Last update: Aug 06, 2025 04:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Aug 05, 2025 04:30 a.m. EDT
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Registration 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.
Voting Summary
Montana allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Montana offers early voting.
What key changes should voters know about?
Beginning May 5, you are required to show photo ID to vote in Montana.
This is due to a new law in Montana. Visit the Montana Secretary of State website or contact your local election office to learn more.
Registration Top Actions
Voting Top Actions
Can I register to vote online?
Montana does not offer online voter registration.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Montana’s website.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- 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, indicate “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; Montana concealed carry permit; 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
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Montana partisan primary elections.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- 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: current and valid photo identification OR current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the Montana Secretary of State.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Montana Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can 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 website or contacting your local election office.
Watch this video about in person registration from the Montana Secretary of State.
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.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Montana you must:
- be a United States citizen
- 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
Watch this video about who can register to vote from the Montana Secretary of State.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Montana does offer in person registration on Election Day.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Montana before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
If you have an earlier next election listed for your address here, you may only be eligible to register to vote now if you will turn 18 by that date. Contact your state election official to confirm.
- are 18 on or before Montana's next election, which is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- are a United States citizen
- are a resident of Montana and of the county in which you want to vote for at least 30 days before the next election
- are not serving a sentence in a penal institution for a felony conviction
- have not been judged in a court of law to be of unsound mind
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
If you have an earlier next election listed for your address here, you may only be eligible to register to vote now if you will turn 18 by that date. Contact your state election official to confirm.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
No. You cannot register online before you turn 18 in Montana.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Montana, you are required to provide your current Montana driver’s license number or Montana state ID card number. If you do not have either, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you are unable to provide these ID numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number and include with your application a copy of ONE form of identification. Acceptable forms include:
- military ID card
- tribal photo ID card
- US passport
- Montana concealed carry permit
- photo ID with your name (includes school district and postsecondary education photo ID) AND current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Montana Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at your county election office in Montana. You can also fill out and sign a registration form when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or Montana ID.
If you are registering to vote in person, you are required to provide an original version of ONE form of identification. Acceptable forms include:
- military ID card
- tribal photo ID card
- US passport
- Montana concealed carry permit
- photo ID with your name (includes school district and postsecondary education photo ID)
- current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Montana's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, Montana does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show a current and valid photo ID to vote in Montana.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Montana driver's license or state ID card
- Military ID
- Tribal ID
- U.S. passport
- Montana concealed carry permit
- Student ID issued by the Montana university system or a school that is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
If you don’t have one of the above, you can show any photo ID with your name and ONE of the following:
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Notice of confirmation of voter registration
- Government check
- Other government document that shows your name and current address.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may vote a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you must provide a form of acceptable ID to your county election office on or before 5 p.m. the day after the election—either in person, by fax, or by mail (if postmarked by that deadline).
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Montana’s site.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Montana Secretary of State.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Montana does offer early voting, which in Montana is called in-person absentee voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show a current and valid photo ID to vote in Montana.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Montana driver's license or state ID card
- Military ID
- Tribal ID
- U.S. passport
- Montana concealed carry permit
- Student ID issued by the Montana university system or a school that is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
If you don’t have one of the above, you can show any photo ID with your name and ONE of the following:
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Notice of confirmation of voter registration
- Government check
- Other government document that shows your name and current address.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may vote a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you must provide a form of acceptable ID to your county election office on or before 5 p.m. the day after the election—either in person, by fax, or by mail (if postmarked by that deadline).
How do I vote by mail?
In Montana, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
Watch this video about voting by mail from the Montana Secretary of State.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Montana Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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
Watch this video about military and overseas voting from the Montana Secretary of State.
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.
How do I contact my state election office?
Watch this video about state contact information from the Montana Secretary of State.