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How to register to vote in Montana

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Summary

You can register by mail to vote in Montana by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Montana you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be at least 18 years old on or before the election
  • be a resident of Montana and of the county in which you want to vote for at least 30 days before the next election
  • not be in a penal institution for a felony conviction
  • not currently be determined by a court to be of unsound mind

Can I register to vote online?

Montana does not offer online voter registration.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: You must provide your Montana driver's license number, Montana ID card number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write “NONE” in the identification number box and include a copy of ONE of the following: United States passport, Montana tribal ID card, military ID card, or Montana concealed carry permit; or include a copy of photo identification, including, but not limited to, a school district or postsecondary education photo identification with your name AND a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Montana does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • A current and valid photo identification or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Montana does offer in person registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

  • You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
  • You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
  • Learn more by visiting the Montana Secretary of State's website or contacting your local election office.
  • Late registration is an option for people who miss the regular registration deadline. It is available starting the day after the close of regular registration, up until noon on the day before Election Day, and must be done at the county election office (or at the location designated by the election administrator), not at a polling place.

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Montana. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Montana's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Montana, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Montana. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.