Missoula Voters to Hear from Candidates in Four-Part Forum Series

MISSOULA — Voters will have multiple opportunities to hear directly from candidates in one of the most competitive local election cycles in recent memory, with six contested races featuring on ballots this November.

The Missoula Neighborhoods office and the League of Women Voters announced a four-part candidate forum series running through October, offering residents direct access to candidates in the mayoral race and five contested ward elections.

“These forums are free, open to the public, and a fantastic opportunity to get informed about the upcoming election,” according to the announcement from Missoula Neighborhoods.

The series begins Tuesday, Sept. 30, with Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidates, followed by Ward 3 and Ward 4 on Thursday, Oct. 2. Ward 5, Ward 6, and the Ward 6 unexpired term will be featured Thursday, Oct. 16, with the mayoral forum concluding the series Tuesday, Oct. 21.

All forums begin at 7 p.m. and last 90 minutes at the Missoula City Council Chambers, 140 W. Pine Street. Each forum will be broadcast live on Missoula Community Access Television and recorded for later viewing on the city’s website.

Five Incumbents Face Challenges

The election features a high number of incumbent challenges, with five current office holders facing opponents across the ballot.

Mayor Andrea Davis faces challenger Shawn Knopp in the mayoral race. On the city council, incumbents Daniel Carlino (Ward 3), Mike Nugent (Ward 4), Kristen Jordan (Ward 6), and Sandra Vasecka (Ward 6 unexpired term) all have challengers.

Ward 1 features newcomers Elizabeth (Betsy) Craske and Lucas Moody competing for the open seat. Ward 2 candidates Justin Ponton and Rebecca Dawson are also both seeking their first terms. Ward 5 incumbent Stacie Anderson is running unopposed.

Ward 6 presents a unique situation with two separate contested races — the regular term between Jordan and Chris Foster, and the unexpired term between Vasecka and Sean Patrick McCoy.

Nonpartisan Format Emphasizes Voter Questions

The forums follow the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan format, with League members serving as moderators and timekeepers. Public questions will be reviewed by League volunteers before being posed to candidates.

Residents can submit questions in advance via email to [email protected] or through an online form. Questions can also be submitted in person during the forums.

Organizers are requesting city-wide or ward-specific questions rather than neighborhood-specific problems, and questions directed at individual candidates will not be accepted.

Forum attendees are asked to remain quiet during proceedings, with no applause or cheering permitted. Campaign materials, including buttons, posters, or political signage on clothing, are not allowed in the venue.

“We want candidates to fully focus on responding to your questions without distractions,” organizers stated in the announcement.

The comprehensive forum series provides voters with direct access to candidates across the contested races, offering a rare opportunity to evaluate candidates’ positions before the November election.