Voting in Montana

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

General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

Registration Deadlines:

• IN PERSON: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (That’s right, Montana allows same-day voter registration! Make sure you have the proper identification so you get to use your voice at the polls.)
• BY MAIL: Monday, Oct. 7

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS

PLEDGE TO VOTE

---

Not registered to vote? That’s okay! Here’s how you can 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.

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

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

ONLINE: Unfortunately, Montana doesn’t allow online voter registration.

FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT: Submit THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION to your Local County Elections Office by noon the day before Election Day.

• NOTE: You can join Montana’s “Absentee List” and have an absentee ballot mailed to you for ALL elections as long as you reside at the address listed!
• NOTE: To reactivate or update your voter registration, contact your Local County Elections Office.

---

All registered? Great! Here’s how you can 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!

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

---

It’s important to inform yourself about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Here’s how you can learn more…

There will be many different 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.

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

---

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, check out votemt.gov/voter-identification/.

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?

• 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.

---

Voting in Montana is more important than ever, but don’t just take our word for it!

Listen to thoughts from Apsaalooke artist and Billings resident, Supaman, in the video below: