Mayor breaks tie vote on ballots

For the third time in a row, Whitefish

will have an all mail-in ballot election this fall.

The Whitefish City Council voted 4-3 on

March 7 in favor of the measure, with mayor Mike Jenson breaking a

tied vote. Councilors Chris Hyatt, Turner Askew and Phil Mitchell

were opposed.

City staff contrasted the pros and cons

of an all mail-in ballot versus using polling places. Mail-in

elections cost more money — the 2009 municipal election cost the

city $5,880 and can result in hundreds of undeliverable ballots,

but voter turnout is significantly higher.

While polling places cost less — $2,141

in 2005 — the location of polling places can be confusing to

voters. Voter turnout is lower and can be affected by adverse

weather. Turnout was 22 percent in 2005 and 47 percent in 2007.

Several councilors mentioned the

importance of people having to go to polling places, the potential

for voter fraud and the busy schedules of many residents in making

their decisions.

The seats for councilors John Muhlfeld,

Turner Askew and Ryan Friel and mayor Mike Jenson are all up for

re-election this fall.