Montana Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Montana, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: No online voter registration option listed by Vote.gov; mail: Must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 5 (postmark, must arrive within 3 days); in-person: Available up to and including on Election Day — Late registration at your county election office through 8 p.m. Nov. 3.
Early voting schedule: Montana has no separate early voting period. Absentee ballots were mailed by Oct. 9, and you can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at your county election office until noon Nov. 2. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your county election office must receive your application by noon on Monday, Nov. 2. Ballot return deadline: Your election office or polling place must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
ID requirement for Montana: Montana now asks for photo ID at the polls: a driver's license, state ID, military or tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, concealed-carry permit, or Montana University System ID. Otherwise, show another photo ID with your name plus a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document with your address, or ask about a provisional ballot. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Montana election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourcesosmt.govBallot information sourcesosmt.govCandidate information sourcesosmt.govVoter Registration
- Online
- No online voter registration option listed by Vote.gov.
- By mail
- Must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 5 (postmark, must arrive within 3 days)
- In person
- Available up to and including on Election Day — Late registration at your county election office through 8 p.m. Nov. 3
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Montana, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
June 2, 2026
- Primary
- June 2, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Montana has no separate early voting period. Absentee ballots were mailed by Oct. 9, and you can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at your county election office until noon Nov. 2.Source: sosmt.gov
- Ballot request
- Your county election office must receive your application by noon on Monday, Nov. 2.Source: sosmt.gov
- Ballot return
- Your election office or polling place must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.Source: sosmt.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
Montana now asks for photo ID at the polls: a driver's license, state ID, military or tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, concealed-carry permit, or Montana University System ID. Otherwise, show another photo ID with your name plus a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document with your address, or ask about a provisional ballot.
Source: votemt.govMail voting guidance
Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot, and ballots are mailed 25 days before Election Day. You can mail or drop off the application at your county election office and pick up your ballot there if it is ready.
Source: sosmt.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
Envelopes
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Black/blue pens
Small file folder
Calendar and reminder planner
Address labels
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House and U.S. Senate.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Montana for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Montana: online - No online voter registration option listed by Vote.gov; by mail - Must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 5 (postmark, must arrive within 3 days); in person - Available up to and including on Election Day — Late registration at your county election office through 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Montana, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Montana Secretary of State Elections & Voter Services for full details.
When does early voting start in Montana?
Montana has no separate early voting period. Absentee ballots were mailed by Oct. 9, and you can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at your county election office until noon Nov. 2. Keep in mind the primary is June 2, 2026.
Do I need an ID to vote in Montana?
Montana now asks for photo ID at the polls: a driver's license, state ID, military or tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, concealed-carry permit, or Montana University System ID. Otherwise, show another photo ID with your name plus a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document with your address, or ask about a provisional ballot. Don't forget to check before Election Day.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Montana?
If voting by mail: Your county election office must receive your application by noon on Monday, Nov. 2. Your election office or polling place must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot, and ballots are mailed 25 days before Election Day. You can mail or drop off the application at your county election office and pick up your ballot there if it is ready.