No Primary Election Needed for County Positions in Roosevelt County

County commissioners declare primary election not necessary for several local offices

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:06pm

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The Roosevelt County commissioners announced that a primary election will not be necessary this year for several county offices, including county commissioner, county attorney, clerk and recorder, sheriff, treasurer, and justice of the peace. This is due to the fact that none of the positions have more than two candidates, with the sheriff's race being the only one with two candidates.

Why it matters

The decision to forgo a primary election for county positions in Roosevelt County will save taxpayer money and streamline the electoral process, as primary elections can be costly to administer. However, it also means voters will have fewer opportunities to weigh in on local candidates before the general election.

The details

According to election administrator Tracy Miranda, the decision to cancel the primary election for county offices is based on state law that allows this when there are no more than two candidates per position. A primary election will still be held on June 2 for federal and state elections. The commissioners also approved funding for a new K-9 unit for the sheriff's office and discussed issues related to tribal land purchases and voter ID requirements.

  • The commissioners made the announcement during their weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The primary election that has been canceled was originally scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Tracy Miranda

The Roosevelt County election administrator who declared the primary election unnecessary for certain county offices.

Robert Toavs

A Roosevelt County commissioner who expressed support for the new K-9 unit for the sheriff's office.

Gordon Oelkers

A Roosevelt County commissioner who attended the National Association of Counties' legislative conference in Washington, D.C. and discussed issues related to tribal land purchases and voter ID requirements.

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What they’re saying

“I hereby declare that it is not necessary to hold a non-partisan primary election for the county offices of county commissioner-district 1, county attorney, clerk and recorder, sheriff, treasurer, Justice of the Peace Post No. 1 and Justice of the Peace Post No. 2.”

— Tracy Miranda, Election Administrator

“This is a good asset. I think it's a good thing to have.”

— Robert Toavs, Commissioner

What’s next

The general election for the county offices will be held on November 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The decision to forgo a primary election for county positions in Roosevelt County reflects an effort to streamline the electoral process and save taxpayer money, but it also reduces opportunities for voters to weigh in on local candidates before the general election. The commissioners' discussions on tribal land purchases and voter ID requirements highlight the ongoing challenges facing rural counties in Montana.