By Tim Leeds
Roberta Demarest has withdrawn from the race for Havre mayor, leaving Michael Shortell running unopposed in the Democratic primary election.
Demarest's letter to the election administrator, dated Tuesday, states that she moved outside the city limits on Aug. 15, changing her residence to Hill County.
City ordinance states that candidates must be registered voters in the city to hold office.
That leaves Shortell, a former Havre police chief, running unopposed unless a candidate files as a write-in by Monday. Montana law states that write-in candidates must file by 15 days before the election. Sept. 11 is the date for this year's primary election.
Betty Williams, Hill County deputy clerk and recorder, said the ballots are already printed and include Demarest's name. She said that since Demarest has withdrawn, votes cast for her will be tallied but she won't be able to participate in the general election.
Robert "Bob" Well Rice is running unopposed as the Republican mayoral candidate.
