Explaining voting, campaigning and lawmaking to high schoolers

This past week, I was invited to the North Star School to speak about voting and the importance of open elections. North Star School is holding class elections and students wanted to learn more about state and local elections. Thanks to Rhett Wolery and Kaine Berardinelli for the personal invite and opportunity for me to share about my participation in both local and state elections as a county commissioner for 18 years and as a senator in Montana Legislature.

I like to start each school visit with a self-introduction and description of Montana Senate District 14. I was born, raised, and educated on the Hi-Line, where I also farmed for 34 years and where I still reside on my family's homestead. I have been married for 52 years; we have four kids and 11 grandkids, aged 5 to 21.

As for District 14, it encompasses all of Liberty County, the northeast corner of Cascade County north of the Missouri river, all of Chouteau County and Hill County south of the Milk River with the exception of Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. Each senate district represents 20,000 people, while house districts are half of that. As far as population density, I can say that roughly 10,000 people live in Havre and the other 10,000 people reside from outside of Havre to Great Falls and north to Whitlash. District 14 is more than 6,400 square miles, which is very large especially when compared to a Billings Senate District, which may have 12 square blocks to get 20,000 people.

For recent local and state elections, I briefly explained how vote counters were pretested. I encouraged anyone interested to go watch the pretest and also to go watch the process when it comes time to count votes. Having been involved with elections at county and state levels for over 22 years, I feel confident that our Montana elections are secure, and also that due diligence and keeping the process honest is integral. This is why I voted to put some measures in place to help with security. A good example of that is having to show a valid ID when voting and limiting same day registration so as to give the clerks time to verify an individual's right to vote.

The students filled the rest of the presentation time with some great questions. I cannot remember them all but will review a few. The first student asked why I am interested in being a Montana state senator. I replied that I have always felt we should give back to our community. Having spent time in the Army, lived in other states and various locations throughout Montana, in my opinion, District 14 is the best place to live in the state. Examples of what we have are the rivers, including the Missouri, Teton, Marias, and the Milk. The lakes we have include Tiber Dam, Fresno, Baily, and Upper and Lower Beaver Creek. All these lakes and rivers have great fisheries and recreation opportunities. As for hunting, these lakes and rivers are great for animals as well as all the rolling fields, coulees, and hills, Bear Paw Mountains, and the Sweet Grass Hills. I enjoy representing our area as the District 14 senator; we have great people.

Another student asked me what bill I am most proud of getting passed. My answer to that would be the SB 284 Gravel Pit Bill. It is a bill that took counties from an application that took two years and 30-plus page documentation requirements to cutting the bureaucratic process down to roughly three months with a three-page application, which is a win for everyone involved. As part of this new process, counties agree to have a gravel pit in a high and dry location where there is no drainage to water.

I told the students about the opposition I received from environmentalists, who claimed my bill was going to kill all the sage grouse birds. This brought up a great discussion and the question from another student asking if I thought Montana is over-regulated. That question is a tough question as there are good and bad regulations, depending on what industry we are talking about and our own personal ethics and convictions. Kudos to Berardinelli for teaching his students to think critically and ask great questions.

The students and I discussed campaigning and the cost of campaigning. They asked if campaign money can come from out of state. Yes, Montana campaign funds can be raised (within certain limits) from out-of-state entities. Does the government pay for campaigns? No, there is not money coming from any government. Are all state and federal districts based on population? Yes, they are and as close to possible to landmass in some cases. Again, thoughtful and insightful questions!

There were a number of students who asked how to register to vote as they turn 18. I usually carry registration cards, so handed the cards to individuals who asked for them. It is always fun to interact with schools and students. Over my time as State Senator, I have been to most schools in my district. I am always open to visiting schools and hope to continue bragging about our District over the next term.

I am running for District 14 senator this year and would appreciate your support and your vote.

As always, be safe.

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Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at russtempel@mtleg.gov.