The Missoula Municipal Primary Election will take place on September 9th. Absentee ballots will be mailed out starting August 20th. If you are mailing your ballot in please send it by August 29th to ensure it arrives at the county elections office on or before September 9th.
If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election! To check your voter registration status head here.
Unsure of what ward you’re in? Check out this map! *Wards 1, 4 and 5 do not have a primary election.
Mayoral Candidates
Brandi Atanasoff
Under Missoula’s current 12.60 ordinance, unhoused Missoulians can be criminalized through daily $50 fines and criminal charges, for survival camping outside. In your opinion, what alternative paths should the city explore that can address and prevent the growing number of unhoused Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Rehabilitation programs that help people navigate the issues caused by homelessness. This would include vocational rehabilitation, addiction services, and financial counseling.
What do you believe is the most important issue our community is facing and if elected, how do you plan to address it? (70 word max)
- Missoula is experiencing a steady population growth that is changing the demands put on the city. This has caused many people to feel unheard and unseen. I plan to make sure everyone feels heard and seen by covering all issues we encounter clearly through public outreach.
Andrea Davis
Under Missoula’s current 12.60 ordinance, unhoused Missoulians can be criminalized through daily $50 fines and criminal charges, for survival camping outside. In your opinion, what alternative paths should the city explore that can address and prevent the growing number of unhoused Missoulians? (70 word max)
- I am committed to aligning the City’s efforts with housing-focused solutions because the solution to homelessness is housing. Our new strategy, On Our Way Home, builds on this work, identifying current challenges and guiding future action. I support initiatives like Built for Zero to reduce homelessness measurably. We are aligning City efforts with housing-first solutions, expanding housing options through zoning reform and our Land Use Plan.
What do you believe is the most important issue our community is facing and if elected, how do you plan to address it? (70 word max)
- Over the past year, we have made significant progress in strengthening our city, but we also recognize that many in our community continue to face challenges. Even in the midst of a strong job market and a dynamic economy, too many Missoulians are struggling with the rising cost of housing and the increasing cost of living. Ensuring that everyone in Missoula has the opportunity to live and thrive here remains my top priority.
Shawn Knopp
Under Missoula’s current 12.60 ordinance, unhoused Missoulians can be criminalized through daily $50 fines and criminal charges, for survival camping outside. In your opinion, what alternative paths should the city explore that can address and prevent the growing number of unhoused Missoulians? (70 word max)
- We need to address the underlying problem ie substance addiction, mental health, without addressing the situation you can’t solve the housing situation
What do you believe is the most important issue our community is facing and if elected, how do you plan to address it? (70 word max)
- The rising cost of everything from housing food taxes. They are all raising far more than wages. I would look to bring in higher paying jobs and work to slow down rising tax.
Ward 2
Hayden Cook
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Affordable housing and cost of living. I will be critical of the city budget to ensure tax dollars are spent best for Missoulians future and community growth. I will encourage and incentivize diverse housing options and cut unnecessary red tape to improve supply. Assist young Missoulians by improving education and outreach related to finances, attaining housing, and knowing their rights as renters/homeowners.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Pursue community partnerships to increase resources for our unhoused and at risk neighbors. Potential strategies could be expanding the mobile response team, opening a well managed and maintained shelter by leveraging grants and public/private partnerships, and hosting a managed transitional park for folks utilizing their RVs and cars for temporary housing.
Timmothy Garrison
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- The city needs to add an estimated 4,000 housing units before we have a surplus in housing. The city must improve its process for contractors to be approved to start work. Infill alone will not close the 4,000 unit gap in housing. We need to acquisition and annex land need the cities edge and develop infrastructure to meet the future needs of Missoula.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- City Council needs to continue to work with County, State, and Federal Government Representatives to support houseless populations in our area. Missoula County Temporary Safe Outdoor Space is a safe, healthy, secure, staffed (24/7) environment that serves individuals experiencing homelessness. Transitioned from Johnson Street to Ward 2 with a one-time financial contribution from the City of Missoula; we continue to support 200+ with Missoula County government provide logistical support.
Justin Ponton
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Cost of housing. We need to focus on making the building process more streamlined with the goal of creating more housing opportunities. Increasing supply is the best method within our control to put downward pressure on the cost to buy a home. We also need to focus on a need driven budgetary process to keep tax increases in check since that’s a major contributing factor to the overall housing cost.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- I think there have been some positive things to come out of the Housing Spring that we can look to emulate going forward. With the closure imminent and unavoidable, I think the focus and emphasis needs to now shift to exploring all options available to secure long-term and sustainable housing solutions for the unhoused members of our community.
