County at the time of ….

County at the time of the election. Although he had rented property in Culbertson, it wasn’t where he lived or slept.

A special election will be conducted in not more than 85 days. Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder Cheryl Hansen will contact the Montana Secretary of State office to determine the best date and method for the election.

The judge told Piocos that he could take steps to become a resident of Roosevelt County and, therefore, be eligible to seek office in the special election when it takes place.

Following the hearing, Downs noted, “I believe “watchdog journalism” — journalism that seeks to increase transparency and accountability of our politicians and other public figures and institutions — plays a critical role in democracy. This case was important to maintain election integrity in Roosevelt County. Numerous citizens from one end of the county to the other contacted me as publisher of the newspaper in the county and asked me to ‘do something’ about a county attorney who didn’t actually live in the county he was supposed to serve. I sought legal advice from attorneys across the state, but was unable to find one able to take on the case. After much consideration, I decided to take on the challenge myself, even though I am not an attorney. I am very grateful that Judge Bidegaray ruled in the favor of the citizens of Roosevelt County.”