Billings Municipal Election is on November 4th and it will be an all-mail election and polling locations will not be open! Turn in your ballot to your local county elections office, drop it off at a drop box, or mail your ballot by October 28 (i.e., 7 days before the election) to ensure it is received on time.
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!
Mayoral Candidates
Mike Boyett
What is your vison for how the mayor should collaborate with city council and city staff, and how would you ensure effective communication and efficiency between these groups? (70 word max)
- I will foster open, transparent communication, ensuring regular meetings with the city council and staff. Problem-solving should be prioritized, with clear roles and expectations. Regular progress updates, combined with a shared commitment to the city’s goals, will streamline efficiency and align efforts across all levels of government.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Billings and what will you do to address this within the confines of the mayoral power? (70 word max)
- The biggest challenge to the years to come is the budget. The citizens of Billings need to vote on changing the city charter to allow the Billings tax structure to mirror that of all the of other cities in Montana. I would also lobby the state to allow the taxpayers to vote on whether they would like a local option/sale tax.
Amanda Housler
What is your vison for how the mayor should collaborate with city council and city staff, and how would you ensure effective communication and efficiency between these groups? (70 word max)
- I believe the mayor should communicate with everyone, and if there are issues, they should be brought up at the weekly meetings. I think the weekly meeting should be held when everyone would be able to join. I think anything not in the Montana State Constitution should be up to a vote of all the residents. All the voices of the community should be heard and offer solutions.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Billings and what will you do to address this within the confines of the mayoral power? (70 word max)
- I think the biggest challenge is financial stability and safety. I think we need to put more people to work, lower the taxes, and quit drug testing for marijuana. If we don’t test for marijuana, there will be more people able to work in government positions. If we lower the taxes to 4% as it says in the Montana State Constitution, more people would be able and willing to help.
Mike Nelson
What is your vison for how the mayor should collaborate with city council and city staff, and how would you ensure effective communication and efficiency between these groups? (70 word max)
- We could find ourselves in a unique moment in time. Over half the council could be new members in January. Regardless, identifying a long-term vision for the city will lead to long term goals. Once they are identified, the council will need to make a decision as a means to accomplish those goals.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Billings and what will you do to address this within the confines of the mayoral power? (70 word max)
- We must ensure that Billings is safe for all who live, work, and visit here. As mayor, I’ll ensure that first responders have opportunities to learn from other communities about creative tactics to address crime, like the ‘serial inebriate program’ that Billings adopted from San Diego. I’ll create public-private partnerships to address the underlying causes of crime by growing workforce development programs and incentivizing diversified housing development.
Jennifer Owen did not complete the questionnaire.
Ward 1
Mark Nicholson
If elected, would you support increased funding for community resources and programs that provide services and support to our houseless neighbors?
- Yes
If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow for more diverse types of housing across the city?
- Yes
If elected, would you prioritize funding and planning to make bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other forms of active transportation safer and more accessible?
- Yes
If elected, would you support expanding non-police crisis response teams for mental health or substance use emergencies?
- Yes
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- Yes, I would support a non-discrimination ordinance because discrimination is wrong.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- The most impactful policy to increase affordable housing is to zone for increased residential density. The best way to do that is to encourage increased residential density within the current city limits. I would like to see mixed residential-commercial zoning, multiplex zoning and zoning for accessory dwellings where we have single family zoning. There is also a need for single room occupancy projects. Reducing parking requirements would also help.
David Redmon did not complete the questionnaire.
Ward 2
Earnest Hammer
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- Yes! The why, I have a son who Is nonbinary, another who unfortunately committed suicide in our home. Obviously, I don’t have any respect for anyone who bullies or hates another person. I am a caring and compassionate individual anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know me.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- In public I have talked about the fees that are charged to hook up to City services, I believe they need to be lowered and easier to deal with wouldn’t hurt either. On the Zoning I want commercial to stay in commercial. I ok with duplex or apartments that are in the heights area I live in, but I am strongly against putting in any commercial type building in our quiet neighborhoods. Zoning changes for me would be on a case for case basis.
Denis Pitman
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- We have looked at this in the past and saw no reason to do this.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- Working with the developers to find ways to reduce the cost of building, yet keep enough quality to make the project sustainable. This will require adjusting some of our building requirements. We need to help the homeless by circumstance, and make sure they have access to necessary services. We also need to make sure that the homeless as a result of mental health get the services and support they need as well.
Kassi Strong
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- Yes. I envision a Billings that is a place where we can ALL safely live, work, and play. These types of policies signal that Billings is an open and welcoming place to live and work, which helps attract and retain talent, boosts our economy, and strengthens our community for all.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- I’d recommend revising zoning to allow for housing like duplexes and triplexes in more neighborhoods. This increases housing diversity and density, offering more affordable options. However, I’m most interested in how other cities with similar growth patterns and demand have solved this issue in the past. Let’s learn from those who have done the work before us. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Ward 3
Amy Aguirre
If elected, would you support increased funding for community resources and programs that provide services and support to our houseless neighbors?
