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Montana elections in 2026

This page lists Montana statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Montana​

Start with the official Montana voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Montana voters may register by mail or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Fill out and sign a voter registration application and drop it off at your county election office, or mail it to the county election administrator. **Note: ** The original date is May 3, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - May 4
  • May 5, 2026 — Late Registration begins – Primary Election: During late registration, those wishing to register or change their voter information and vote in this federal election may only do so before 5: 00 p. m. on Friday before the election, Saturday before the election, or before noon on election day. To vote in the election, late registrants must obtain their ball
  • June 2, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514.

Online​

Online is not currently listed as an available registration option for Montana.

By Mail​

Fill out and sign a voter registration application and drop it off at your county election office, or mail it to the county election administrator.

Deadlines

In Person​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514

Military Overseas: Available

Completing and returning the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to the county election office is the best way for a UOCAVA voter to register to vote. You can register to vote up to and including on election day.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Montana​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • May 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Fill out and sign a voter registration application and drop it off at your county election office, or mail it to the county election administrator. **Note: ** The original date is May 3, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - May 4
  • June 1, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends one business day before Election Day.

Voter ID requirements in Montana​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Montana voter ID requirements.

Montana election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 2, 2026​

State and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June in each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - Both state and federal offices. MT ST § 13-1-107

Important dates​

  • May 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Fill out and sign a voter registration application and drop it off at your county election office, or mail it to the county election administrator. **Note: ** The original date is May 3, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - May 4
  • May 5, 2026 — Late Registration begins – Primary Election: During late registration, those wishing to register or change their voter information and vote in this federal election may only do so before 5: 00 p. m. on Friday before the election, Saturday before the election, or before noon on election day. To vote in the election, late registrants must obtain their ball
  • June 1, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends one business day before Election Day.
  • June 2, 2026 — Deadline to register or change voter information: Noon: Deadline to register or change voter information and vote in this election. Late registrants must obtain their ballot in person from the location designated by the county election administrator.
  • June 2, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • August 5, 2026 — Write-In Candidates Filling Deadline: 5: 00 p. m. Deadline for write-in candidates to file a Declaration of Intent for the general election
  • August 10, 2026 — Candidates Withdrawal Deadline: Deadline for candidates to withdraw general election candidacy.
  • October 5, 2026 — In person Voting Begins: Date by which absentee ballots for a polling place election must be available for voting in person
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: Close of regular voter registration. (Registration forms postmarked by this date and received within 3 days are accepted for regular registration. )
  • October 6, 2026 — Late Registration begins – General Election: During late registration, those wishing to register or change their voter information and vote in this federal election may only do so before 5: 00 p. m. on Friday before the election, Saturday before the election, or before noon on election day. To vote in the election, late registrants must obtain their ballot in person from the location designated by the county election administrator.
  • October 9, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Mailed to Voters: Date by which ballots are mailed to electors on the absentee list.
  • November 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Late registration (after the registration deadline 30 days before an election) is available through noon the day before the election at county election offices. MCA 13-2-110, MCA 13-2-304, MCA 13-2-514.

Official Montana election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.