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  "description": "Montrose voters turned out in higher numbers for the 2026 municipal election. Here are the unofficial City Council results, turnout trends, and what comes next.",
  "path": "/montrose-voters-decide-city-council-races-as-2026-election-results-come-in/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-08T13:30:50.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.westernslopetrellis.com",
  "textContent": "Montrose voters turned out in higher numbers this spring to decide three key seats on the Montrose City Council, with unofficial results released following the conclusion of the April 7, 2026 General Municipal Election.\n\nA total of 5,350 ballots were returned out of 15,306 mailed, resulting in a 35.0 percent voter turnout. That marks a notable increase compared to recent municipal elections and signals renewed local engagement in city leadership decisions.\n\nThe results remain unofficial until the formal canvas of votes is completed.\n\n* * *\n\n## District I Race Narrowly Decided\n\nThe District I race was the closest contest of the election.\n\nMichael J. Badagliacco, also known as “MJB,” received the most votes with 2,038. Kevin Clay followed closely behind with 2,017 votes, just 21 votes separating the top two candidates. April Heard received 1,187 votes.\n\nMichael J. Badagliacco\n\nWith such a narrow margin, the final certified results will confirm the outcome after the official canvas.\n\n* * *\n\n## District II Sees Clear Winner\n\nIn District II, Ed Ulibarri secured a more decisive victory with 2,611 votes.\n\nEd Ulibarri\n\nRyan Sedgeley received 2,006 votes, while Rachel Betancourt-Ege received 652 votes.\n\nThe results give Ulibarri a clear lead heading into certification and the upcoming council term.\n\n* * *\n\n## At-Large Seat Won by Adam Woodden\n\nFor the At-Large seat, Adam Woodden received the highest number of votes with 2,010.\n\nAdam Woodden\n\nJudy Ann Files followed with 1,638 votes, while Greg Cairns received 1,099 and Kendall Cramer received 457.\n\nThe At-Large position carries a two-year term, while District I and District II seats are four-year terms.\n\n* * *\n\n## What Happens Next\n\nThe successful candidates are expected to be sworn in at the April 21 City Council meeting.\n\nFollowing the swearing-in, the council will select a new mayor from among its members, as outlined in the City Charter.\n\nElection results will be finalized after the official canvas of votes, with formal notice to be published in the Montrose Daily Press.\n\n* * *\n\n## Voter Turnout Trends Show Rebound\n\nThis year’s 35.0 percent turnout represents a significant increase compared to recent election cycles:\n\n  * 2024: 24.97 percent\n  * 2022: 26.17 percent\n  * 2020: 41.0 percent\n  * 2018: 27.93 percent\n\n\n\nWhile still below peak participation levels seen in earlier years, the 2026 turnout suggests growing voter engagement in local elections.\n\n* * *\n\n## How Elections Are Conducted\n\nThe City of Montrose partners with the Montrose County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to administer municipal elections, including ballot distribution and counting.\n\nResidents can find additional information about the election process and future elections by visiting the city’s official website.\n\n* * *\n\n## Why This Election Matters\n\nCity council elections shape decisions that directly impact daily life in Montrose, from housing and infrastructure to public safety and economic development.\n\nWith turnout increasing and several closely contested races, the 2026 election reflects both heightened interest and the importance of local governance in shaping the community’s future.",
  "title": "Montrose Voters Decide City Council Races as 2026 Election Results Come In",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-08T13:30:49.862Z"
}