Montana

With 'No Preference' Ballots, Montana Voters Express Discontent in Presidential Primaries – Flathead Beacon

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2024

With 'No Preference' Ballots, Montana Voters Express Discontent in Presidential Primaries – Flathead Beacon

Nine percent of Montana voters cast a “no preference” ballot in both the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries on June 4, signaling dissatisfaction with the frontrunners for U.S. president ahead of a competitive general election.

In the Democratic presidential primary, 9,141 voters, or 9%, cast a “no preference” vote, with President Joe Biden being the only candidate on the ballot. In the Republican primary, 16,381 voters, also 9%, selected “no preference,” with former President Donald Trump as the ballot’s only candidate.

Though both Biden and Trump handily clinched their respective parties’ nominations this spring, protest votes against the two candidates have mounted during the primary cycle as polls show growing discontent among voters.

Advocacy group Montana for Palestine last Wednesday claimed a “‘no preference’ campaign victory” following an effort by the group to use the primary election to signal voters’ condemnation of U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The group in an email admonished the Biden administration and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester for their support of Israel, calling Biden “a shameless genocidaire.”

Andrea Bachman, organizer of Montana for Palestine in the Flathead Valley, said she cast a “no preference” vote “to send a message to President Biden that I don’t support his policies that are supporting a genocide in Palestine.”

The number of Democratic “no preference” votes last week was more than double that of 2020, when 2.8%, or 4,250 voters, selected “no preference” in Montana’s Democratic primary. In 2016, 4.3%, or 5,415 voters, voted “no preference.” In 2012, when former President Barack Obama was the only candidate on the primary ballot, however, 10% of voters selected “no preference,” a similar figure to this year’s election.

In the 2020 Republican primary, 6% of Montanans (13,184) voted “uncommitted.” “No preference” received 4.7% of the vote (7,369) in 2016 and 3.9% in 2012 (5,456).

President Biden has lost more than a half-million votes to “uncommitted” or “no preference” movements across the country this primary cycle, according to The Hill.

Brendan Work, co-founder of Montana for Palestine, said the movement is an “attempt to show the Biden administration that we have a red line, that voters are disgusted by their aid, support, complicity in the genocide.”

Democratic officials have warned that if progressives sit out of the election in November, it will likely go to Trump, who has vowed to “set [the pro-Palestinian protest] movement back 25 or 30 years” and called himself the “best friend Israel has ever had.”

“There’s no such thing to us as a ‘lesser evil’ genocide,” Work said, adding that he will not vote for Biden in November unless the president calls for an “immediate, permanent ceasefire.”

Trump, too, continues to lose votes despite clearing the primary field of competitors after Nikki Haley dropped out of the race in March. Haley won one in five Republican primary votes in Indiana last month, despite no longer being in the race. She boasted similar numbers in Maryland, and in Nebraska’s Republican primary last month, more than one-fifth of voters cast a ballot for someone other than Trump.

Per an April poll by the Pew Research Center, half of polled voters said they would replace both Biden and Trump on the ballot if given the chance.

Montana for Palestine also encouraged voters to write in “ceasefire” in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, which Jon Tester easily won.

When asked about the “ceasefire” protest votes, a spokesperson for the Tester campaign pointed to the high number of votes captured by the senator. Tester received 97% of votes (103,341) in the primary –– 9,590 more than Biden.

The secretary of state’s office has not released the total number of write-in votes for the Democratic Senate primary. In Gallatin County, 1% of voters (141) cast a write-in vote in the Senate race. In Yellowstone County, less than 1% (49) did so.

The Tester spokesperson did not respond to specific questions about whether or not the campaign is concerned about capturing the votes of Montana progressives as the senator heads into a highly-competitive reelection bid. The Montana Democratic Party did not respond to requests for comment.

Pro-Palestinian organizers have made Tester a main target of their activism in recent months, questioning his policies on Israel during public events and disrupting his remarks at the Montana Democratic Party’s annual Mansfield Metcalf fundraiser.

Work said Tester’s position as chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense puts him in “a powerful position” to limit or cease weapons shipments to Israel.

The organization has not directed specific protests towards the Republican members of Montana’s congressional delegation –– U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, Rep. Ryan Zinke and Rep. Matt Rosendale –– who have expressed staunch support for Israel since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on the country.

Zinke in November introduced a bill that would expel Palestinians from the U.S. who arrived after September 2023.

