.

Secretary Jacobsen also joined the other members of the State Board of Land Commissioners in approving agenda items related to timber, surface, and mineral resources that benefit the common schools and other endowed institutions in Montana. Along with the financial benefits to the state trust land beneficiaries, the Land Board approved the state’s purchase of nearly 5,700 acres at the base of the Big Snowy Mountains to create the Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Land Board also increased public access with an 829-acre addition to the Mount Haggin WMA near Anaconda.

“Montanans will now have additional opportunities to access more of our beautiful state,” said Secretary Jacobsen in October. “It’s also important that Montana ranchers continue to have grazing options, and the Big Snowy acquisition will benefit both Montana agriculture and public recreation.”

The Secretary of State’s Office also provided training and information on a variety of topics including:

• Election Administrator Certification,
• Cybersecurity,
• Tribal Business Registrations in Montana,
• Notary Public training,
• And much more!

“2022 was a significant year in the Secretary of State’s Office,” said Secretary Jacobsen, “and I’m looking forward to serving our wonderful state in 2023.”