LEWISTOWN, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen traveled to Lewistown this week, meeting with county election officials, business owners, and high school students during the trip.
Secretary Jacobsen visited with Fergus County Election Administrator/Clerk and Recorder Janel Tucek and Deputy Clerk, Abbie Craig, discussing the upcoming election season. Fergus County will hold a school election on May 3 and the midterm primary election on June 7. Secretary Jacobsen also visited with county commissioners Ross Butcher, Sandy Youngbauer, and Carl Seilstad.
“Our county election officials play such a vital role in our state’s elections,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Thank you to Janel, Abbie, and the staff in Fergus County for their hard work in preparation for the upcoming elections. Fergus County elections are in great hands.”
The Secretary of State’s Office not only oversees the state’s elections, but also maintains filings and registrations for Montana businesses, including hundreds in Fergus County. Secretary Jacobsen was given the opportunity to tour Lewistown Livestock Auction, which has served the cattle producers of central Montana since 1951. Owner Kyle Shobe explained the company’s weekly cattle sales and their importance to the agriculture industry across a large portion of the state. According to Shobe, Lewistown Livestock Auction is one of 13 livestock markets in the state.
“It was an honor to visit Lewistown Livestock Auction,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Agriculture is the backbone of Montana’s economy and central Montana boasts some of the state’s top cattle producers. Kyle Shobe and the staff at Lewistown Livestock Auction clearly pride themselves on serving those producers.”

Following the visit to the auction yard, Secretary Jacobsen met with business owners and community officials at the Elks Club, discussing the state’s economic scene and updates from the Office of the Secretary of State. Representative Doug Flament (HD 29) and Senator Dan Bartel (SD 15) also attended the meeting.
“I always enjoy meeting with the faces behind Montana businesses. Lewistown boasts numerous industries and it’s great to hear from them about the ways we can continue to improve our state’s economic strengths,” said Secretary Jacobsen.

This week’s visit concluded with a trip to Fergus High School where Secretary Jacobsen met with students in teacher Luke Brandon’s classroom. Secretary Jacobsen discussed the importance of voting, as well as encouraging those of voting age to register to vote and study the ballot before visiting the polling place. She also highlighted the Montana YouthVote Program and Constitution Contest.
“Thank you Mr. Brandon for educating our youth about civics and government,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The students at Fergus High School were engaged and interested in how our state’s government operates, and I enjoyed their discussion and important questions.”

“As Secretary of State, it was great to meet with officials running our elections, local businesses helping our economy thrive, and Fergus High School students who are the future leaders of our state,” continued Secretary Jacobsen.