How to Register to Vote

In Montana, you can register to vote up until - and even on - Election Day.

You are eligible to vote if you are:

• a U.S. citizen

• at least 18 years old on Election Day

• living in Montana for 30 days before the election*

• not currently incarcerated for a felony

*Note to students: The state has different residency rules than the universities. You only need to be living here 30 days before the election in order to register & vote. You may only register & vote at one location, either your address at school or your address at home. 

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Voter Registration Deadlines

Registering In-Person

There is no deadline for in-person voter registration. You can register to vote in-person up until - and even on - Election Day in Montana. 

Registering by Mail

If you are sending in a voter registration application by mail, remember that your application must be received 30 days prior to Election Day. Here are some upcoming elections and the associated deadlines for registering to vote by mail:

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2021 School Elections 

Mail Voter Registration Deadline: April 5th, 2021

Election Day: May 4th, 2021

Only some communities are holding school elections in 2021.

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2021 Municipal Primary Elections (City & Town Elections)

Mail Voter Registration Deadline: August 16th, 2021

Election Day: September 14th, 2021

Only some communities are holding municipal elections in 2021.

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2021 Municipal General Elections (City & Town Elections)

Mail Voter Registration Deadline:  October 4th, 2021

Election Day: November 2nd, 2021

Only some communities are holding municipal elections in 2021.

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2022 Primary Election (Statewide Federal Election)

Mail Voter Registration Deadline: May 9th, 2022

Election Day: June 7th, 2022

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2022 General Election (Statewide Federal Election)

Mail Voter Registration Deadline: October 10th, 2022

Election Day: November 8th, 2022

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If you miss these deadlines, don't worry! There's no deadline for in-person voter registration.  

In-Person Voter Registration

When registering to vote in-person, you will be asked to complete the Montana Voter Registration Application. See what the form looks like here. 

Blank registration forms will be provided at your in-person voter registration location. You may also print out the form yourself, fill it out at home, and drop it off at your in-person registration location.

If you are registering to vote in-person within 25 days of an election, you will likely be issued an absentee ballot at the same time as you complete your in-person voter registration. You may vote your ballot on the spot or take it home to fill out later.

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Identification

Be prepared to provide proof of your identity when you register to vote. There are three options for this in Montana:

• Option 1: Provide a Montana Driver's License number or Montana ID number.

• Option 2: Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

• Option 3: Provide a copy of another form of identification. This can be a photo ID that shows your name or an acceptable ID that shows your name and current address (tribal ID, paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, or government document).