Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:29 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:08 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Montana allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Montana offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Montana you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be at least 18 years old on or before the election
- be a resident of Montana and of the county in which you want to vote for at least 30 days before the next election
- not be in a penal institution for a felony conviction
- not currently be determined by a court to be of unsound mind
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Montana's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, Montana does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current ID to vote in Montana.
Acceptable forms include:
- valid Driver’s License
- school district or postsecondary education identification
- tribal ID card
- utility bill
- bank statement
- paycheck
- notice of confirmation of voter registration
- government check
- other government document that shows your name and current address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list to the county election office by 5:00 p.m. the day after the election, or mail it to the county election office postmarked by the day after the election.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Montana’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Montana does offer early voting, which in Montana is called in-person absentee voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current ID to vote in Montana.
Acceptable forms include:
- valid Driver’s License
- school district or postsecondary education identification
- tribal ID card
- utility bill
- bank statement
- paycheck
- notice of confirmation of voter registration
- government check
- other government document that shows your name and current address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list to the county election office by 5:00 p.m. the day after the election, or mail it to the county election office postmarked by the day after the election.
How do I vote by mail?
In Montana, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Montana’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Montana does offer in person registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Montana Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Montana. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Montana's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Montana, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Montana. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.