- Yes
If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow for more diverse types of housing across the city?
- Yes
If elected, would you prioritize funding and planning to make bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other forms of active transportation safer and more accessible?
- Yes
If elected, would you support expanding non-police crisis response teams for mental health or substance use emergencies?
- Yes
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- Yes! Friends and family who are members of these factions have shared how frustrated they feel at our lack of passing an NDO. They feel left out of the conversation, and that’s not right. We can do more to support them.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- I want to explore installing pockets of tiny homes in our community. It is an effective use of space as well as materials. Also apartment buildings would be a good way to get more people housed. We are too sprawling of a community and need to address infill.
TJ Rogers did not complete the questionnaire.
Ward 4
Andrew Lindley
If elected, would you support increased funding for community resources and programs that provide services and support to our houseless neighbors?
- Yes
If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow for more diverse types of housing across the city?
- Yes
If elected, would you prioritize funding and planning to make bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other forms of active transportation safer and more accessible?
- Yes
If elected, would you support expanding non-police crisis response teams for mental health or substance use emergencies?
- Yes
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- Yes. I believe Billings should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I would support a non-discrimination ordinance and similar policies because no one should face barriers to housing, employment, or services based on who they are. Fairness and inclusion strengthen our community and make Billings more attractive to families, businesses, and visitors.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- We need more affordable rentals—especially for seniors and working families—but we can’t raise property taxes on people who already own homes. By updating zoning to allow smaller homes like duplexes and ADUs, and cutting red tape, we can increase housing options without extra burden on taxpayers. That means more choices for people on fixed incomes, and stronger, more livable neighborhoods.
Daniel Tidswell did not complete the questionnaire.
Ward 5
Patrick Olp
If elected, would you support increased funding for community resources and programs that provide services and support to our houseless neighbors?
- Yes
If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow for more diverse types of housing across the city?
- Yes
If elected, would you prioritize funding and planning to make bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other forms of active transportation safer and more accessible?
- Yes
If elected, would you support expanding non-police crisis response teams for mental health or substance use emergencies?
- Yes
If elected, would you support citywide policies (such as a non-discrimination ordinance) that would make Billings a safer and more welcoming community for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals? Why or why not? (70 word max)
- I have supported these efforts from their inception and will continue to fight for our LGBTQIA+ community tirelessly because love is love, people are people, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation matters.
What is the single most impactful policy or action our municipality can take to support more affordable rental opportunities for low- and middle-income residents? (70 word max)
- I think zoning reform that allows for more diverse housing types will both alleviate the pressure put on a constrained market as well as give renters more options and competitive opportunities to secure housing at an affordable rate
Tony O’Donnell did not complete the questionnaire.
WTF Do City Council Members Do?
City council members craft and vote on city policies and budgets to represent the interests of the residents of their respective wards. They hold the Mayor accountable and ensure that Billings residents’ interests are represented. They drive policy that determines what our community looks and feels like for years to come on issues like affordable housing policy, infrastructure, public parks, and public safety.
WTF Does The Mayor Do?
Billings has a “weak mayor” or “council-manager” structure for mayor. This means the mayor serves as the presiding officer for our city Council and acts as the ceremonial head of local government, but has no administrative duties. The administrative responsibilities are instead carried out by a City Administrator. Our mayor should have a vision for our community they are able to communicate to stakeholders and citizens.
WTF Does A Municipal Judge Do?
Municipal judges make rulings on municipal disputes, citations, and infractions – including determining the extent and type of sentence or fee for those infractions. You or someone you know has likely interacted or will interact with a municipal judge. Because the law requires interpretation, municipal judges have some discretion in sentencing and rulings, which could impact your life and the lives of those you care about.
This year, the municipal judge candidate, Sheila Kolar, is running unopposed
Key dates and information:
- October 15-17 Absentee ballots are mailed out. If you don’t receive your ballot by October 24, check in with your county elections office. This will be an all-mail election and polling locations will not be open.
- Voter Registration Deadlines.
- After October 6: You must register to vote in person at your county elections office during business hours. Monday, November 4th between 12pm-5pm the day before the election, voter registration is closed. You can still register to vote on election day!
- November 4 @ 8 PM: All ballots must be received by your county elections office. Turn in your ballot to your local county elections office, drop it off at a drop box, or mail your ballot by October 28 (i.e., 7 days before the election) to ensure it is received on time.
- Turn in your ballot to the 217 N. 27th Street Room 101, Billings, Montana 59101. Ballots must arrive at the county elections office before or on election day.
- Due to a change in law (HB719) – you are now required to put your birth year on the back of your ballot! Voters will be required to put their 4-digit birth year (YYYY) in addition to their signature on their mail ballot envelopes!