The day has finally come, marking the end of what surely has been an exhaustive season for voters—and anyone else with eyes and ears. Ready or not, Election Day will present itself to Southwest Montana and all other United States citizens when the polling places open at 7am on Tuesday, November 8th.
Don’t let political fatigue keep you from fulfilling your civic right and responsibility to get out and vote! For those who haven’t already received and/or returned their absentee ballots, here are some basics—courtesy of Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch’s 2016 Montana Voter Information Pamphlet—to make your careful voter due diligence a bit easier. On Election Day, make sure to bring identification with you to the polls. Any of the following forms of identification can be used: current photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, school ID, etc.); voter registration confirmation card; or current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address. Please note: absentee ballots must reach the county election office by the close of polls on Election Day at 8pm, whether by mail or hand delivery. It’s also not too late to register! Unlike many states, late registration in Montana is available through Election Day at 8pm. This, however, must be completed at the county election office or the location designated by the County Election Administrator. Gallatin County’s election office is located inside the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 West Main, Room 210, in Bozeman. The election office is open Monday–Friday from 8am–5pm. Late registration will be temporarily closed beginning at noon on Nov. 7th, but will reopen on Election Day at 8am. Now on to the actual ballot. Setting aside the candidates, the wording of ballot initiatives can sometimes be either too vague or too complicated for voters. Secretary McCulloch and her team put together their pamphlet with this in mind. The Quick Reference Guide found inside helps to clear up what exactly you’re voting for with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for each initiative. Here’s a general description of what passing each statewide initiative will do. CI-116 ensures that crime victims’ rights and interests are respected and protected by law. I-177 prohibits the use of traps and snares for animals by the public on any public lands within Montana, with certain exceptions. I-181 promotes research into developing therapies and cures for brain diseases and injuries. I-182 expands access to medical marijuana. The pamphlet does not outline the Law and Justice Facilities bond, which is a county-level issue. McCulloch’s pamphlet is available in its entirety at www.sos.mt.gov/. But where do you actually go to vote? Below is a list of Gallatin County voting precincts and their polling place locations. Your precinct can be found on your Voter Confirmation Card or on your “My Voter Page,” accessible by visiting www.app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.
Here’s the breakdown. Residents of precinct 59A converge at Bridger Canyon Fire Station, located at 8081 Bridger Canyon Rd. Those living in precincts 61A, 61B, 61C, 66A, 66B, and 66C are to cast their ballots at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building #1. Precincts 64D, 65A, 65B, and 65C also meet at the Fairgrounds, but in Building #2. Precincts 67A and 69D are to vote at the Fairgrounds, Building #3. The Fairgrounds are located at Tamarack & Black. Precincts 61D, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, 63A, and 63C can find their polling place at Hope Lutheran Church, located at 2152 W. Graf St. Precinct 63B votes in Shroyer Gym, located in Bobcat Circle on the MSU Campus. Residents of precincts 67B, 67C, and 68C come together at Belgrade Special Events Center, 220 Spooner Rd. Precincts 68A and 68B are to vote at River Rock Community Center, located at 101 River Rock Rd. Those living in precinct 64C convene at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center, 145 Mill St. Precinct 64B votes at Big Sky Water/Sewer Office, 561 Little Coyote Rd., while residents of precinct 64A come together at Povah Community Center, located at 10 Geyser St. in West Yellowstone. People of precinct 69B cast their vote at Manhattan Christian School, 8000 Churchill Rd., while 69C can find their polling place at Manhattan High School, 200 W. Fulton Ave. Finally, citizens of precinct 69A can mark their ballot at Three Forks High School, 212 E. Neal St.
Further voter information can be found at http://gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/Public_Documents/gallatincomt_clerk/electionsrev/. So enough of the formalities—do your part to Get Out The Vote! •
