Voter guide to Montana’s 2026 general election

Montana’s 2026 general election will give voters a chance to make choices in the contests and on any ballot questions that appear on their ballots. Because this guide is not tied to one race, voters should focus on their own ballot and the rules that apply to them.

Key dates to confirm

The main date is Election Day, but voters may need to track several other deadlines. These can include the deadline to register, any deadline to update registration information, a deadline to request a ballot and the final time for returning a completed ballot.

Confirm each date before making a voting plan. Do not assume that a deadline or rule from an earlier election will remain the same in 2026. A complete plan should account for the time needed to register, review the ballot, ask questions and cast or return the ballot under the current instructions.

Voters who will be away from home, need assistance or cannot vote at their usual location should check the applicable procedures early. Waiting until Election Day can leave less time to resolve an address, registration or ballot issue.

What will be on the ballot

A voter’s ballot is the authoritative list of choices for that voter. It may contain candidate contests, ballot questions or both. Read the full ballot before voting, including instructions about how to mark choices correctly.

A sample ballot, when available for a voter’s address, can help with preparation. Voters can use it to identify each contest, review candidate names and read the wording of any ballot questions before casting an official ballot.

This guide is not linked to a particular contest or candidate. No candidate positions are included. Voters should review each listed choice separately and distinguish campaign statements from the official wording printed on the ballot.

Registration and voter information

Before voting, confirm that the name and residential address on the voter record are current. An address change can affect which ballot a voter receives because ballots are connected to where a voter lives.

Anyone who needs to register or update a record should follow Montana’s current election instructions and pay close attention to the applicable deadline. Keep any confirmation or paperwork connected with the registration or update until the election is complete.

Voters should also check the current identification requirements before going to vote. Bringing the correct documents can make the process easier. Anyone with questions about eligibility, registration status or an address should seek an official answer before casting a ballot.

Make a voting plan

Choose a voting method and work backward from the applicable deadline. A voter planning to vote in person should confirm where and when to vote, what identification to bring and whether assistance or an accessible voting option is needed.

A voter using a ballot outside a polling place should follow the instructions included with that ballot. Check how it must be completed, whether the return envelope requires additional information and when the ballot must be returned. Leave enough time for delivery rather than relying on a last-minute return.

Before submitting the ballot, review every page and make sure the intended choices are clearly marked. Follow the ballot’s instructions if a mistake is made. Voters do not have to make a choice in every contest, but they should check the completed ballot carefully before casting it.