HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-26 Public Comment - N. Nakamura - Questions about ballot education consultantFrom:Natsuki Nakamura
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Questions about ballot education consultant
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 12:22:06 AM
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Hello Study Commission,
I hope to attend your upcoming meeting, but looking at the PSA being considered for ballot education, I have some
questions/concerns. I am not sure what the scope of the request for proposals included or if there were other
proposals submitted, but the materials from the consultants included in the agenda seem very vague.
-Is this consultant familiar with ballot education restrictions (e.g. remaining neutral) and reporting and disclosure
requirements? Will they be the ones reporting expenses to the Commissioner of Political Practices for ballot
education?
-Will this consultant primarily be making graphics and promoting messaging put together by the study commission,
or will they help make sure communications on what is being voted on is put in plain language?
-Does this consultant have familiarity with some of the possible challenges in education on potential ballot
language, such as when voters previously voted in favor of suboptions but against changing the existing
government/charter thus resulting in no change?
-How does the consultant plan to reach the target number of voters? Will they utilize voter records and prioritize
targeting frequent voters, or use ads and media to try to reach a general wide audience?
I have followed much of the discussion of this study commission, but I worry that an average voter will not know
much about what changes this body is proposing for the November ballot, and I really hope the consultant chosen
for ballot education can help communicate in clear and plain language what people have a chance to vote on so that
they can make a well-informed decision.
Thank you for your consideration and thoughtful discussions,
Natsuki Nakamura