Skip to Main Content
Montana State University - Home Montana State University Library - Home Ask the Library

Elections 2024

National, State & Local Election Information

"Register to Vote" neon sign

Voter Registration in Montana

To be eligible to vote in Montana, you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a Montana resident for at least 30 days before the election
  • Become a registered voter

Even if you meet the above eligibility qualifications, you cannot vote if:

  • You’re a convicted felon serving a sentence in a penal institution
  • You’ve been judged in a court of law to be of unsound mind

 

More information on Montana voter eligibility

Regular registration closes 30 days before an election. Regular registration may be done through the mail, when you are applying for or renewing your driver license or ID card, or through a voter registration outreach event. 

Late registration is the 29-day period before an election. Eligible voters may register to vote or update their registration during the late registration period, until 12 pm the day before election day. In order to vote in the election, a voter must obtain their ballot in person. Find your local county election office.

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

 

All registered Montana voters can request an absentee ballot, and you can opt to automatically receive absentee ballots by mail in the future.

You can request an absentee ballot by mail, by phone or in person:


Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters starting October 11, 2024 for the General Election.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by your local election administrator’s office or polling place by 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Instructions for returning them will be included with the ballots when they are distributed.

ID Requirements for Voter Registration in Montana

Voter Registration & Rights: Reliable Resources