HAMILTON and STEVENSVILLE, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen traveled to the Bitterroot this week to visit with business owners and voters in western Montana.

Secretary Jacobsen discussed Montana’s economic landscape, including the thousands of new businesses registered with the state. She also touted Montana’s low filing fees and highlighted the Montana Business Economic Report, which reports key economic indicators such as the number of active registered businesses in Montana.

Secretary Jacobsen also visited with Ravalli County Commissioners Dan Huls, Greg Chilcott, and Jeff Burrows; Clerk and Recorder/Election Administrator Regina Plettenberg; and voters in western Montana. Secretary Jacobsen discussed the post-election audit process and provided an update regarding Montana’s elections, with the midterm primary election scheduled for June 7. Ballots have already been sent to UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voters, and absentee ballots will be mailed to registered absentee voters on Friday, May 13.

Additionally, the Secretary and her team discussed the challenges imposed by the District Court’s injunction of Senate Bill 169 and House Bill 176 for even experienced election officials like Plettenberg.

“It’s always a pleasure to visit with Montanans in the Bitterroot,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “They work hard, are family-oriented, and are passionate about what’s best for Montana. Thank you for the honor of discussing our state’s growing economy and safe, secure electoral process.”