Election Special
MONTANA
WHAT’S NEW?
New state legislative maps take effect in 2024 that may change the boundaries of your districts and affect which candidates appear on your ballot. Congressional district lines changed in 2022.
A state court struck down 2021 laws that eliminated same-day voter registration and introduced new voter ID requirements. At press time, litigation was ongoing.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
How do I vote in the primary?
There is no party registration in Montana. Voters can choose which party’s primary to vote in, but they can only vote in one.
How can I register to vote?
By mail: Download a registration application from the secretary of state’s website at votemt.gov. You can also request a form by calling your county election administrator. Go to sosmt.gov/elections and click on Administrator Contact Info for details. Or call the secretary of state’s toll-free voter hotline at 888-884-8683. Once completed, mail the form and related documents to your county election administrator. Applications must be postmarked by May 6 and received by May 9 to vote in the June 4 primary.
In person: Visit your county election administrator’s office to drop off or fill out a registration form. You can also register when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state-issued ID card at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Regular registration closes on May 6. If you miss that deadline, you can register late in person by visiting your county election administrator’s office until noon, June 3, or on primary day by 8 p.m. Litigation over same-day voter registration is ongoing.
How can I get an absentee ballot?
All registered Montana voters can request an absentee ballot and opt to receive absentee ballots for future elections.
By mail: Go to votemt.gov and click Election Forms to print an application for an absentee ballot, or request a mailed application by calling your county election administrator’s office or the secretary of state’s toll-free voter hotline at 888-884-8683. Mail the completed form to your county election administrator’s office.
In person: Visit your county election administrator’s office to drop off or fill out an application. Offices generally are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. County election officials must receive applications by noon, June 3. If you drop off your application, you should be able to pick up your absentee ballot then.
Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters starting Friday, May 10.
How do I submit my absentee ballot?
Completed absentee ballots must be received by your election office or polling place by 8 p.m. on primary day, June 4. Instructions for returning absentee ballots are included with the ballots.
Can I track my absentee ballot?
Yes. Go to sosmt.gov/elections and select My Voter Information.
Can I vote in person before primary day?
You can vote by absentee ballot in person from Monday, May 6, through Monday, June 3. Visit your county election administrator’s office during normal business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
When is primary day?
Tuesday, June 4. Go to sosmt.gov/elections and select My Voter Information to find your polling place. Polls are generally open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check with your county election office to confirm times.
Do I need ID to vote on primary day?
To vote in person, you’ll need to show a photo ID, such as a Montana driver’s license or state ID card. Or you may show a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document that includes your name and address. Litigation over ID requirements is ongoing. Visit votemt.gov and click on Voter ID for more information.
What about military or overseas voters?
Go to sosmt.gov/elections and click on Military & Overseas Voters. —Natalie Missakian
RACES TO WATCH
U.S. President
U.S. Senate: One seat
U.S. House: Both districts
Governor
State Senate: 25 seats
State House: All 100 seats
For other state election guides, go to aarp.org/electionguides.
HOW TO VOTE IN THE MONTANA 2024 PRIMARY ELECTION
KEY DATES
Voter registration deadlines:
Monday, May 6 (postmarked); in person, Tuesday, June 4
Early in-person voting:
Monday, May 6, through Monday, June 3, at noon
Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot:
Monday, June 3, at noon
Primary day:
Tuesday, June 4
Deadline for absentee ballots to be received:
Tuesday, June 4
IMPORTANT: As of press time, election issues were still being contested in some states. AARP strongly recommends confirming details at the Montana secretary of state’s official site, votemt.gov, before submitting your ballot. You can also get updates at aarp.org/mtvotes. Or, call the secretary of state’s office at 888-884-8683.
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, AARP does not endorse candidates or make political donations.