Montana

Voter Registration Deadline: 30 days before Election Day.

As a result of a March 2024 ruling by the Montana Supreme Court, voters may register in person until close of polls on Election Day. Please contact your local election authority for more information about where and when late registration is available in your county.

More information regarding important dates and deadlines for municipal, local and special elections is available at: https://sosmt.gov/elections/calendars/.

2025 Election Information

School and Special Purpose District Elections: May 6, 2025

• Voter Regular Registration Deadline: April 7, 2025 (registration forms must be postmarked by this date and received within three days)
• Voter Late Registration Period: April 8, 2025 through May 6, 2025
• Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline (for School District Election): 12:00 pm on May 5, 2025

Municipal Primary Election: September 9, 2025

• Voter Regular Registration Deadline: August 11, 2025 (registration forms must be postmarked by this date and received within three days)
• Voter Late Registration Period: August 12, 2025 through September 9, 2025
• Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: 12:00 pm on September 8, 2025

Municipal General Election: November 4, 2025

• Voter Regular Registration Deadline: October 6, 2025 (registration forms must be postmarked by this date and received within three days)
• Voter Late Registration Period: October 7, 2025 through November 4, 2025
• Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: 12:00 pm on November 3, 2025

More election information available at:

sos.mt.gov/elections

Mail-in PDF Voter registration application available at:

https://sosmt.gov/elections/forms/#37-46-wpfd-for-montana-voters

Students have a decision about where to register to vote.

You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family’s home or the place where you attend school. You should update your registration anytime this home address changes.

You may only be registered and vote in one location.

Montana’s voter registration form asks for your Montana driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Be sure to provide one of these numbers if you have it.

If you do not have these forms of identification, you may attach pdf copies of or present in person the following IDs:

• Military ID card
• A tribal photo ID card
• A US Passport
• A Montana Concealed Carry permit

OR:

• A photo ID with your name AND a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address.

Montana voters must present photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include a:

• Montana driver’s license or state ID
• Tribal photo identification card
• Student ID issued by the Montana University system or a school that is a member of the national association of intercollegiate athletics;
• Montana Voter Registration Card
• Military ID
• Montana Concealed Carry Permit

Make a plan. Look up your registration status, absentee ballot status, and polling place location and hours at:

app.mt.gov/voterinfo/

By Mail: Any registered voter may cast a mail ballot by applying by mail or in person to the county election office. Eligible voters may also request a mail ballot in all elections when registering to vote using the state voter registration form.

• Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted by mail or in person by noon the day before Election Day.
• Completed Mail-in Ballots Return Deadline: Completed mail ballots must be received at the election office or a polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters with disabilities may receive and mark their ballot electronically. For more information, visit: sosmt.gov/elections/disabilities/

Early In-person: Any eligible voter may cast an absentee ballot in-person at their county’s election office. Contact your county election office for locations and hours.

Election Day: Polling place hours vary by location. Find yours at: app.mt.gov/voterinfo/

If you are in line by the closing time, then you have a right to vote.

Curbside voting is available to voters with disabilities. For more information, visit: sosmt.gov/elections/disabilities/.

Does Registering to Vote Affect my Federal Financial Aid?

Where you register to vote will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA.

Does Registering to Vote Affect my Status as a Dependent on My Parents’ Taxes?

Being registered to vote at a different address from your parents does not prevent them from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes.

Does Registering to Vote impact my Tuition Status?

Being deemed out-of-state for tuition purposes does not prevent you from choosing to register to vote in your campus community.

Will registering to vote in Montana affect my driver’s license or car registration?

As a new resident of Montana, you may be required to obtain a Montana driver’s license and update your car’s registration regardless of whether you register to vote there. For more information, you may wish to contact the Motor Vehicle Division of the Montana Department of Justice.