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title: What is the Timeline for the Sixth Voter Review?
description: "\"Follow Montana’s Local Government Review process—learn key dates, legal steps, and how study commissions guide community governance decisions.\""
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January 21, 2026

# What is the Timeline for the Sixth Voter Review?

MONTANA’S 6TH LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW – TIMELINE  
Montana Code Annotated Title 7, Chapter 3, Part 1 (MCA 7-3-171 – 7-3-193)

February 2024  
Adopt resolution to place on the ballot the question of establishing a study commission that   
includes number of commissioners and amount of funding not to exceed $X,XXX (MCA 7-3-173  
& 7-3-175). 

June 2024  
Local Government Review election on the question of establishing a study commission (MCA 7-  
14-173). Ballot measure passes with a majority of those voting on the question.

July-August 2024   
Citizens file with county election administrator to be a study commission candidates (MCA   
7-3-174). MSU Local Government Center connects with mayor/manager or chair of county   
commission in jurisdictions that elect to conduct a Local Government Review to provide   
training and support. 

November 2024   
Election or appointment of Study Commissioners (MCA 7-3-174 & 7-3-176).   
Study Commissioners take office the day the election is declared or certified (MCA 7-3-178) Exofficio member is appointed by the governing body, must be a current elected official or   
employee of the local government (MCA 7-3-177). 

November/December 2024   
Within 10 days after taking office the Study Commission meets to organize. Date set by the   
presiding officer (mayor/manager or chair of board of county commission), swear in, elect   
temporary presiding officer until a permanent presiding officer is selected. Discuss when,   
where, how to meet, develop budget, decide whether to cooperate with another jurisdiction   
and consider consolidation or collaboration of services (MCA 7-3-179 & 7-3-180). 

December 2024   
MSU Local Government Center hosts study commissioner training.   
December 2024 to November 2026   
MSU Local Government Center, Montana Association of Counties, Montana League of Cities   
and Towns, etc. supports study commission with technical assistance, training and community engagement. Study Commission reviews power, form, and plan of government. Either choses “no change” or makes recommendation to voters by November election in 2026 (MCA 7-3-192 and 7-3-149). Within 60 days of adoption of the Local Government Review report, submits reports to appropriate agencies and publishes findings (MCA 7-3-187 through 191).

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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