Early &
Mail-in Voting
in Montana

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Montana.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person
08/14/2023
Early Voting Begins
09/11/2023
Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

09/11/2023
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
09/12/2023
Deadline to Return Ballot (Received By)

In-Person Absentee Voting

You can vote in-person absentee in your state.

To vote in person absentee, you request, fill out, and return your ballot while at your local elections office. You may also register to vote in person. 

How Vote By Mail Works in Montana

Voting by mail is a two-step process in Montana. Step 1: Request your ballot NOW! The deadline for your application to be received is September 11th at 12:00 p.m. Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP

  • Return your ballot in person to local elections office, county designated dropbox, or polling place by September 12th at 8 p.m.
  • Or mail your ballot to your local elections office so that it is received by September 12th. We recommend mailing your ballot at least two weeks before as the post office is not always reliable. The best intentions or postmark will not matter if your ballot is received after September 12th - your ballot will not count.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After you fill out your ballot, sign the affidavit on your return envelope.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

Use The Right Form of ID

Montana voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies. You do not need to submit a copy of your photo ID when voting by mail. If voting by mail, you do not need to submit ID with application for ballot or with ballot. Your signature will be checked against signature on the voter registration form. If you did not submit the required ID info on their voter registration form and you are a first time voter, you will need to present documentation of identity.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Drop box
  • Polling place

An election official, caregiver, family member, household member or acquaintance can return a ballot on your behalf.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted.  

Haven't used your ballot?

If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. If possible, bring your absentee ballot with you. You may be asked to use a provisional ballot. Which is better than not voting, but may not be counted.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in Montana

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for Montana First Time Voter Info