Voting laws in Montana
From Ballotpedia
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Each state has its own series of election laws. The separation of powers clause in the constitution has largely placed the responsibility for conducting on state governments. Each state has its own election law enforcement agencies, oftentimes part of the executive branch, sometimes a part of the state judiciary. The following are basic guidelines for voting in Montana. Note: Before taking any action, or if you have any questions, contact your state election agency.
Polling Place Hours
Poll hours of operation vary. Polling places open between 7:00am and 12:00 pm and close at 8:00 pm. Precincts of 200 or fewer voters may open their polling places at noon. Contact your local elections official for exact times.
Voter Registration Information
Registration Deadlines
The registration deadline for the general election is 30 days before the election. For late registration, you must show up at the local election office up to and including on election day, fill out a voter registration card, and vote a ballot that you give to the election office staff.
Identification Required for Registration
When filling out your registration form, you must provide either a driver's license number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you have neither a driver's license or Social Security number, provide (in-person) or enclose (by mail) a copy of one of the following:
- Any photo ID with your name
- A current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check
- Other government document that shows your name and current address
How to Check Registration
Contact your local election office.
Voting Information
Identification Required to Vote
You must present ID when voting. When you enter your polling place, an election judge will greet you, ask your name, and confirm that you are registered to vote in that precinct. He or she will then ask you to show ID. This can be any current photo ID that shows your name (for example, a valid driver's license, school ID, state ID, or tribal ID) or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter confirmation notice, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.
How to Find Your Polling Place
Your voter registration card lists the location of your neighborhood polling place. If you've misplaced your card, call your local elections office to find out where to vote.
Absentee Voting
If you are a registered voter, you may vote by absentee ballot, even if you are able to vote in person on Election Day. To vote absentee, you must first apply for an absentee ballot.
Applications are available during a period beginning 75 days before Election Day and ending at noon on the day before the election. You may pick up an application at your local election office or at the Secretary of State's Office, or you may call either office and ask to have an application mailed to you. You can also download a free application. Mail it or drop it off at your local election office. Once you've submitted your application, your absentee ballot will be mailed to you, unless you indicate on the application that you would prefer to have someone pick it up for you. Once you've marked your ballot, return it to your local election office before the polls close on Election Day in the secrecy envelope that is provided.
Early Voting
You may vote absentee in-person at your local election office where you can apply for a ballot and vote all at the same time at least 30 days before the election.
Information For People who have Moved or Changed Addresses
You must re-register if you change your address or your name.
Information for People with Felony Convictions
You cannot vote if you're a convicted felon serving a sentence in a penal institution.
See also
- Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002
- State by State Provisional Ballot Laws
- State by State Voter ID Laws
- Recount laws in Montana
- Felon vote fraud
- Montana election agencies
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