When asked about the state’s Republican Congress members, Work again emphasized Tester’s role on the defense subcommittee and said that progressive voters in Montana are “taken for granted by the Democratic Party.”

[email protected]

Source link

Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 13, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

16-40-56-64-66, Mega Ball: 04

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

21-32-34-35-38, Lucky Ball: 14

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

06-07-21-22, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link

Montana

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Published

23 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Press Release | January 12, 2026

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). A full-length expedition documentary will release February 7 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, prior to its nationwide film tour.

This is a press release from BDR…

Photos By Miguel Santana / Courtesy of BDR

Seattle, WA – (January 9, 2026) — Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR).

The full-length expedition documentary will make its world premiere during the MTBDR Route Release Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, before launching a nationwide film tour at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

About the Route

The MTBDR is BDR’s 23rd route and completes the final link in the Western BDR system, creating a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. The approximately 900-mile route begins in Island Park, Idaho, and travels north through Montana before ending near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka.

Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Crossing more than 13 mountain ranges, the MTBDR takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads. Highlights include the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

Blending scenic gravel, flowing forest roads, and optional harder sections for more experienced riders, the MTBDR offers an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge. The route is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures.

With the release of the route, riders will have access to free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, FAQs, route updates, and the official MTBDR Motorcycle Map, providing everything needed to plan a self-guided Montana backcountry adventure.

“The Montana BDR completes the last piece of the Western BDR puzzle, and it’s been one of the most anticipated routes we’ve ever created. It delivers on every level: big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration. This route does not disappoint.” ~ Bryce Stevens, MTBDR Co-Architect & BDR Co-Founder and Routes Development Director

Film & Route Release

The MTBDR documentary follows the BDR team and special guests as they verify and ride the route, capturing both the scale of Montana’s landscapes and the collaborative effort required to develop a route of this magnitude. The film also includes the next generation of BDR riders—the sons of BDR co-founders—reflecting the multi-generational nature of the community and how these routes are often best experienced when shared. It’s a reminder that the BDR legacy continues to grow, shaped by riders who are discovering these places for the first time.

The world film premiere and official route release will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, with members of the BDR team, route architects, and industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the premiere are available at www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on February 7 at www.RideBDR.com. The waterproof MTBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase through the BDR Online Store.

“As a Montana native, it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring this route to life. The MTBDR showcases the best of our state while supporting rural communities that rely on visitor travel. We’re excited to welcome riders from across the country to experience Montana responsibly and respectfully.” ~ Russ Ehnes, MTBDR Co-Architect & AMA Chairman of the Board

MTBDR Film Tour

Each year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs nationwide host screenings of BDR’s newest film, bringing the adventure riding community together for an evening of inspiration and connection.

Dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an MTBDR screening can now sign up at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRscreenings
Riders interested in attending a screening in their area can check the listing of screening at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRtour. More screenings are being added daily so check back if you don’t see a screening near you.

Route Sponsors

The MTBDR project was made possible through the support of key industry partners who share BDR’s commitment to adventure motorcycling, responsible travel, and public land access. Presenting sponsors include:

Triumph Motorcycles America returned for a second consecutive year as an OEM sponsor, providing Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles for the expedition team. Triumph also supported the project with guest riders featured in the film, including Jeff Stanton of Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Triumph-accredited training and touring partner.
onX Offroad, the official navigation app of Backcountry Discovery Routes, supported the MTBDR by providing reliable, user-friendly navigation tools that helped the team verify the route and navigate safely throughout the expedition.
Quad Lock outfitted the MTBDR team with its patented phone mounting systems, allowing riders to securely mount their phones for navigation even on rough backcountry roads and rugged terrain.
Edelweiss Bike Travel, a leading global motorcycle tour company, continues its long-standing support of the adventure motorcycling community in the U.S. through its ongoing sponsorship of BDR routes and projects.

BDR is also grateful for the continued support of its industry partners, including:

Touratech, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, KLIM, Cardo Systems, Alpinestars, Rev’It!, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, West 38 Moto, Rogue Moto, Moto Camp Nerd, SoCal Offroad School, Fox Racing, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, REVER, Cyclops, Emmaus Moto Tous, ADV Rider Training, Giant Loop, and others.

For more information about the MTBDR, film screenings, and route details, visit www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Click here for more Press Releases on Cycle News.

Source link

Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

05-27-45-56-59, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

21-23-24-28-39, Lucky Ball: 01

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

09-20-25-30-51, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

01-14-22-29, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

11-23-24-54-56, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link