Voter Information - Election 2026

Montana's 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3. Whether you plan to vote by absentee ballot or at the polls, now is the time to check your registration, understand the identification rules, and make a plan to cast your ballot and make your voice heard.

Three things you can do right now to get vote ready:

1. Check your voter registration. The close of regular voter registration for the General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026. Mailed registration forms must be postmarked by October 5 and received within three days. After regular registration closes, eligible voters may still register or update their registration in person. Because a court has blocked Senate Bill 490, Election Day voter registration remains available through 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026.Check your registration and voter information at the Montana voter portal, or visit VoteInMT.org for additional nonpartisan voter information.
2. Decide how you will vote. Any registered Montana voter may vote absentee. General Election absentee ballots are scheduled to be mailed beginning Friday, October 9. An absentee ballot application must be received by your county election office by noon on Monday, November 2. Completed absentee ballots must be received by election officials by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day - a postmark is not enough.Learn about absentee voting and track your ballot after it is sent.
3. Make an Election Day plan. If you vote in person, confirm your polling place before you go and plan for enough time in case there are lines. Most polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; smaller polling places may open later but must open by noon. If you are in line when the polls close at 8:00 p.m., stay in line - you have the right to vote.Find your polling place and voter information or find county-specific information at VoteInMT.org.

Know the 2026 Voter ID Rules
Montana's in-person voter identification rules changed in 2025. Election workers will ask for a physical, current, valid and readable photo ID. Accepted options include a valid driver's license or REAL ID, Montana state ID card, military ID, Tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, Montana concealed carry permit, or qualifying Montana University System/NAIA photo ID.
If you do not have one of those forms of ID, other photo identification may be used together with a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check, or another government document showing your name and current address. If you cannot produce the required identification, ask an election official about voting a provisional ballot.

Review Montana's current voter identification requirements

Important Dates for the November 3 General Election

• Monday, October 5: Close of regular voter registration for the General Election.
• Tuesday, October 6: Late voter registration begins.
• Friday, October 9: Absentee ballots are scheduled to be mailed to eligible absentee voters.
• Monday, November 2 at noon: Deadline for county election offices to receive most absentee ballot applications.
• Tuesday, November 3: General Election Day. Polls close at 8:00 p.m. Election Day registration remains available through 8:00 p.m. under the current court order.

Montana Courts Have Protected Access to the Ballot
Montana courts have repeatedly protected access to the ballot. In Western Native Voice v. Jacobsen, the Montana Supreme Court held in 2024 that laws eliminating Election Day voter registration and restricting organized ballot assistance violated the fundamental right to vote under the Montana Constitution and disproportionately burdened Native American voters. In January 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review that decision, leaving the Montana Supreme Court ruling in place.

That protection remains important in 2026. In May, a Montana district court blocked Senate Bill 490, a 2025 law that would have ended voter registration at noon on Election Day. The court found that SB 490 likely violates the right to vote. As a result, eligible Montana voters may continue to register through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2026, while the court order remains in effect.

Read more about the SB 490 decision | Read more about Western Native Voice v. Jacobsen

The 2026 election is about much more than any single race. Montana voters will help choose federal, state, judicial, legislative and local officials, and may also decide ballot measures. These offices and issues can shape decisions about voting rights, privacy, free speech, reproductive freedom, 2S-LGBTQIA+ rights, Indigenous rights, criminal legal reform, education and other civil liberties.

The ACLU of Montana does not endorse or oppose candidates. We do work to ensure voters have accurate information about their rights and can participate in elections free from unlawful barriers.

If you have trouble registering, obtaining or returning your ballot, presenting identification, accessing a polling place, or exercising your right to vote, ask an election official for help. You can also contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline:

• Call Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

• Text MYVOTE to 866-687-8683.

Chat live or find additional Election Protection resources

• VoteInMT.org - Montana voting information and county resources
• VoteMT.gov - official Montana election information
• Montana Voter Portal - registration status, polling place, sample ballot and ballot tracking
• Montana voter identification requirements
• Absentee voting information
• ACLU of Montana - Western Native Voice v. Jacobsen
• ACLU of Montana - SB 490 / Election Day registration case
• Election Protection

Note for web publication: Election rules can change through legislation or court orders. This draft reflects publicly available information as of September 3, 2026. Recheck VoteMT.gov, VoteInMT.org and relevant court developments before publishing and again in the final weeks before Election Day.