Frequently Asked Questions


How do I register to vote?

You’ll need to complete a Montana Voter Registration Application and turn it in to your local elections office. The Gallatin County Republicans are at many community events and we have voter registration forms available for you to fill out. We are happy to collect your form and submit it to the Gallatin County Elections Department on your behalf.

What if it’s 30 days prior to an election?

You would need to go to the Election’s Department in person to register to vote. The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

How to check your voter status?

Check you voter status on the Montana Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page“.

After registering, you should receive a voter registration card in the mail that verifies your status.

Where is your polling location?

On the “My Voter Page” you’ll find your polling location. If you are not sure, you can contact your local elections office. Polling places are based on your precinct, and you can find your precinct here.

The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, In most elections it’s possible to show up in person at your local elections office to be sure you need to check with the elections office ahead of time.

The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

How do I update my voter registration if I have moved?

If you’ve moved, you will need to update your voter registration by completing the Montana Voter Registration Application. Be sure to check the box at the top that says “Address Change”.

Submit your completed form by mail or in person to your local elections office. The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

I have changed my name/signature. How do I update my voter registration?

If you’ve changed your name and/or signature, you will need to update your voter registration by completing the Montana Voter Registration Application. Be sure to check the box at the top that says “Name Change” and/or “Signature Update”.

Submit your completed form by mail or in person to your local elections office. The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

What’s an absentee ballot?

In the state of Montana, any registered voter may vote by absentee/mail-in ballot. Absentee voting allows you to vote before Election Day by mail or drop box.

Absentee ballots for federal/state elections are mailed to eligible voters 25 days before election day. 

To vote absentee:

  • Fill out an Application for Absentee Ballot.

  • An application may be mailed, or dropped off at the county election office.

  • Applications must be received by the county election office by noon the day before the election. If you drop off the application you will be able to pick up the absentee ballot at the same time.

  • An absentee voting packet will be mailed to the address you indicated on your application, or you can pick up the packet at the county election office at the time you apply for the absentee ballot, if ballots are available at that time.

  • After voting the absentee ballot, return in the envelope(s) provided. READ INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PACKET CAREFULLY. You can also view or print federal/state election absentee voting instructions.

  • Be sure to sign the affirmation on the return envelope before sending back or dropping off.  Note: The person to whom the ballot was issued must be the person signing the return envelope.

  • Absentee ballots must be received at the election office or polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Absentee turnout from 2000 through the present is available.

For more information about voting, call your local election office or call the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter hotline: 1-888-884-VOTE (8683).

How do I get an absentee mail-in ballot if I’m already registered to vote?

If you are already registered to vote in Montana, you can request to receive absentee ballots by completing the Application for Absentee Ballot. These should be turned into your local elections office as soon as possible so that you get your ballot in the mail for the next election.

The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.

Will I be called for jury duty because of my voter registration?

No! The jury pool is drawn from those with a Montana Driver’s License or other state issued ID and is not affiliated with voter registration records.

I’m a felon, can I register and vote?

Yes! You can register and vote if you have been convicted of a felony, unless you are currently incarcerated in a penal institution.

I have more questions. Where can I find more answers?

The Montana Secretary of State manages all voter registrations and elections for the state.

For questions in Gallatin County, contact the Gallatin County Elections Department.

The Gallatin County Elections Department is located in the county courthouse at 311 W. Main, Room 210. Contact them at 406-582-3060.