HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen spoke to county officials from across the state this week.

Secretary Jacobsen was Wednesday’s luncheon keynote speaker at the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) Midwinter Conference. She opened her presentation by outlining the goals of the Secretary of State’s Office, including the recruitment, development, and retention of a highly engaged workforce. By creating that culture, the Secretary of State’s Office has increased efficiencies that benefit Montana, she said.

“I’m proud of the work we do in our office, and we have an incredible team of highly engaged, customer-focused employees,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Customer service is our number one priority as our Montana businesses, voters, notaries, and more always come first.”

Secretary Jacobsen presented multiple updates from the Secretary of State’s Office, including Montana’s record business registration, cutting registration fees for Montana businesses, and the transition to a new election management system.

Secretary Jacobsen highlighted the 12 counties that participated in parallel testing of the election management system during the 2022 election cycle: Big Horn, Blaine, Fergus, Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Meagher, Phillips, Powell, Richland, Silver Bow, and Toole.

The Secretary explained her work with the State Board of Land Commissioners (Montana Land Board) generating revenue for Montana schools and increasing public access. The Land Board expanded the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Anaconda and also created the Big Snowy Mountains WMA north of Ryegate. The latter provides improved access to nearly 100,000 acres.

Secretary Jacobsen’s staff presented on cybersecurity, best practices, and election security assessments, as well as other election updates ahead of the 2024 election cycle.