By PHIL DRAKE
HELENA – If you spot what you think are shenanigans during the upcoming elections, just remember, help is a mouse click away.
On Friday, Montana Secretary of State and Chief Elections Officer Linda McCulloch launched www.montanafairelections.com, a new website that she said will make it easier for citizens to report potential state election law violations.

The “Fair Elections Center’ provides an online submission form for people to report potential election law violations for state and feral violations. And it provides five ways to report potential violations: phone, online, fax, mail or email.
McCulloch said the new website will complement efforts to enhance the security of elections and streamline the successful reporting procedures she put into place in 2010.
She said about 50 reports were received by her office in 2010 and expected that number to increase in this next round of elections, which includes several ballot issues,  high-profile state seats and the federal elections. But of those 50 reports, with several about signature gathering, none resulted in any actual illegal activity. Her office, by statute, is not allowed to prosecute. Those findings are turned over to the proper authorities.
The state’s 56 county election administrators have the option to add a direct link to the site on county webpages, state officials said.
McCulloch said the site, paid for through the use of staff time and the use of an existing survey tool, was not to be used for “political attacks or partisan agendas.” She also said people suspecting improper election activity can still go to other sources such as local election boards and county attorneys.

Officials said the complaints are a matter of public record, so accusers will know who has filed against them. They also discouraged people from filing anonymous complaints. But McCulloch said anonymous complaints are accepted.
“We would hope everyone takes this as seriously as we do,” McCulloch said.
To visit the site, click here.