Your Montana Voter Resource Guide

Voting is one of the most powerful ways Montanans make their voices heard. AARP Montana is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to providing clear, credible and trustworthy information to help voters understand the process and make informed decisions. As people age 50 and older continue to turn out and shape elections at every level, knowing the facts about when, where and how to vote matters more than ever.

View our step-by-step “How to Vote” videos below ⬇️

Key Montana Elections

• U.S. Senate: 1 seat
• U.S. House: Both districts
• State House: All 100 seats
• State Senate: 25 seats
• State Supreme Court: 2 seats

Key AARP Election Issues

• Social Security – Social Security Pledge Page
• Caregiving – Caregiving Pledge Page

Important dates – November General Election

• Voter registration deadlines:
  • By mail: Postmarked by Monday, Oct. 5, and received by Thursday, Oct. 8
  • In person: Monday, Nov. 2, at noon
  • On Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, by 8 p.m.
• Early in-person voting: Monday, Oct. 5, through Monday, Nov. 2, at noon
• Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot: Monday, Nov. 2, at noon
• Absentee ballots must be received at the election office or polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Recent voting changes in Montana

Potential changes to voting procedures are facing legal challenges that may alter the state’s electoral landscape. These adjustments hinge on the outcomes of lawsuits targeting election laws enacted during the 2025 legislative session. Double check the Montana Secretary of State’s website for the latest information with respect to the pending legal challenges.

USPS Postmark Change

The USPS postmark change, which took place in December of 2025, could affect mail deadlines -- dates on mail now reflect when it’s processed by the postal service, not when it’s dropped off. To ensure your election-related mail is postmarked as “on time” don’t wait until the last minute.  If you have waited until the deadline, take election-related mail inside the post office and request a manual postmark.

Voting at a Glance

• Voter registration: Check your voter registration status on the secretary of state’s voter portal.
• Download Voter Registration form here >>
• Absentee voting: Any registered voter can apply to automatically receive an absentee ballot in the mail; no reason is necessary.
• Download an Application for Absentee Ballot here >>
• Early voting: This can be done by visiting your county election administrator’s office to fill out an absentee ballot.
• Voting at the polls: Most polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but some polling places with small numbers of registered voters may open as late as noon. Bring an acceptable form of ID that includes your name and current address.

 

How to Vote in Montana’s 2026 General Election Video Series

How to Register to Vote in Montana’s 2026 General Election

 

How to Vote by Mail in Montana’s 2026 General Election

 

How to Vote in Person in Montana’s 2026 General Election