How to vote in Montana

Registration deadlines, ID, mail and early voting in Montana, in plain English, with the official links. The Montana Secretary of State, Elections and Voter Services is the final word on every rule.

Check your registration Official election office
Register online No online registration
Register by mail Postmarked by 30 days before Election Day and received within 3 days after that
Register in person Regular registration closes 30 days before Election Day; after that, late registration in person at the county election office or designated location continues through Election Day
Same-day registration Yes: late registration at your county election office or designated location, including on Election Day until 8 p.m. under a current court order; you must pick up your ballot in person.
Voter ID Show a current photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, tribal ID or passport; otherwise show another photo ID plus a document with your name and current address, or ask about a provisional ballot.
Voting by mail No-excuse absentee voting; voters on the absentee list are mailed a ballot about 25 days before each election.
Early voting In-person absentee voting at your county election office starts about 30 days before Election Day.

Checked against the Montana election office's website on November 8, 2026. Deadlines are for general elections; primaries, runoffs and local elections can differ. Military and overseas voters have their own rules at FVAP.gov.

Official sources

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