Montana Voting Guide: Absentee Ballots, Registration, and Polling Info

On Oct. 9, absentee ballots were mailed, making up most of Montana's votes. Many will receive them next week.

October 9, 2026

On Oct. 9, absentee ballots, which constitute a majority of Montana’s votes, were mailed by local election offices. Many residents will receive their ballots early next week, while others prepare to vote at polling stations on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Questions about voting options are common. This article provides answers.

WHO CAN VOTE?

Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and Montana residents for at least 30 days.

Individuals serving felony sentences in prison or deemed of “unsound mind” by a judge cannot vote in Montana.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE, AND WHAT’S THE DEADLINE?

Submit a voter registration form to your county election office. The contact list is available here. Use the same form to update your registration. Being in line by 8 p.m. on Election Day ensures eligibility.

WHERE CAN I VOTE IN PERSON, AND WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Polling locations are set by counties. Verify locations via the Montana secretary of state’s polling list or by using personal details on the SOS website.

A photo ID, like a driver’s license or tribal ID, is required. A 2025 law expanded ID options to include driver’s licenses, tribal IDs, passports, and certain student IDs. If your ID isn’t listed, bring a utility bill or similar document with your name and address.

WHAT’S THE DEADLINE FOR VOTING?

Polling places operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Voters in line by 8 p.m. can still vote in person.

A court order on May 11 allows same-day voter registration until 8 p.m. on Election Day, despite legislative attempts to limit this practice in 2025.

HOW DO I VOTE ABSENTEE?

Request an absentee ballot via the voter registration form or an absentee application. If you received a mail ballot last time, expect one again. Absentee ballots were sent out on Oct. 9.

Mail your ballot at least a week before Election Day. Track your ballot’s progress via the SOS tracking tool. Alternatively, submit your absentee ballot at a polling station before 8 p.m on Election Day.

DO I NEED TO FILL OUT THE BIRTH YEAR ON MY ABSENTEE BALLOT RETURN ENVELOPE?

A 2025 law mandated writing your birth year on the ballot envelope, but a state judge ruled it unconstitutional on Oct. 5. Despite this, voters are encouraged to fill it out as an appeals court might alter this decision.

WHAT IF I REQUESTED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, BUT IT NEVER ARRIVED?

Visit your election office before 8 p.m. on Election Day to get a replacement ballot. Verify your mailing address at myvoterpage.mt.gov since address updates with the U.S. Postal Service don’t affect voter records. The elections office can assist in updating your address for future voting.

WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT?

Find your ballot details using Montana Free Press’ Election Guide. Ballot content varies by location but includes U.S. Senate and Montana Supreme Court elections, as well as Eastern and Western Montana U.S. House races.