Montana Title 3. Judiciary, Courts § 3-1-907. Duration of appointment--election for remainder of term

(1) If an appointment subject to 3-1-905 is confirmed by the senate, the appointee shall serve until the appointee or another person elected at the first general election after confirmation is elected and qualified. The candidate elected at that election holds the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(2) If an incumbent judge or justice files for election to the office to which the judge or justice was elected or appointed and no other candidate files for election to that office, the name of the incumbent must nevertheless be placed on the general election ballot to allow voters of the district or state to approve or reject the incumbent. If an incumbent is rejected at an election for approval or rejection, the incumbent shall serve until the day before the first Monday of January following the election, at which time the office is vacant and another appointment must be made.