After months of feedback and a national search, commissioners this week named a North Carolina elections administrator to oversee the process in Missoula County, and just in time for this year's high-profile races.

Dayna Causby, who currently serves as the Cleveland County director of elections in North Carolina, will replace Rebecca Connors, who left the position last year to move back to Helena.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the voters of Missoula County and hope to exceed their expectations,” Causby said. “Innovation and efficiency rank at the top of my list, along with providing quality customer service.”

Missoula County began the search for a new elections supervisor last year and began weeding through a stack of more than 40 applicants. The field was narrowed to three, including Causby and Michelle Denman and Bradley Seaman.

Commissioners last year opted to keep the election watchdog as an appointed position rather than an elected one.

“We had a strong pool of applicants and our new administrator will need to fill some pretty big shoes,” said Commissioner Dave Strohmaier, who also sits on the county’s Elections Advisory Committee. “The commissioners are confident that she’s up to the task.”

A number of high profile and costly races will appear on this year's ballot in both the June primary and the November general elections. Among them, Sen. Jon Tester is seeking reelection, as is Rep. Greg Gianforte.

To ensure a smooth process, the county last month began looking to fill a roster of 800 volunteers to serve as election judges. As of this week, it was still short by as many as 350 people.

Seaman, who serves as the county's elections supervisor, said the number of judges is directly tied to the quality of customer service during the election process.

“A lack of elections judges can equate to any number of deficiencies in delivering services to voters, including longer lines, understaffed polling places, fewer judges to register new voters and overworked judges,” he said.

Those interested in serving as election judge can call 258-4751, or register by following this link.

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