Due to COVID-19, all but a few of Montana's counties are automatically sending mail-in ballots to their voters for the November election. You can also request an absentee/VBM ballot when you register to vote. As such, most of Montana's voters should consider that as their first option. As a backup plan, Montana is also offering early voting in throughout October.
To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.
If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.
Register In Person: November 3, 2020
Register By Mail: Postmarked October 5, 2020 Received October 27, 2020
Register Online: N/A (Form has to be printed and mailed to your County Election Office)
In Person: Received November 2, 2020
By Mail: Received by noon, November 2, 2020, but we recommend applying at least October 6, 2020
Online: N/A (Form has to be printed and mailed to your County Election Office)
Ballots must be received at the election office by 8pm on November 3, 2020 (before polls close), whether by mail or hand-delivered.
We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.
Because of the pandemic, 45 counties, containing 94 percent of Montana’s registered voters, are automatically mailing ballots to all voters.
No, Montana is a “no-excuse” state, meaning any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee) ballot, and is not required to provide a reason.
No.
At the county election office or in specified drop boxes by 8pm on Election Day.
Yes, if the individual is:
An election official;
A U.S. postal service worker or other individual specifically authorized by law to transmit U.S. mail;
A caregiver; family member; household member; or acquaintance.
A person other than an authorized individual may not knowingly collect a voter's voted or unvoted ballot. An individual authorized to collect a voter's ballot may not collect and convey more than six ballots.
October 4th to noon on November 2nd (for in-person absentee voting).
At all County election offices.
ID Requested; Photo Not Required
Before you can cast a ballot in Montana, you must present a current photo ID (including a driver’s license, state ID, a student photo ID, or a tribal photo ID).
If you do not have a valid current photo ID, you must present a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, notice of confirmation of voter registration, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.
If you vote in person and do not have a form of ID, you will be required to fill out a “Polling Place Elector ID.”
If ID is not presented, the voter votes on a provisional ballot and the signature on the ballot envelope is matched to the voter's signature on record.
If you have missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register to vote at your county election office through close of polls on November 3, 2020, except between noon and 5:00PM the day before the election.
You'll have to register at the office of your Local Election Office -- not at a polling place.
Contact your Local Election Office for questions about the process.
Photo ID or proof or residency is required.
7am - 8pm
Polling places having fewer than 400 registered voters are open from at least noon to 8 p.m., or until all registered voters in any precinct have voted, at which time that precinct's polling place has to be closed immediately.
If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!
ID Requested; Photo Not Required
Before you can cast a ballot in Montana, you must present a current photo ID (including a driver’s license, state ID, a student photo ID, or a tribal photo ID).
If you do not have a valid current photo ID, you must present a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, notice of confirmation of voter registration, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.
If you vote in person and do not have a form of ID, you will be required to fill out a “Polling Place Elector ID.”
If ID is not presented, the voter votes on a provisional ballot and the signature on the ballot envelope is matched to the voter's signature on record.