Kudos to C-Falls

I recently was assigned to work the Columbia Falls primary election in Precinct 21 and 35, held at the Columbia Falls High School. I truly believe the “American Small Town Spirit” is alive and well in Columbia Falls. Allow me to share my experience.

The Columbia Falls electors realize the importance of the American election process. Despite poor weather conditions and the occasional elector showing up at the wrong polling place due to redistricting, voters came prepared with their ID and the spirit that voting, even in a primary, is our responsibility.

The local election judges were a delight to work with and very dedicated to the sometimes stressful election task at hand. This polling place is at the local high school. Principal Scott Gaiser, his staff, employees and student body all embraced this additional distraction to their daily schedule by stressing “this is important” and in turn providing a nice lunch for a nominal fee to the sequestered judges and helping in every way “to make it work.” It is so heartwarming to have a student stop an election judge to ask for a voter registration card or inquire about the election process.

Columbia Falls seems to have an Election Day tradition (which would not, nor would I imply that it should, be embraced everywhere) of local businesses supporting election officials by providing meals and refreshments to working election judges.

The Columbia Falls Montana Coffee Traders manager, Carla Fisher, provided early morning refreshments, and the Nite Owl manager, Jay Marquesen, provided and even delivered a delightful evening meal.

Collectively these things convince me that the “American Small Town Spirit” is alive and well in Columbia Falls.

Leland “Wally” Walbruch

Kalispell