In only a few short weeks, another monumental Election Day will be the focus of our community and nation. Decisions made on November 5th will determine the course of our country and within our state – in the immediate future and years to follow. It’s vitally important for each of us to fulfill our civic duty of participation. The following is meant to aid local voters, new and returning, ahead of the general election.
New Voter Registration
An active electorate is fundamental to any democracy. This body of citizens decides who runs things and how they’re run, in the short and long-term. To contribute with your vote, registration is required through your local election office.
Prospective voters 18 years or older and residents of the Treasure State for at least 30 days prior to the election will need a valid Montana Driver’s License or ID Card, Social Security Number, or accepted alternate identification to register. Montana is one of only a handful of states that allows registration up until the close of polls on Election Day. One caveat: voters must appear in-person after the late registration period has begun. The deadline for regular voter registration is Oct. 7.
Registration & Voter Status
If you’re not sure about the status of your voter record, log on to votemt.gov and click ‘Verify Voter Registration Information’ to be rerouted to the Montana Secretary of State’s voter information service. Enter your first and last name with date of birth for registration status, whether you’re an active or inactive voter, sample ballots and ballot tracking. This page also displays absentee status and the location of your polling place.
Ballot Dispersal
This year’s official ballots will be mailed to registered absentee voters on Oct. 11. Once received, electors will complete their ballot and return in the included security envelope. Don’t forget to sign! Ballot envelopes without voter signature will be invalidated.
Ballot Collection
Completed ballots MUST be received by 8pm on Election Day to be included in the official count, whether by mail or dropped at the county election office or polling place. Returning ballots early is strongly encouraged.
In-Person Voting
Those who wish to vote in person will be able to do so at the polling place listed on their voter confirmation card or found through the Secretary of State’s website. The county elections office and polling places will be open from 7am–8pm on Election Day.
Election Service Opportunities
All eyes are on the fast approaching general election and our county offices may need some extra hands. Serve as an election judge to be a part of the process! The State of Montana conducts fair, secure elections with the help of these individuals who staff polling places and counting centers. Those interested must be registered voters 18 years of age or older and residents of the county for which they will serve. Visit sosmt.gov/elections/judge or contact your county election administrator for additional information.
Be Prepared, Vote Early
Research the issues. Learn more about each candidate’s platform. Understand the verbiage of proposed measures. These can largely be done before ballots are mailed. Decide where you stand now, so you can grab that blue or black pen and turn it right back around. Send it through the mail, or walk the ballot envelope into the election office during regular business hours if you’re looking for that extra sense of security.
Residents of Gallatin County may find all pertinent voting information, including important deadlines and other announcements at www.gallatinmt.gov/elections. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5th – VOTE! •
