Voting in Montana | MT Voters Education Fund Site

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR POWER. Voting has not always been a default right for all Americans. Even now, there are many barriers to ensuring that the voices of all Americans are heard at the polls. It’s important to be informed so that your voice can be heard. Remember that YOUR VOTE, especially when combined with others in your local area, can directly influence electoral results – especially in local and state elections!

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS

Upcoming Montana Election Dates

October 11: Ballots are mailed

October 18: Recommended last day to request a mail ballot

October 28: Last day to send mail ballots (if you don’t mail it by this date, you can still drop it off in-person)

November 5: Election Day (if you haven’t already, you can still register to vote on Election Day! Make sure you have the proper identification so you get to use your voice at the polls.)

Step 1: Not registered to vote? That’s okay! Here’s how to register:

IN PERSON: Submit THIS COMPLETED FORM to your Local County Elections Office. Contact information for County Elections Offices can be found on page two of the above linked form.

You’ll need to provide a current and valid photo ID, including but not limited to a Valid Driver’s License, MT State ID Card, or Social Security number.
Printed forms are available at your Local County Elections Office. If you want to fill out your form ahead of time but don’t have access to a printer, try checking for printer access at your local library!

BY MAIL: Make sure THIS COMPLETED FORM is postmarked 30 days before Election Day and that it’s received by your Local County Elections Office 27 days before Election Day. Contact information for County Elections Offices can be found on page two of the above linked form.

You’ll need to provide a current and valid photo ID, including but not limited to a Valid Driver’s License, MT State ID Card, or Social Security number.

NOTE: To reactivate or update your voter registration, contact your Local County Elections Office.

Step 2: All registered? Great! Here’s how to vote:

IN PERSON:

Make sure you bring a valid ID such as:

Valid Driver’s License
MT State Identification Card
Military ID
Tribal Photo ID
U.S. Passport

MT Concealed Carry Permit
School District or Postsecondary Education Photo ID
Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Paycheck or Government Check, Notice of Confirmation of Voter Registration, or Government Document with your name and current address

Check out a full list of 2024 Polling Locations and Hours HERE, and find your Polling Location HERE!

Please note the Satellite/Alternate Election Offices for reservations that are listed at the bottom!

NOTE: Montana law states that you may choose another individual to return your mail ballot for you!

BY MAIL/ABSENTEE BALLOT:

Review your official ballot.
Vote your ballot.
Seal your completed ballot in the secrecy envelope.
Place the secrecy envelope inside the return envelope.
Sign and date your return envelope.

Return your ballot. Your ballot needs to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, so if you do not get it in the mail on time, you must drop it at your Local County Elections Office.
Track your ballot HERE.
For more information, check out voteinmt.org/vbm.

Step 3: Prepare by getting informed about the ballot.

There will be many elections on the ballot for Montana In 2024:

U.S. Senate
U.S. House
State Senate
State House
State Supreme Court
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General

Secretary of State
Auditor
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Public Service Commissioner (3 seats)
State District Court
County Commissioner
For more information, check out montanafreepress.org/election-guide-2024.

There are currently several issues that may qualify as ballot initiatives to be voted on in the 2024 General Election. For more information, click HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about Voter ID Requirements?

Voter IDs are required for both registering to vote and voting in person. For a full list of acceptable IDs, click HERE.

How do I track my ballot?

Visit the MT Secretary of State’s My Voter Page & log in.
Scroll down to the Absentee/Mail Ballot Tracking section.
Check the “Status of Ballot” line.
For more information, check out voteinmt.org/track-your-ballot.

How can I make sure that my vote counts?

Track your ballot and make sure that it is accepted.
If your ballot was rejected, you will likely need to submit a form called a “Ballot Rejection Notice,” along with a copy of your ID, to your county elections office by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday following Election Day in order for your vote to be counted.

What rights do I have as a Montana voter?

As a Montana voter, you have the right to…

register and cast your ballot;
use your tribal ID;
vote even if you forgot your ID;
vote if you are a registered voter – even if your name is not on the list;
cast a ballot if you are still in line when the polls close;
cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote;
get a new ballot if you did not receive a ballot or your ballot was destroyed;
get a new ballot if you have made a mistake and have not already cast your ballot;

get help casting your ballot from anyone you choose and have a person of your choosing drop your absentee ballot off at a dropbox;
vote at an accessible polling place;
have a ballot delivered to you;
vote using an absentee ballot;
vote even if you suddenly become ill;
a Voter Information Pamphlet printed in large type or recorded on tape;
vote if you are serving overseas.
For more information, check out voteinmt.org/your-rights.

What if I recently changed my name or address?

Verify your voter registration status.
Complete a new Voter Registration Application.
Submit the application to your Local County Elections Office.

How do military and overseas voters vote in Montana?

Voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) are eligible to vote via the Electronic Absentee System. For more information, check out sosmt.gov/elections/military-overseas.

How do voters with disabilities vote in Montana?

Montana’s Statewide Elections have various options for voters with disabilities or voters who need special assistance, including the new Electronic Ballot Request System, Accessible Voting Equipment, and Curbside Voting. For more information, check out sosmt.gov/elections/disabilities.

Can incarcerated individuals vote in Montana?

You do not lose the right to vote if you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or are awaiting trial for any charge. Request an absentee ballot from office administrators.
You lose the right to vote if you’ve been convicted of a felony AND are currently serving your sentence. However, if you are on parole, probation, or have fully completed your sentence, you may register and vote.

Can the MCV Education Fund remind me when it’s time to vote?

Absolutely! Fill out a Pledge to Vote HERE by October 15.