Michele Whitmire and Rebecca Dawson did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.
Ward 3
Daniel Carlino
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Affordable housing and the climate crisis are the most important issues facing us young people. As an activist, I fight for a livable future from the climate crisis and to ensure my friends and family are not being priced out of town. We need truly affordable housing, better protections for renters, and to take on the climate crisis at the pace that science demands. We deserve better from our government.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Housing is a human right. That’s something I firmly believe in. The City Council voting to close the Johnson street shelter without an alternative option, is beyond cruel. Twice in the last 3 years, I’ve tried to get the City to commit to opening a replacement facility and have pushed back against the City Council’s policies to criminalize people experiencing homelessness. The answer is housing for our neighbors, not handcuffs.
David Knudson
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Young Missoulians face an uphill battle when it comes to making a livable wage and affording quality housing. We need to put policies in place that incentivize landlords to keep rents moderately priced, to keep properties properly adequately maintained and to retain tenants. I believe that along with proper and adequate job training Missoula and attracting high paying manufacturing jobs we can continue to make this a place where lower income and middle class families can thrive.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- First and foremost houseless individuals need access to high quality healthcare. A significant amount of unhoused individuals are in the position they are in due to inadequate and unequal healthcare. Families need better support to help people suffering from chronic mental illness. We need to talk with/listen to these individuals to be able to tailor to their individual needs. Adequate safe and healthy temporary housing is very important as well as transitional permanent housing.
Jennifer Savage
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Missoula used to be a place where someone could work at a coffee shop and pursue their passion projects at the same time. With a little hustle one could afford to live a good life here – go to school, pay rent, eat good food. That reality has been slipping away for years. If reelected, I’d support policies that address housing affordability and livability for anyone who wants to live here.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- I would continue to support policies that get people housed and that provide wrap around services for our houseless neighbors.
Jon Vivas
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- The most important issue facing young people in Missoula is getting on a career path that goes beyond barista, weed sales, or DoorDash driver. The issue is best addressed by creating an environment that promotes higher paying jobs and encourages people to actually apply for them.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- I am more concerned with the safety and security of Missoula residents and taxpayers over the safety of the homeless who prey upon them physically and financially.
Nathan Coyan did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.
Ward 6
Chris Foster
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- An inadequate supply of affordable housing for sale. I’m proposing that we explore innovative ways to finance and build permanently affordable housing as well as supported housing. And I propose that we use tools like shared/limited equity coops, land trusts, etc. Young people need a way to get their foot in the door of homeownership, so they can start building equity and generational wealth.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Homelessness is a housing problem. Congregant shelters are not a good long term solution. I propose building supported housing at the same time that we build affordable housing. I list ways to pay for it on my website. The best and cheapest solution for homelessness is to build STABLE homes for the homeless.
Kristen Jordan
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Affordability (housing, wages, essentials, and education) is the biggest issue for Missoula youth. With an aging, affluent council disconnected from these struggles, we need younger voices. If re‑elected, I’ll continue my work to elect young leaders, expand affordable housing, push for fair wages, and use data‑driven budgeting to ensure policies reflect real affordability needs.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- I’m deeply concerned by the Johnson Street Shelter closure and the 200+ left without shelter. If re‑elected, I’ll use priority‑based budgeting and program metrics to find money in our general fund to fund a full spectrum of housing( authorized campsites, no‑ and low‑barrier shelters, the TSOS, Blue Heron, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and city land trusts with strict affordability deeds) to ensure safe, year‑round options for all.
Sandra Vasecka
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Sex trafficking and sextortion are rising concerns for young Missoulians, especially with tech advances and our location on the I-90 Corridor. Meanwhile, relentless government spending drives up costs, making homeownership nearly unattainable for younger generations.
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Rising property taxes and unchecked government spending at all levels contribute to homelessness. If unnecessary expenditures were curbed and tax burdens reduced, fewer people would face the risk of losing their homes.
Valeda L. Jonessian
What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)
- Our homeless vets, family members and metal heath issues. They are human and have as much right as you, expect to be treated like a human being, and treat them like a human being. I have already been there and experienced this. Our sidewalks are not up to par for people who are elderly or people in wheelchairs, along with the stores not being up to standard either. Ada complaint and affordable housing for all!
Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)
- Use our property that is just sitting there and use it for making affordable housing for the homeless. Have them have chores or a job, if not, they can’t be there. No hard drugs of any kind.
Sean McCoy did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.
Check out the Municipal Primary Candidate Forum held on August 14th!